Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols

A traditional service of nine lessons and carols beginning in darkness with a solo chorister, held twice at Durham Cathedral in the run-up to Christmas.

Durham Cathedral's Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols begins in darkness with a lone Chorister singing Once In Royal David's City, followed by carols old and new and readings telling the Christmas story. Two services are offered, on Tuesday 22 December at 6pm and Thursday 24 December at 3pm. The Christmas Eve service is extremely popular, with queuing outside from up to 90 minutes beforehand, and the Durham Miners' Association Band performing from 1pm to 1.45pm beforehand. No tickets are needed to attend.