Canterbury St Nicholas Service

Where: Canterbury, Kent at the Cathedral
When: Sunday nearest 6th December
Time: 5.30 pm

 

St Nicholas’ feast day is 6th December, and he is the patron saint of sailors and brewers amongst other professions but is best known for his role as patron saint of children, and as a generous giver of presents. At Canterbury on the Sunday in December nearest the feast day, the Saint in his red robes with a big white beard (yes, Santa Claus is a closely related later development!) appears at a special service at the Cathedral which features performances by bands and children’s choirs, as well as a chance for everyone to join in with well-known carols.  Until recently, he used to lead a charity fundraising parade around the city accompanied by a host of musicians and children in seasonal and topical fancy dress on the Saturday but from 2019 the Saint is remembered instead with a family service in the Cathedral on the Sunday nearest the feast day.

Helpful Hints

All are welcome and the money raised is used for charities which benefit children and young people .

In 2024 there should be a short family service at 5.30 on Sunday December 8th with St Nicholas in attendance and music from local bands and choristers (to be confirmed). The service lasts just over half an hour. As usual in major churches, photography is forbidden during the service but St Nicholas is happy to pose for a snap afterwards, and bids everyone farewell as they leave.

Click here for the Cathedral website: http://www.canterbury-cathedral.org

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