Visiting the Cathedral and the Christmas Tree Festival
27 November 2026 to 5 January 2027
Get ready for another spectacular Christmas at Worcester Cathedral! Our much-loved Christmas Tree Festival returns, bringing the Cathedral to life with hundreds of beautifully decorated trees. Following last year’s success, we’re delighted to bring back our Dedication Trees, alongside our new 2D wooden Community Trees.
As the festival continues to grow, we’re making a few changes to help create a more enjoyable experience for everyone. A small admission charge will help us manage visitor numbers, reduce pressure on the Cathedral and our team, and raise much-needed funds to support the Cathedral’s future.
Tickets are £5 per adult (18+), with free entry for children, schools, and carers accompanying paying adults. Everyone needs a ticket, including those attending for free. Advance booking online is strongly recommended, particularly if you are planning on visiting during busy periods (Victorian Fayre, weekends, and school holidays).
A very limited number of tickets will also be available from the Front Desk each day, but booking online is the best way to avoid disappointment.
Tickets are sold in hourly slots, and you can arrive at any time during your chosen hour.
Visiting hours: Monday to Saturday, 10am–5pm, Sundays, 12.30pm–3pm. Last entry is 30 minutes prior to closing.
Please note, access to the Cloisters, including the Café, Shop, and Toilets, is only available to visitors with a Christmas Tree Festival ticket.
Please check our website for any planned closures or changes on specific days. On Christmas Eve, we will have ticket slots at 9.30 am and 10.30am. Last entry for general visiting on Christmas Eve will be at 11.30. We’ll be closed for visiting on Christmas Day, but everyone is welcome to attend our services. Usual visiting hours resume on Boxing Day.
We can’t wait to welcome you for another year of this wonderful festival!
How much does it cost to visit?
The Christmas Tree Festival is free of charge for:
- Children and young people aged under 18
- Carers
- 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.
Generously supported and sponsored by:
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