On Christmas Eve at 3.30pm, the Cathedral holds its ever-popular Service of Nine Lessons and Carols.

The Service of Nine Lessons and Carols has humble beginnings. It is adapted from an order drawn up by E. W. Benson, who later became the Archbishop of Canterbury, for a Christmas Eve service in a wooden shed which was being used as the cathedral in Truro in 1880. The format has been made famous since it was first used at King’s College, Cambridge, in 1918. The service then found the airwaves in 1928 and, with the exception of 1930, has been broadcast every year since.

The service tells the story of Christmas through a series of readings from the Bible. It begins with the Fall of Humanity and then the earliest promises of Redemption through Jesus the Messiah. It continues highlighting the hopes of the Old Testament prophets until the birth of Christ, as told in the Gospels. As the name of the service implies, the narrative is reinforced through the singing of carols and hymns.

It is recommended to arrive early for this service.

All welcome for a free guided tour of the Cathedral on New Year’s Day, Monday 1 January, at 11am. The tour is arranged by the Friends of Llandaff Cathedral and will be led by historian Arthur Impey.

Start the New Year by discovering a building that enshrines nearly a thousand years of history, and houses the second most important art collection in Cardiff.

From cards to cribs, the Cathedral Shop is well-stocked for Christmas. Our range of Christmas cards includes a charity selection, nativity scenes and a lovely photograph of the Cathedral in the snow. The cribs come in all shapes and sizes, with compact pewter figurines and colourful pottery models on offer.

There are plenty of gift ideas in the Shop too. We have a wide selection of necklaces, earrings and cufflinks at very reasonable prices, as well as CDs, books and calendars. For children, there are beautiful illustrated books in Welsh and English, such as ‘Jesus’ Christmas Party’ and ‘Stori’r Nadolig Cyntaf’. Wrapping paper is also available, at only 10p per sheet.

Mary Madsen, Shop Manager, says, “Don’t pass us by – do pop in and have a look. You might be surprised!”

The Cathedral Shop is open Monday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm, and after services on a Sunday during Advent. It is situated to the right of the West Door, beneath the Pritchard Tower, and is run by a wonderful group of volunteers.

On Wednesday 20 December at 6.30pm, the Cathedral presented Olivier Messiaen’s ‘La Nativité du Seigneur’ (The Birth of the Saviour), arguably one of the most important organ works of the twentieth century. Its devotional nature is remarkably direct, for Messiaen possessed a deep-rooted faith and theological insight which gave a strongly spiritual dimension to all his work.

The music was interspersed with biblical readings, making it a special opportunity to experience the Christmas story in an atmospheric setting through words and wonderful music. The organ was be played by the Cathedral’s Director of Music, Stephen Moore, and the recital was free to attend.

Christmas is one of the great feasts of the Christian year. All are welcome to the Cathedral as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, with hope and joy. As our Dean, the Very Reverend Gerwyn Huw Capon, writes, “It is the meaning of the Christmas story that compels us to come and adore the new-born King, to bring him our worship and praise, to offer our gratitude for the love that has come into our world and embraced it. Christmas is about the profoundest truth of who God is, and who we are, and what ultimately matters most in life, and where the destiny of the world lies.”

A variety of services offer the opportunity to explore the meaning of Christmas, from quiet reflection to lively celebration.

A Service of Light
Sunday 17 December, 5.30pm

An interactive service for children on the theme of light, with carols and readings.

Organ Recital – La Nativite du Seigneur
Wednesday 20 December, 6.30pm

Messiaen’s La Nativité du Seigneur (The Birth of the Saviour) is arguably one of the most important organ works of the twentieth century. Its devotional nature is remarkably direct, for Messiaen possessed a deep-rooted faith and theological insight which gave a strongly spiritual dimension to all his work. The music will be interspersed with biblical readings, making this a special opportunity to experience the Christmas story in an atmospheric setting through words and wonderful music. The organ will be played by the Cathedral’s Director of Music, Stephen Moore.

Christmas Eve – Holy Eucharist
Sunday 24 December, 8am

Begin Christmas Eve with a quiet and reflective Eucharist service.

Christmas Eve – Parish Eucharist
Sunday 24 December, 10am

The Parish Eucharist is celebrated in the Cathedral’s main body and using the Nave Altar. It is a lively act of collective worship, particularly suitable for families with young children.

Christmas Eve – A Service of Nine Lessons & Carols
Sunday 24 December, 3.30pm

Our ever popular Nine Lessons and Carols Service features much-loved carols, as the Christmas story is re-told through Bible readings.

Christmas Eve – The First Eucharist of Christmas
Sunday 24 December, 9.30pm

Celebrate the birth of Jesus in a beautiful Choral Eucharist. The service includes music by Haydn, Rutter and Ledger.

Christmas Day – Holy Eucharist
Monday 25 December, 8am

Begin Christmas Day with a quiet and reflective Eucharist service.

Christmas Day – Parish Eucharist
Monday 25 December, 9am

The Parish Eucharist is celebrated in the Cathedral’s main body and using the Nave Altar. It is a lively act of collective worship, particularly suitable for families with young children.

Christmas Day – Choral Eucharist
Monday 25 December, 11am

The Eucharist is offered and celebrated within a Choral setting. It is a solemn celebration where the High Altar is used and where the splendour of the liturgy is enhanced not only by the music, but also by the use of incense.

First Sunday of Christmas – Holy Eucharist
Sunday 31 December, 8am

Begin the last day of the year with a quiet and reflective Eucharist service.

First Sunday of Christmas – Sung Eucharist
Sunday 31 December, 10am

The Sung Eucharist is celebrated in the Nave.

First Sunday of Christmas – Evening Prayer
Sunday 31 December, 3.30pm

A short service of Evening Prayer, to end both the day and the year.