| 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. 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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I have never been to see the parade but was hoping to see it this year. Sadly now it’s not going to happen children and adults alike enjoy the parade and I loved seeing their smiling faces on the television. I wish St Nicholas could still be part of the City of Canterbury Christmas festivities. Julia McDougall age 64yrs old and still love the magic of Christmas time.
I haven’t yet seen it either Julia – though I’ve seen some photos and it looks a lovely joyous event, and I was hoping to go sometime too. I know from trying to find out about it last year that its future was in doubt then, though it did go ahead in 2018; but whether it’ll happen again I don’t know – wouldn’t be surprised either way. Let’s hope they change their minds about it next year, fingers crossed!
Averil