The BBC will be broadcasting a live Christmas Day Eucharist from Bath Abbey as part of the seasonal celebrations which includes everything from carol-singing to spectacular choral concerts.
Shoppers visiting the Christmas market can enjoy 20-minute informal carol services on Saturday afternoons (28 Nov, 5 Dec and 12 Dec). There is also the opportunity to climb to the top of the Tower and soak in the marvellous atmosphere of the scenes below while drinking a glass of mulled wine or soft drink thanks to our Festive Tour Tours.
For families, there are Family Carol Services (unofficially called the ‘Donkey Service’) where children get dressed up for a nativity scene. It also features Mr Frosty the donkey and is very popular with families with young children (Sunday 20 Dec 3pm and 4.15pm). Another event that will keep families thoroughly entertained is the Carols for Choir and Audience, a festive concert featuring performances from all three of the Abbey’s choirs, with full audience participation (Sat 19 Dec, 7pm).
There will also be a variety of services on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day to choose from. Join in an informal service of Carol Praise (24 Dec 4pm), be there at the very start of Christmas at Midnight Communion or take part in the Christmas Eucharist (25 Dec 10am, tickets from Bath Abbey Office and website) a live BBC broadcast with music from the Abbey Girls’ and Men’s Choirs to celebrate Christ’s birth.
FESTIVE TOWER TOURS
Climb the Tower during the Christmas Market; get a bird’s eye view and enjoy a free glass of mulled wine at the top (hot chocolate alternative available). Every 45 mins during the Bath Christmas market (26 Nov-13 Dec) Mon-Thu 1.30-6pm, Fri & Sat 12-7.30pm. No tours on Sundays. Tickets: Adult £6, Child (5-15 yrs) £3. Includes free mulled wine or hot chocolate at the top.
SPECIAL SERVICES
Shoppers’ Carols
Sat 28 Nov, Sat 5 Dec and Sat 12 Dec 1pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm
An informal 20-minute service with traditional carols. Ideal for weary shoppers.
All welcome, no reserved seating or tickets required
An Advent Procession by Candlelight
Abbey Boys’, Girls’ and Men’s Choirs Sunday 29 Nov 6.30pm
One of the most popular services of the Abbey’s year. Join us for a candlelit service with music and readings to mark the beginning of Advent. Entrance is by (free) ticket only. Tickets need to be obtained in advance from Bath Abbey website or Office. Please note tickets will not be available to collect at the Abbey door.
Family Carol Services
Sunday 20 Dec 3pm and 4.15pm
Children are invited to come dressed as a shepherd, angel, wise man or citizen of Bethlehem to create a stunning Christmas tableau. Features Mr Frosty the donkey!
All welcome, no reserved seating or tickets required so please arrive early to avoid disappointment.
FESTIVE CONCERTS
Handel’s Messiah
Friday 4 Dec and Saturday 5 Dec 7.30 pm
Bath Choral society’s annual and ever-popular performance of Handel’s Messiah with the Bristol Ensemble, conducted by Will Dawes.
Tickets: £8-£29
Available from Bath Box Office / 01225 463 362 / http://www.bathboxoffice.org.uk
A Christmas Celebration
Saturday 19 Dec 7pm
Featuring the Abbey’s Choirs of Girls and Men, plus organ and harp, and the traditional candlelit performance of Benjamin Britten’s ‘A Ceremony of Carols’ by the Abbey Girls’ Choir.
Tickets: £8-£15
Available from Bath Box Office / 01225 463 362 / http://www.bathboxoffice.org.uk
CHRISTMAS EVE
Carol Praise 4pm
An informal service with traditional carols. All welcome, no reserved seating or tickets required but we expect the Abbey to be full to capacity.
Festival of Lessons and Carols with Abbey Boys’ and Men’s Choirs 7pm
Entry to this very popular service is by (free) ticket only. Tickets need to be obtained in advance from Bath Abbey website or Office. Please note tickets will not be available to collect at the Abbey door.
Midnight Communion with Abbey Girls’ and Men’s Choir 11pm
Be there at the very start of Christmas. A celebration of Christ’s birth, and with him the birth of new hope for the world.
CHRISTMAS DAY
BBC Live Christmas Eucharist 10.00am
(congregation to be seated by 9.15am)
A unique opportunity for the Abbey to express the joy and hope of Christmas to millions of people in the UK and around the world. This live service will include all the Abbey choirs, carols and communion. Tickets are limited, apply via application forms from the Abbey Office or download from the website www.bathabbey.org
Sung Eucharist for Christmas 11.15am
A formal service of Holy Communion. Music led by the Abbey Girls’ and Men’s Choirs.
