A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols
Visitors attend a traditional Christmas Eve worship service featuring the Choir of King's College Cambridge. The service includes biblical readings, choral music, and a specially commissioned new carol, traditionally opening with 'Once in Royal David's City'.
Thu, Dec 24, 2026
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Plan Your Visit
Tickets
Complimentary tickets are provided to successful applicants. Approximately half the tickets are made available to members of the public through the annual online ballot.
Hours
3.00pm in the chapel; live broadcast at 3pm GMT (10:00 EST or 07:00 PST); rebroadcast at 1pm on Radio 3 on Christmas Day; further BBC World Service broadcasts at various times.
Ages
Not suitable for very young children and babies.
Location
Tips & Advice
- Enter the online ballot before it closes on 13 November 2026, as public tickets are allocated in advance.
- Watch your email for the ballot result and instructions on obtaining complimentary tickets if your application succeeds.
- Do not plan to join a public ticket queue; tickets are distributed through the annual ballot.
- If you cannot attend in person, listen to the live radio broadcast or the Radio 3 rebroadcast on Christmas Day.
Special Events & Promotions
- Members of the public can enter the annual online ballot for complimentary tickets; successful applicants receive instructions to obtain them.
- The service is broadcast live on BBC Radio 4 and the BBC World Service on Christmas Eve, with a Radio 3 rebroadcast on Christmas Day.
Links & Contact
Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can members of the public attend?
Yes. Approximately half the service tickets are made available to members of the public through the annual online ballot.
How do I apply for a ticket?
Enter the annual online ballot. Successful applicants are notified by email and given instructions for obtaining their complimentary tickets.
Is there a public queue for tickets?
No. Tickets are allocated in advance through the ballot, and there is no public queue for tickets.
What happens during the service?
The service includes Bible readings and choral music from the Choir of King’s College Cambridge. It opens with “Once in Royal David’s City” and includes a newly commissioned carol.
Can I listen if I do not attend in person?
The service is broadcast live on BBC Radio 4 and the BBC World Service, with a Radio 3 rebroadcast on Christmas Day and further World Service broadcasts.
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