Christmas Carol Services in the Cotswolds

Carols, turkey, mince pies, and the school nativity are at the heart of a British Christmas. Just the opening notes of Silent Night are enough to propel me back into a slightly stuffy, brightly lit school hall brimming with anticipation for the holiday ahead. I would feel an odd, joyful ache in my chest, mingled with a sense of peace and unexpected sadness. Something I never really understood as a child. But, of course, I was moved by the music.

We’re fortunate in the Cotswolds to have an array of beautiful and special places to enjoy this special part of the seasonal celebrations, take your pick from our list.

Many churches and cathedrals offer more than one Carol event. To find out more, visit their websites.

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Gloucester Cathedral

Sunday December 1^st at 6pm

Advent Carol Service

Everyone is welcome to this dramatic and majestic service, featuring beautiful choral music and traditional readings.

No tickets are required - just turn up.

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Christ Church Cheltenham

Saturday November 30^th at 7pm

Winter Light

Soprano and star of ‘The Voice’ Nadia Eide presents ’Winter Light’, a special Christmas concert for all ages. Singing festive favourites and classic carols, plus a special guest choir. Everyone is welcome – Entry £19.

Find tickets here.

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Tewkesbury Abbey

Saturday 14^th December at 7pm 

Handel’s Messiah

With Tewkesbury Abbey Schola Cantorum. 

Tickets £22, £18 and £15 find your tickets here.

Christmas Carol Service

6pm Sunday 22nd of December – no tickets required.

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St Peter’s Church Marlborough

Sunday 22^nd of December 4pm and 7.30pm

Carols and Music by Candlelight 

An evening of all your favourite carols accompanied by candlelight and piano. 

Tickets are £6.13, find them here.

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St Laurence Stroud Parish Church

15^th of December at 4pm

Phoenix Choir Carol Concert

This Carol Concert is celebrating and raising funds for the wonderful work of the Trinity Rooms Community Hub Stroud.

Old and new carols will be sung with a local Children’s Choir with a bake sale at the end.

Tickets for adults are £5.50 and tickets for children under 12 years are £1.00.

Children under two, sitting on laps, are FREE

Find tickets here

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St John Baptist Cirencester

4^th of December at 7pm 

Cirencester Singers and Juniors Christmas Concert 

A Christmas concert with special guests Harmonia and Hawkesbury Choir and pupils from Stratton Church of England School. There will be a selection of music and your favourite Carols. Plus, a raffle, Mince Pies and Bar.

Find tickets here

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Christ Church Cathedral, St Aldates Oxford 

12^th of December at 8pm

Viennese Christmas Spectacular

This concert celebrates the magic of Christmas, bringing people together for a seasonal evening of wonderful music in a beautiful setting.

Including Tchaikovsky’s elegant Nutcracker Suite leads on from Brahms’ serious Hungarian Dance No. 5.

Tickets from £32 – find them here

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