Exeter Cathedral sets out full programme of Christmas services and seasonal events

Exeter Cathedral has confirmed its full schedule of Christmas services and concerts for December, with a mix of ticketed performances, free daytime events and traditional worship services taking place across the festive period.

In addition to the Cathedral’s Christmas Markets (which are running until 19 December), festive events will continue inside and outside the historic building. 

A number of evening concerts have already sold out, while several services remain open to the public, including those on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

On Friday 19 December, London Concertante: Christmas Movies by Candlelight will be held at 7.30pm, featuring music from well-known Christmas films including Home Alone, Love Actually, Elf, The Polar Express and It’s a Wonderful Life.

With Christmas soon approaching, Catherine Escott, the Exeter Cathedral’s Chief Operating Officer, said that these festivities help to “maintain the fantastic building and keeps our doors open every day of the year”. 

She added that the Cathedral’s events have become an “essential part of Exeter’s Christmas.”

READ NEXT: Exeter Christmas Market ranked among UK's most affordable festive markets

Exeter resident Sarah Allen, who is attending the concert, said events like this contribute to the city’s winter economy.

 “It brings people into the city centre at a time when footfall can drop off in the evenings,” she said.

Exeter Chamber Choir will perform Christmas by Candlelight on Saturday 20 December at 7.30pm. 

The concert, which includes traditional carols and seasonal choral music with brass accompaniment, is sold out.

The Cathedral’s long-established Grandisson Service of Lessons and Carols will take place on 23 and 24 December at 6pm. 

The service follows a tradition dating back to the 14th century and forms a central part of Exeter’s Christmas programme. Both services are fully booked, with waiting lists currently in place.

Local resident David Reynolds said the service continues to attract people for cultural as well as religious reasons.

 “For many people it’s about tradition and continuity, as much as faith,” he said.

A series of free Lunchtime Carols will be held on 16 and 18 December at 1pm, aimed at people working or shopping in the city centre.

James Walker, who works nearby, said the daytime events are particularly accessible. “It fits around the working day and gives people a reason to stop for a while,” he said.

Exeter Philharmonic Choir will also present Carols in the Cathedral on Tuesday 16 and Wednesday 17 December at 7.30pm. 

The concerts include choral and instrumental performances alongside audience participation, with tickets available across several price bands.

In addition to concerts, the Cathedral has confirmed its schedule of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services.

On Christmas Eve, Wednesday 24 December, services will include a Crib Service at 12pm, the Grandisson Service of Lessons and Carols at 6pm, and Midnight Mass at 11pm.

On Christmas Day, Thursday 25 December, services will take place throughout the day, beginning with Holy Communion (Book of Common Prayer) at 8am, followed by a Choral Eucharist at 10am, Choral Matins at 11.45am, and Choral Evensong with carols from the Minstrel’s Gallery at 4pm.

Margaret Lewis, a long-term Exeter resident, said the range of services reflects the Cathedral’s role in the city.

“It’s one of the few places where people of different ages and backgrounds still come together at Christmas,” she said.

Several events in the Cathedral’s Christmas programme have reached capacity, while others remain open to the public, providing a range of options for residents and visitors over the festive period.