Top Christmas Carol Services in Bristol 2025
Celebrate the magic of Christmas in Bristol with eight unforgettable events — from candle-lit carols to orchestral concerts. Includes full event details, dates, and ticket links.
Updated 08/12/2025
As the festive season returns, Bristol once again transforms into a city glowing with warm lights, community spirit, and the timeless sound of Christmas carols. From majestic cathedral choirs to intimate candlelit gatherings, Christmas 2025 offers an exceptional range of carol services across the city. Whether you’re seeking a traditional service filled with soaring harmonies, a family-friendly celebration to share with children, or a unique atmospheric experience in one of Bristol’s historic venues, there is something to suit every festive mood.
Bristol’s churches, chapels, and cultural spaces play a central role in the city’s Christmas traditions. Iconic locations such as Bristol Cathedral and St Mary Redcliffe draw crowds with their grand settings and powerful choral performances, while more intimate venues like The New Room and Arnos Vale Cemetery offer reflective services perfect for those wanting a quieter, more contemplative moment during the season. Community concerts and family events across the city add even more variety, ensuring everyone can find a celebration that feels personal and meaningful.
From joyful sing-alongs to candlelit classics, this guide highlights the very best Christmas carol services Bristol has to offer in 2025—helping you plan a festive season to remember.
Carols by Candlelight – Bristol Cathedral
Step into the glow of candlelight in one of Bristol’s most majestic sacred spaces as the Cathedral Choir leads the congregation in a timeless celebration of Christmas. This highlight of the city’s festive calendar offers both tradition and musical splendour. On the evening of 12 December 2025, hundreds of candles will bathe the historic arches in golden light.
The music blends beloved Christmas carols, new anthems, and beautiful choral pieces — with the audience invited to sing along. Between songs, classic Christmas readings evoke the spirit of hope and togetherness. The programme welcomes all ages; from families to solo visitors, the mood is peaceful, reverent and uplifting.
Date: Sat 13 December 2025
Time: 19:30 – 21:15
Venue & Address: Bristol Cathedral, College Green, Bristol BS1 5TJ
Website & Tickets: via official website here
Parking / Access: Public car parking is available at Millennium Square and St George’s Road; Clean Air Zone applies
Arrive early to soak up the atmosphere and settle into this candle-filled sanctuary. Once inside, the blend of architecture, candlelight and music makes this an ideal way to begin the festive season — serene yet joyful, reflective yet inclusive.
The Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols – Bristol Cathedral
The Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols is one of the most beloved Christmas services in Britain — and Bristol Cathedral’s rendition is particularly moving. This deeply traditional event combines nine Bible readings with glorious choral music, creating a profound experience that resonates through the cathedral’s Gothic arches.
Beginning at 18:00 on 23 December 2025, the service features the renowned Cathedral Choir and organ accompaniment, interwoven with timeless carols that invite audience participation. Between carols, scripture readings recount the Christmas story from Genesis to the Gospels. The setting — with flickering candles, stained glass and reverent quiet — transforms the cathedral into a place of reflection and joy.
Date: Tuesday 23 December 2025
Time: 18:00 – 19:30
Venue & Address: Bristol Cathedral, College Green, Bristol BS1 5TJ
Website & Tickets: via official website here
Parking / Access: Nearby public car parks; easily accessible by public transport.
Whether you’re attending for faith, family, or festive tradition, this service provides a perfect way to prepare for Christmas Eve. Arrive early to enjoy the tranquil beauty of College Green and secure a good seat.
Christmas Star Concert – St Mary Redcliffe Church
The Christmas Star Concert at St Mary Redcliffe combines music, community and compassion in one radiant evening. This event, held in one of England’s most beautiful parish churches, supports local charities and NHS staff through festive giving. Starting at 19:30, guests are welcomed by the soaring Gothic spire and breathtaking interior before being treated to an evening of carols, choral works and festive readings.
The church’s excellent acoustics enhance both choir and congregation, making every note linger beautifully. Local musicians and choirs perform both traditional carols and modern Christmas songs, inviting the audience to join in.
Date: Thursday 12 December 2025
Time: 19:30
Venue & Address: St Mary Redcliffe Church, Redcliffe Parade, Bristol BS1 6RA
Website & Tickets via official website here
Parking / Access: No on-site visitor parking; nearby city-centre car parks or public transport recommended.
Beyond its musical excellence, the concert fosters a sense of goodwill and unity, reflecting the true spirit of the season. Though parking is limited, the church’s central location makes it easy to reach by foot or public transport. Expect festive décor, warmth and community as Bristol gathers to celebrate music and meaning in one memorable evening.
Carols by Candlelight – St George’s Bristol
The Carols by Candlelight concert at St George’s Bristol is a beautifully atmospheric event featuring the acclaimed Fitzhardinge Consort. This 19th-century concert hall, known for its crystal-clear acoustics, provides the perfect stage for an evening of sacred and seasonal music.
Guests can expect a mix of classic carols, lesser-known gems and audience participation, all performed by expert voices and musicians. The candlelight transforms the space into a serene haven of golden hues, perfect for immersing yourself in the spirit of Christmas. Arrive early to enjoy mulled wine or hot chocolate from the café bar before the concert begins at 19:30.
Date: Monday 15 December 2025
Time: 19:30
Venue & Address: St George’s Bristol, Great George Street, Bristol BS1 5RR
Website & Tickets: via official website here
Parking / Access: On-site parking is limited; use nearby car parks.
Parking is best in nearby public car parks such as Trenchard Street or Millennium Square. Inside, you’ll experience an exquisite balance of reverence and joy — ideal for those who love tradition and musical excellence in equal measure.
Christmas Spectacular – St George’s Bristol
The Christmas Spectacular at St George’s Bristol lives up to its name — a festive explosion of choral music, orchestral brilliance and holiday cheer. Led by the City of Bristol Choir alongside the Bristol Ensemble, this 100-voice performance promises an unforgettable evening of music and fun.
Expect a rich mix of classical masterpieces, seasonal songs and well-loved carols, complete with sing-along sections. Conducted by the renowned David Ogden, the concert captures both grandeur and warmth. The hall’s acoustics enhance every harmony, and the candle-lit décor adds a glow of intimacy to the large-scale sound.
Date: Wednesday 17 December 2025
Time: 19:30
Venue & Address: St George’s Bristol, Great George Street, Bristol BS1 5RR
Website & Tickets: via official website here
Parking / Access: Limited parking on-site; city-centre car parks recommended.
With pre-concert drinks available from the café bar, it’s an ideal outing for friends, families or groups looking to combine top-tier music with festive togetherness. Plan your travel in advance, as parking is limited, and arrive early to secure your seats and savour the build-up to this joyful musical celebration.
Festive Fiesta – St George’s Bristol
The Festive Fiesta brings an exuberant close to the Christmas season at St George’s Bristol. Featuring the 100-voice City of Bristol Choir and the professional Bristol Ensemble orchestra, this joyful event blends classical excellence with fun audience participation. Beginning at 19:30, the evening weaves together traditional carols, contemporary arrangements and orchestral interludes.
The crowd is invited to sing along under the lively direction of conductors Roger Huckle and David Ogden, ensuring a warm and inclusive mood. The concert’s mix of elegance and entertainment makes it one of Bristol’s most anticipated annual highlights. Guests can enjoy mulled wine and festive treats from the café bar before taking their seats.
Date: Saturday 20 December 2025
Time: 19:30
Venue & Address: St George’s Bristol, Great George Street, Bristol BS1 5RR
Website & Tickets: via official website here
Parking / Access: Nearby public car parks or public transport advised.
The atmosphere strikes a perfect balance between refinement and joy, making it equally suitable for families, couples and concert-goers. If you’re looking for a grand yet welcoming finale to your festive calendar, this is the perfect choice.
Beer & Carols on College Green – Bristol Cathedral
For a relaxed and sociable celebration, Beer & Carols on College Green offers an open-air sing-along in front of Bristol Cathedral. This informal event transforms the Green into a joyful space filled with music, laughter and the scent of mulled cider. From 18:00 to 21:00, live musicians lead classic Christmas carols while the crowd joins in with pints and hot drinks in hand.
Families, friends and colleagues gather beneath the winter sky to sing their hearts out. There’s no need to book — simply turn up, wrap up warm and enjoy the shared joy of music.
Date: Thursday 18 December 2025
Time: 18:00 – 21:00
Venue & Address: Bristol Cathedral, College Green, Bristol BS1 5TJ
Website: Beer & Carols
Tickets: Free, no booking required
Parking / Access: Public city-centre parking; outdoor event.
The cathedral’s illuminated façade creates a stunning backdrop, while local food and drink stalls add to the festive feel. Perfect for anyone looking to celebrate the season without formality — just pure Christmas spirit, laughter and community.
Bristol’s Christmas music scene shines brighter than ever, offering everything from grand cathedral services to cozy candle-lit gatherings and outdoor sing-alongs. Each event captures a unique aspect of the season — reflection, joy, music and togetherness. Whether you crave reverent choral beauty or relaxed festive fun, these eight events promise memorable experiences for every taste.
Be sure to check times, tickets and parking before setting out, and arrive early to soak in the atmosphere. However you choose to celebrate, may your Christmas in Bristol be filled with light, music and community spirit.
