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.