Advent and Christmas 2025
Welcome to Bradford Cathedral! I’m the Very Revd Andy Bowerman, and I’m thrilled to invite you to join us this Advent and Christmas.
As we come to the end of an extraordinary year for Bradford as the UK’s City of Culture, our Cathedral is buzzing with festive energy. Over the coming weeks there’ll be carol services, special events, and plenty of chances to explore this beautiful space, share in music, and enjoy a warm welcome—there’ll even be mince pies and mulled wine!
The Christmas story of Jesus invites us to wonder, generosity, and new beginnings. Here at the Cathedral, we try to bring that to life in ways that are creative, joyful, and open to everyone, whatever your background or beliefs. We hope you’ll come, join in, and be part of the season with us.
The Very Revd Andy Bowerman, Dean of Bradford
What's On This Advent and Christmas
Advent Procession
Sunday 30th November | 6pm
Advent is a season of expectation, of Jesus’ first coming as a baby and of his anticipated second coming to make all things well. Join us for this atmospheric service in which that story is told through movement and music, from darkness to light.
The Christmas Orchestra
Thursday 4th December | 7pm | Ticketed
The Christmas Orchestra is back! After a wonderful run of sold out shows in 2024 we are excited to bring you more shows and locations in 2025. Get ready to discover the magic of the festive season with our unique concert experience. Click the image to book.
G4 Christmas
Friday 5th December | 7:30pm | Ticketed
Ignite your Christmas spirit with a sprinkling of G4’s yuletide magic. Nourish your soul with their extraordinary and unique renditions of traditional carols, sacred contemplations, classical favourites and modern festive hits including Silent Night, O Holy Night, All I Want for Christmas, Walking in the Air, When a Child is Born and The 12 Days of Christmas. Click the image to book.
International Christmas
Sunday 7th December | 6pm
An informal Christmas celebration featuring music and readings from around the world. To bring people from different cultures together to share the joy of Christmas. Bring and share food from your culture. Bring and share music and stories. Everyone is welcome, whether you come on your own or with a family. Let us know if you are planning to come! Click the image to book.
Contact either Henriette Howarth on 07701 097881 or Jane Anikpe on 07903 291662
Black Dyke Band and Bradford Cathedral Choir Christmas Concert
Friday 12th December | 7pm | Ticketed
Join us this December as Black Dyke Band and the Bradford Cathedral Choir perform together at an incredible Christmas concert. Click the image to book.
Christmas Classics by Tim Burton. Mystery Ensemble
Saturday 13th December | 7pm | Ticketed
Welcome to the fantastical worlds of Tim Burton! We invite you on a journey through the music that made them unforgettable. From the shimmering wonder of Alice in Wonderland to the festive magic of The Nightmare Before Christmas, from the haunting lyricism of Edward Scissorhands to the eccentric brilliance of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory — this concert immerses you in the soundscapes that shaped Burton’s unique cinematic universe. Click the image to book.
Blue Christmas
Sunday 14th December | 6pm
A gentle, candlelit service of reflection and hope for those who find this season difficult.
Carols for All
Monday 15th December | 7pm | Ticketed
Bringing together the City Carol Service and the Bradford District and Craven Health and Care Partnership Carol Service into one shared event. This event is being hosted by Bradford Cathedral and will feature seasonal music led by the Bradford Cathedral Choir and the City of Bradford Brass Band. All are welcome. Click the image to book.
The Snowman - Bradford Concert Band
Saturday 20th December | 5pm | Ticketed
The Bradford Concert Band will perform a live accompaniment to the classic short film The Snowman, followed by a second act of other popular songs. Click the image to book.
Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols
Sunday 21st December | 6pm
Popularised by the annual broadcast from King’s College, Cambridge, the Festival of Nine Lessons and carols tells the story of humanity and Jesus Christ through bible readings and choral and congregational carols. All are welcome to join us for this special candlelit service followed by seasonal refreshments.
Annual Lunchtime Carol Recital
Wednesday 24th December | 1pm | Ticketed
The Cathedral Choir presents its annual recital. Music, poetry, witty Christmas stories and the best-loved Christmas carols come together in this yearly sing-a-long celebration. Free to attend, booking is required. Click the image to book.
Midnight Eucharist
Wednesday 24th December | 11pm
The Midnight Eucharist is one of the highlights of the year.
The music is by the Cathedral choir with a number of congregational carols.
Christmas Day Eucharist
Thursday 25th December | 10am
A joyful celebration of the birth of Christ, weaving together carols, readings, and prayers from across cultures and languages. The service will be broadcast on BBC1 and the congregation is advised to arrive early, at 9:30am or before, as seats will be allocated on a first come first served basis. Doors will be open from 8am.