Tickets are now on sale for our much-loved Christmas Tree Festival, which returns from 27 November 2026 to 5 January 2027 with what promises to be the biggest and most spectacular display yet.
Visitors can now book tickets to visit by clicking here. This year admission is free for children under 18 and carers and £5 per adult.
We've also introduced an online booking system, with timed entry slots designed to enhance the visitor experience and help manage growing demand. Advance booking is strongly recommended, particularly for busier dates - a limited number of tickets will be available on the door.
Lynsey Breeze, Chief Operating Officer at Worcester Cathedral, said: "The Christmas Tree Festival has grown enormously over the years and has become a cherished part of Christmas for so many families across Worcester and beyond.
"To help us continue delivering a safe and high-quality experience for the thousands of people who visit each year, we have introduced a small admission charge and a new advance booking system. These changes will help us manage visitor numbers more effectively while ensuring everyone can enjoy the festival at its very best.
"We know how much the festival means to our community, and we are excited to welcome visitors to what promises to be our largest and most inspiring Christmas Tree Festival yet."
Applications are still open for businesses, charities, schools, community organisations and other groups wishing to display a decorated tree as part of this year's festival, although remaining spaces are limited.
We have also launched a new Community Trees initiative, offering an easy and creative way for individuals, families, schools and community groups to be part of the festival for just £50. The wooden trees are handcrafted by Men's Shed Worcester, a local organisation that supports men's wellbeing and mental health. Participants simply book online, collect their tree from the Cathedral Welcome Desk, decorate it at home, school or work, and return it between 9 and 13 November 2026. The finished creations will then be displayed in the historic Chapter House throughout the festival for thousands of visitors to enjoy. At the end of the festival, participants can collect their tree and keep it as a lasting memento.
Available to book now, the festival will also feature Dedication Trees, offering a meaningful way to celebrate, remember or give thanks for someone special this Christmas. Displayed in the peaceful setting of the Dean's Chapel, each living tree includes a personalised dedication message and can be taken home and planted after the festival, creating a lasting tribute beyond the festive season. Dedication trees have been generously donated by St Peter’s Garden Centre, Worcester.
The Christmas Tree Festival will be open from Friday 27 November 2026 until Tuesday 5 January 2027, excluding Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, during usual visiting hours. Admission includes access to the Cloisters, café, shop and visitor facilities during the festival. General entry to the remainder of the Cathedral will continue to operate on a donation basis. Free pre-booked visits for school groups will also continue.
Lynsey Breeze added: "We remain committed to creating a festival that is richer in experience, stronger in community spirit and rooted in the story and ministry of Worcester Cathedral.
"Every ticket purchased helps support the Cathedral's work, enabling us to care for this remarkable heritage, serve our communities and continue sharing hope and light with visitors throughout the year.
"We are grateful for the support of our community and look forward to welcoming everyone to the Christmas Tree Festival 2026."
Click here to book tickets, enter a tree, or find out more.
Worcester Cathedral's Christmas Tree Festival 2026 is generously sponsored by Cardea Property Consultancy, Proxim Property Management, Mount Battenhall Retirement Village, Nick Taylor Plumbing Ltd, Southco Manufacturing Limited, Emdot Property Agents and Kendrick Homes.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FAQs:
How much does it cost to visit?
The Christmas Tree Festival is free of charge for children and young people aged under 18, carers and school visits.
Adult admission is £5 per person. This means a family of two adults and two children can enjoy the festival for just £10.
Do I have to pre-book?
No.
To help manage visitor numbers and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all, timed entry slots of one hour have been introduced. Once inside, you are welcome to enjoy the Christmas Tree Festival, Cathedral Café, Gift Shop and facilities for as long as you wish.
A limited number of tickets will be available to purchase on the door, subject to availability. Pre-booking reduces the number of unused spaces caused by no-shows, helping ensure that as many people as possible have the opportunity to visit.
During the festival period, access to the Cloisters, Cathedral Café, Gift Shop and toilets will require a valid Christmas Tree Festival ticket, as these facilities form part of the festival site and visitor experience.
Can I still visit the Cathedral?
Yes.
General visiting remains on a donation basis, with a suggested donation of £7. Most importantly, worship at Worcester Cathedral will always remain free of charge. Attendance at services and acts of worship throughout Advent and Christmas will continue to be open to everyone.
Why is there an admission charge?
It costs approximately £8,000 each day to care for, operate and maintain this remarkable building.
Income from Christmas Tree Festival tickets will help support the Cathedral's ministry, community programmes, visitor welcome, education work and the ongoing care of one of the country's most significant historic buildings.
As an independent charity, Worcester Cathedral receives no regular Government funding and no direct funding from the Church of England for its day-to-day running costs. The Cathedral relies on the generosity of visitors, supporters and donors to continue its work.
Will the Christmas Tree Festival still be a community event?
Absolutely.
The Christmas Tree Festival remains a celebration of the communities, schools, charities and organisations that make Worcester such a special place.
We understand how much this event means to local families. Every ticket purchased helps support the Cathedral and ensures this much-loved festival can continue for future generations.