Join York Minster’s worship to mark the start of Advent with two atmospheric and breath-taking candlelit services of music, readings and prayers, in celebration and anticipation of the birth of Jesus Christ, the Light of the World.

The service, which will include music from the Choir of York Minster, starts in darkness before a single flame is used to spread light through the cathedral, with candles held by each member of the congregation.

We want as many people to join our Advent and Christmas worship as possible.

Free, in-person tickets will be available via the York Minster website or by calling 01904 557200 from 10am on Tuesday 10 November 2026 for the fist service, and 10am on Thursday 12 November for the second service.

The service on 29 November will also be live-streamed on the York Minster YouTube channel.

A small number of seats may be available at this service, in the event that those with pre-booked tickets do not attend. Those without tickets are invited to queue outside the Minster and will be admitted if space is available.

Please note, there is no guarantee that congregation without pre-booked tickets will be admitted.

An atmospheric, candlelit procession and carol service for all the family based on the traditional Swedish Lucia celebration.

In Sweden, Lucia is one of the most significant traditions in the calendar – a powerful symbol and celebration of light and an integral part of the Advent season. The celebration of Sankta Lucia is based on the bravery and martyrdom of a young Sicilian girl – St Lucy – who died in the early fourth century. Her name and story reached Sweden along with Christianity, and she remained popular even after the Reformation as the bringer of light during the long darkness of winter.

The choir will form a procession which enters the cathedral’s Nave singing the traditional Lucia song. The singers are dressed in white gowns and carry candles, with Lucia herself as the focal point, wearing a crown of candles and a red ribbon around her waist, symbolising her martyrdom.

The service is run in partnership with the York Anglo-Scandinavian Society. The service will also be livestreamed via our YouTube channel and this page so you can enjoy the service from the comfort of your own home.

Booking

We want as many people to join our Advent and Christmas worship as possible.

Free, in-person tickets will be available via the York Minster website or by calling 01904 557200 from 10am on Tuesday 1 December.

A small number of seats may be available at this service, in the event that those with pre-booked tickets do not attend. Those without tickets are invited to queue outside the Minster and will be admitted if space is available.

Please note, there is no guarantee that congregation without pre-booked tickets will be admitted.

Doors will open at 6.15pm, ticket holders should be seated by 6.45pm.

Two special services consisting of nine special readings, music sung by the Choir of York Minster, and well-loved Christmas carols for everyone to join in with. A traditional Christmas celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.

The service, on Wednesday 23 December, will include British Sign Language interpretation. No tickets are required for those requiring British Sign Language interpretation.

The service on Thursday 24 December will also be live-streamed on our YouTube channel.

Booking

We want as many people to join our Advent and Christmas worship as possible.

Free, in-person tickets will be available via the York Minster website or by calling 01904 557200 from 10am on Tuesday 8 December 2026 for the first service, and at 10am on Thursday 10 December 2026 for the second service.

A small number of seats may be available at these services, in the event that those with pre-booked tickets do not attend. Those without tickets are invited to queue outside the Minster and will be admitted if space is available.

Please note, there is no guarantee that congregation without pre-booked tickets will be admitted.

Doors will open at 3pm, ticket holders should be seated by 3.45pm.

Hear the Christmas story in a fun and accessible service for families with carols, musical accompaniment, and blessing of the crib.

Children are encouraged to dress up as characters from the Nativity and there will be a chance to see the crib.

The service is free to attend and no tickets are required.

Doors will open at 10.30am.

Experience the First Eucharist of Christmas with choral music sung by the St William’s Singers.

This service is free to attend and no tickets are required.

Doors will open at 10.30pm.

May the joy of the angels, the eagerness of the shepherds, the perseverance of the magi, the obedience of Mary and Joseph, and the peace of the Christ Child be yours this Christmas.

Travel in heart and mind to Bethlehem as York Minster celebrates the arrival of Jesus Christ, light of the world.

10am: Choral Matins sung by the Choir of York Minster

11am: Sung Eucharist sung by the Choir of York Minster. The Most Reverend and Right Honourable Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York, will preach at this service. This service will also be live-streamed on our YouTube channel.

4pm: Choral Evensong sung by the Choir of York Minster.

No booking is required for these services.



The cathedral will be open free of charge from 12.45pm – 3.30pm.