Festive Family Fun
We have a full schedule of fun and festive activities for all the family this winter. We have some special Christmas services for families, and whether your child enjoys crafts, treasure hunts, singing, or festive films, we’ve got you covered. We’ve created a roundup of all our family-friendly events to make it as simple as possible to plan your next day out. We hope to see you here!
Regular Sunday Family Service
3, 10, 17 December, 9:15am
A regular family service, every Sunday morning in the Cathedral’s Refectory. These services are approximately 45 minutes long and designed with children and families in mind. Expect singing, prayers, and fun interactive elements.
These services are suitable for children up to the age of 11. Children must be accompanied by a parent or adult.
The last sessions of the year will be themed around Advent, the season where we look forward to Christmas. Services will resume on 7 January.
These services are free to attend, and all are welcome.
Christmas Family Trail
6 December – 31 January 2024, 10:00 – 16:30 (12:30 – 16:00 on Sundays)
Follow the clues on our treasure maps as they take you around our beautiful Cathedral. Can you find all of the hidden stars? Don’t forget to pop into the Gift Shop on the way out to collect your special sticker. This trail is included in the cost of visitor entry, and guests of all ages can participate.
Toddler Christmas Craft Activity
Friday 8 December, 10:00 – 12:00
This is a special event for pre-school aged children and their parents or guardians. We invite you to come and make your own crown of stars at our Cathedral.
You can then follow our hidden star trail around, sparkling and shining all the way!
This event is free to attend, the cost is included with admission to the Cathedral.
Naomi House and Jacksplace Santa Fun Run
10 December, 9:00 am
Come and cheer on the runners participating in this year’s Santa Fun Run. The run starts and finishes in the Cathedral grounds. Runners are all given Santa suits, and funds raised go to Naomi House and Jacksplace.
Family Christmas Craft Activity
Saturday 16 December, 10:00 – 12:00
Join us for a series of festive, star-themed activities. We will help you to make star decorations for your Christmas tree, a crown of stars, and even Christmas cards!
This event is included with admission to the Cathedral. It is suitable for all ages, but please be advised that parents and guardians must stay to supervise their children.
Festive Family Day
Saturday 16 December, 10:00 – 19:30
Join us for a full day of festive fun! Starting with Christmas crafts, we will then do relaxed festive singing, and showings of 2 different festive films.
Enjoy the beautiful setting of our magnificent Cathedral adorned with Christmas and Advent decorations, and you can’t miss our Christmas tree!
The Refectory will be open for cinema snacks, and the Gift Shop is fully stocked with all the best stocking fillers and Christmas gifts.
10:00 – 12:00 Family Christmas Craft Activity
12:30 – 13:15 Cathedral Youth Choir
14:00 – 14:45 Kate Edgar Singers
17:30 Festive Film Screening – The Polar Express
19:30 Festive Film Screening – Nativity!
Family Christmas Craft Day
Thursday 21 December, 10:00 – 14:30
Join us for a series of festive, star-themed activities. We will help you to make star decorations for your Christmas tree, a crown of stars, and even Christmas cards!
This event is included with admission to the Cathedral. It is suitable for all ages, but please be advised that parents and guardians must stay to supervise their children.
Carols by Candlelight
Friday 22 December, 19:00
Saturday 23 December, 19:00
Join us for a beautiful candlelit service featuring readings, favourite carols, and choral works performed by the Salisbury Cathedral Choir. These services are telling the tale of Jesus’ birth.
All are welcome to attend these free services, and no booking is required. We expect these to be busy services, and queue numbers will be issued to ensure fair access to the Cathedral. Saving seats inside the Cathedral will not be permitted, so please queue with your group.
We ask all visitors to be seated by 18:40, so please arrive in good time for the event.
Wheelchair users and carers will be directed to a designated area in the South Transept once they reach the front of the queue. Frail walkers will be issued with a queue number and then seated in the Consistory Court until the remainder of their party have reached the Cathedral entrance.
For any further accessibility requirements, please contact Head Verger Esther Lycett at e.lycett@salcath.co.uk or call her on 01722 555151.
A Family Service for Christmas Eve
Sunday 24 December, 13:00
This is a service aimed particularly at younger children. The service will include Christmas carols and an interactive retelling of the story of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem.
This service will last approximately 45 minutes. All are welcome at this free service, and no booking is required.