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The Cathedral of the Sea
 
 

Advent & Christmas

 
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Celebrate the spirit of Advent and Christmas at Portsmouth Cathedral with traditional services and joyous events that capture the essence of the season. Our choirs are ready to fill the air with melodies that echo the good news of Christmas.

Join us for a journey through the festive season with Christmas Carols, Midnight Mass, and Christmas Day services. Once again we’re delighted to be live-streaming and offering BSL interpretation at select services*, ensuring everyone can be a part of our celebration.

Our Christmas programme includes the popular annual Cathedral Christmas Fair, the delightful Carols on the Green, our Christmas Gift Market brimming with unique finds from local creatives, and an exciting addition for this year – Festive Film Screenings featuring beloved classics including Elf, The Muppet Christmas Carol, and Home Alone - plus the Cbeebies Panto ‘Dick Wittington and his Cat’.

Beyond our festive services and events, Portsmouth Cathedral warmly welcomes you to join us for daily for worship, or to explore the our Cathedrals rich heritage. You’ll also find wide selection of unique gifts and decorations at our Cathedral Christmas Shop, with every purchase contributing to the future of our Cathedral for generations to come.

 

What’s on this Christmas

 
Featured
Christmas Carol Service - Live streamed
Dec 21
Christmas Carol Service - Live streamed

All are warmly welcome to join us for our beautiful services of carols and readings by candlelight.

Christmas Carol Service
Dec 22
Christmas Carol Service

All are warmly welcome to join us for our beautiful services of carols and readings by candlelight.

Christmas Carol Service
Dec 23
Christmas Carol Service

All are warmly welcome to join us for our beautiful services of carols and readings by candlelight.

Crib Services
Dec 24
Crib Services

Join us for a delightful retelling of the Nativity story, brought to life with engaging actions and uplifting music.

Crib Services
Dec 24
Crib Services

Join us for a delightful retelling of the Nativity story, brought to life with engaging actions and uplifting music.

Christmas Carol Service
Dec 24
Christmas Carol Service

All are warmly welcome to join us for our beautiful services of carols and readings by candlelight.

Midnight Mass
Dec 24
Midnight Mass

Celebrate the wonder and joy of Christmas at Portsmouth Cathedral with our cherished Midnight Mass.

Eucharist for Christmas Day
Dec 25
Eucharist for Christmas Day

Our celebrations of Christmas continue with the brightness and joy and wonderful music of our Christmas Day services.

Epiphany Eucharist
Jan 6
Epiphany Eucharist

Our Cathedral Choir returns to lead us in song as we celebrate the visit of the Magi to worship the infant King.

Exploring the Bible: Galatians & Ephesians
Jan 6
Exploring the Bible: Galatians & Ephesians

Part of our Exploring the Bible series, this 5 week course will explore Paul’s letters to the Galatians and Ephesians.

Exploring the Bible: Galatians & Ephesians
Jan 13
Exploring the Bible: Galatians & Ephesians

Part of our Exploring the Bible series, this 5 week course will explore Paul’s letters to the Galatians and Ephesians.

Epiphany Carol Service
Jan 19
Epiphany Carol Service

A peaceful, reflective service featuring traditional choral music, scripture readings, and prayer.

Exploring the Bible: Galatians & Ephesians
Jan 20
Exploring the Bible: Galatians & Ephesians

Part of our Exploring the Bible series, this 5 week course will explore Paul’s letters to the Galatians and Ephesians.

Exploring the Bible: Galatians & Ephesians
Jan 27
Exploring the Bible: Galatians & Ephesians

Part of our Exploring the Bible series, this 5 week course will explore Paul’s letters to the Galatians and Ephesians.

Eucharist for The Presentation of Christ in the Temple
Feb 2
Eucharist for The Presentation of Christ in the Temple

Join us for the Eucharist for The Presentation of Christ in the Temple, a solemn and reflective service marking the close of our Christmas and Epiphany worship. 

Candlemas Come and Sing
Feb 2
Candlemas Come and Sing

Join us for “Candlemas Come and Sing” at Portsmouth Cathedral, where the magnificent architecture and inspiring acoustics set the stage for a memorable musical experience.

Candlemas Carols
Feb 2
Candlemas Carols

Candlemas Carols at Portsmouth Cathedral offers a moving celebration of the Presentation of Christ in the Temple, drawing upon the story of Mary and Joseph bringing Jesus to the Temple six weeks after his birth.

Exploring the Bible: Galatians & Ephesians
Feb 3
Exploring the Bible: Galatians & Ephesians

Part of our Exploring the Bible series, this 5 week course will explore Paul’s letters to the Galatians and Ephesians.

Exploring the Bible: Galatians & Ephesians
Feb 10
Exploring the Bible: Galatians & Ephesians

Part of our Exploring the Bible series, this 5 week course will explore Paul’s letters to the Galatians and Ephesians.

 
 
 
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Discover more about Christmas at the Cathedral

Throughout Advent, right through to Epiphany we’ll be posting blogs and stories going behind the scenes, exploring our treasures, and meeting some of the people that make Christmas happen at the Cathedral.

Read our blog
 

Christmas News & Updates

Featured
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It’s Spring and the Crocuses are out but remember its only 281 sleeps until….

It’s only 281 sleeps until the Christmas Fair! Let’s make it the best fair with some serious forward planning. You may think me mad but some stalls like Jam and Preserves rely on your creative skills throughout the year.

Midnight Mass at Portsmouth Cathedral: Your Essential Guide for attending.
Midnight Mass at Portsmouth Cathedral: Your Essential Guide for attending.

Midnight Mass at Portsmouth Cathedral is just around the corner, and we want to ensure your experience is seamless and memorable. Here are some essential tips for attending the service at the Cathedral, which will also be broadcast live on BBC One and on iPlayer.

Meet the organisers of our 2023 Advent Course: Preparing for the revolution!

Anne Wright, Carole King and the Revd Catherine Edenborough invite you to explore the idea of Advent as preparing for the revolution by looking at the song of Mary and other poetry in a variety of ways.