Applications to enter a tree in Worcester Cathedral’s glittering Christmas Tree Festival 2026 are NOW OPEN!
Schools, businesses, charities and organisations can now apply to enter a tree by booking a space.
The Prices to enter the 2026 festival are:
- Company / Organisation / Group: Cloister Tree - £320 (inc VAT).
- Company / Organisation / Group: Chapter House Tree - £420 (inc VAT).
- Registered Charity or School: Cloister Tree - £160 (inc VAT).
- Registered Charity or School: Chapter House Tree – £210 (inc VAT).
New This Year – Community Trees
There’s even more opportunity to get involved this year with the introduction of Community Trees - a simple, creative way for individuals, families, schools and other groups to join in for just £100. These beautifully crafted wooden Christmas trees, made by Men’s Shed Worcester - a local community group dedicated to supporting men’s wellbeing and mental health through connection and creativity - can be collected and decorated at your own pace, in your home, school, or workplace.
Simply book on Eventbrite, bring your booking confirmation and collect a tree from the Cathedral Welcome Desk, from Wednesday 1 July - Monday - Saturday 10am-5pm – then take it away and decorate it at your own pace.
Once complete, decorated trees can be returned to the welcome desk from Monday 9 November to Friday 13 November - between 10am and 5pm - and the Cathedral will proudly display them in the alcoves of the historic Chapter House throughout the Christmas Tree Festival, to be enjoyed by thousands of visitors.
After the festival, participants can collect their tree from the Chapter House from Monday 11 January - Thursday 14 January 2027 - between 10am and 5pm - and keep it as a memento.
Whether a business, school, community group, or individual, this is a wonderful opportunity to be part of a special tradition while spreading festive joy.
The festival will be open to visit from Friday 27 November 2026 until Tuesday 5 January 2027 (excluding Christmas Eve and Christmas Day), during normal visiting hours.
This year’s festival will be bigger and better than ever. To help sustain and strengthen this special event for the future the Cathedral is introducing a small admission fee for the 2026 festival. This step will support the Cathedral in continuing its vital work - serving the city, transforming lives, and ensuring the sacred space remains a place where visitors’ grandchildren’s grandchildren may stand in a century’s time.
Dean of Worcester, the Very Revd Dr Stephen Edwards, said: “Following the encouraging and supportive feedback received through the ‘Sustaining Worship, Welcome and Heritage’ consultation earlier this year, Worcester Cathedral is moving forward with renewed hope and confidence.
“We are deeply grateful for the generosity already shown through voluntary donations, which have continued to grow and support our shared vision. As our mission expands, so too does our desire to ensure the Cathedral remains a place of inspiration, welcome and sanctuary - both now and for generations to come.
“The Christmas Tree Festival is a much-loved part of this story: a celebration rooted in our heritage, bringing together community, creativity, and the wonder of the season. Each year it grows richer and more vibrant, helping to brighten Christmas and bring moments of joy, reflection and connection for all who visit - however they celebrate.”
Admission will be just £5 per adult, with free entry for children under 18 and carers. Tickets will be available to book online in advance with timed entry slots to ensure a smooth and welcoming experience – tickets will be released late in the autumn. Access to the Cloisters (including café, shop, and facilities) during the festival is included with a festival ticket. General entry to the rest of the Cathedral remains by donation. School groups are warmly welcomed, with free pre-booked visits continuing.
Dean Stephen continued: “We remain committed to offering a festival that is bigger in spirit, richer in experience, and focused on quality and meaning - a true reflection of the Cathedral’s enduring story.
“Your support enables Worcester Cathedral to continue to serve, inspire, and reach further into our community - sharing hope, spreading light, and keeping this remarkable heritage alive.
“Thank you for being part of this journey, and for helping us bring hope and light to Christmas 2026 and beyond.”
The Christmas Tree Festival is extremely popular and attracts more and more applications and visitors each year, so apply quickly to avoid disappointment!
Worcester Cathedral’s Christmas Tree Festival 2026 is proudly sponsored by Cardea Property Consultancy, Kendrick Homes, Nick Taylor Plumbing and Southco Manufacturing. The Cathedral is on the lookout for more sponsors – to find out more please email cathysloan@worcestercathedral.org.uk or call 01905 732912.