Join us this Advent and Christmas for services, events and much more, as we mark the season here at Bradford Cathedral, under the banner of 'At the heart of Christmas'.
'At the heart of Christmas' is the Church of England’s theme for Advent and Christmas 2021. Churches and Cathedrals all over the country will be welcoming their communities – onsite and online – to celebrate and share the good news of Christ’s birth with special services and events, supported by a wide range of national resources and support.
Scroll down, or click the links below, for more information on how Bradford Cathedral is marking the season.
For all our events and services, please book to guarantee your place.
Events and Services in more detail
Monday 6th December
7pm – 9pm: BBC Radio Leeds Carol Service
The BBC Radio Leeds Christmas Carol Service is back after having to take a break because of the Corona Virus. We are now able to invite you to be part of the congregation once again. Hosted by Andrew Edwards, BBC Radio Leeds is delighted to be recording this year’s Christmas service at Bradford Cathedral on Monday 6th December There will be readings from some of your favourite BBC Radio Leeds presenters, with music from the Bradford Cathedral Choir and Terrier Brass. To keep you safe and for the cathedral to manage numbers you need to book your tickets in advance this year. They are free, just sign up below and you'll receive an email confirmation. There is an invitation, as you leave, to 'give as you decide' to defray the costs of the event
Join us for the Annual NHS Carol Service with the Cathedral Choir and a Youth Brass Band. Doors for this service will open at 5.30pm.
This service includes traditional readings and congregational carols, and it will be followed by free refreshments.
All are welcome to this service but pre-booking is required. Entry is free, but donations are welcomed!
7pm – 9pm: Traditional Music and Readings for Christmas by the Cathedral Choir
Join us for an evening of traditional music and readings by the Cathedral Choir. This beautiful event will include congregational carols and sing-a-long music, and is a celebration of Christmas for all the family. Tickets are £7.50 or £5.00 for concessions (under 25s, over 65s). Advance booking is essential. Refreshments are served at the interval. Doors open 6.30pm. All welcome.
A fun and interactive service for all ages. Exploring the meaning of Christmas through song, film and making Christingles. Followed by cake and refreshments.
The December Monday Fellowship will be a Christmas Fellowship, to which regular members, occasional members, new members and staff are all welcome. We will be sharing food, poems, stories and anecdotes, as well as choosing our favourite carols to sing together. Please feel free to bring along your favourite Christmas poem or story to share with us. All are most welcome!
Join us for the Annual City Carol Service with the Lord Mayor, Lord Lieutenant, and other Civic dignitaries.
This service is led by the organ and choir of Bradford Cathedral and the City of Bradford Brass Band.
Refreshments will be served afterwards.
The event is free to book and you are invited to give a donation as you leave.
The Christmas Eve concert is back! The cathedral choir presents its annual Christmas Eve recital. Music, poetry, witty Christmas stories and the best-loved Christmas carols come together in this yearly sing-a-long celebration. Numbers are limited so please book early. Entry is free but we invite those who can to pay what you feel towards the event after the concert.
Please join us at Bradford Cathedral for our annual Crib Service for families. We will be telling the Christmas story and celebrating this special time through music, crafts, drama, food, fun and togetherness. Why not come along dressed as your favourite person or animal from the Nativity story. All are welcome. Children: Don’t forget to bring your parents and grandparents.
We meet online and follow the Diocesan Rhythm of Life Advent Course led by clergy from the Cathedral.
There will be videos, scripture, discussion and prayer. All are welcome and there is no charge.
#PhotoADay
Look out for our Advent and Christmas themed #PhotoADay, appearing on Twitter and Instagram from the end of November: can you work out where our little Chorister elves have ended up?
#BradventCalendar
Our daily Bradvent Calendar videos are back - look out for exciting content each day, plus there will be some brand new surprises too!
Digital School Resources
You can find our digital school resources for Advent and Christmas on our dedicated page.
Other Attractions and Events
With more to be announced, here are some of the other things happening during Advent and Christmas
Our Star in the Tower shining across the city
Our Christmas trees, up now in the Cathedral
A Crib in our State Gate for you to visit
Church of England Christmas Single
The Church of England has released a Christmas single as part of a campaign to encourage more people to hear the real Christmas story through their local church.
You can find out more, and download / stream 'In the Bleak Midwinter', by visiting the Church of England website.
Sparkling Bradford Winter
This winter it’s time to create some sparkle, whether we’re on lockdown at home or looking forward to being able to get out and about again, we’re here to give you a virtual hug and a sprinkle of joy as we journey through these winter days. To find out more, please visit the Sparkling Bradford Winter website.
Opening Times
These may be subject to change, but we're currently open Monday - Saturday 10am - 4pm (except Wednesdays, 12noon - 4pm).
Our opening times over the Christmas period, after Christmas Eve, are as follows:
Saturday 25th December 2021 | Open for our services
Sunday 26th December 2021 | Open for our services
Bradford Cathedral will be closed from Monday 27th December 2021 to Saturday 1st January 2022 inclusive.
DailyHope phone line
DailyHope, is a free national telephone line, offers music, prayers and reflections as well as full worship services from the Church of England at the end of the phone.
