Nelson Cathedral is beautiful at any time of the year, but during the Christmas Tree Festival it is magical. Over 70 trees are on display, each one crafted by a community organisation, club or business. That's already special but on top of that, there are free lunchtime concerts. During the first three weeks of December, there is a different concert each weekday at 1pm. Check out our website for the schedule. Also, don't miss the chance to see the Cathedral at night. We will stay open until 9pm on three Fridays leading up to Christmas; December 5th, 12th and 19th. When you visit the Festival, you will be invited to vote for your favourite tree, with the winners announced at the Switch Off service on Sunday 18 January (10am). The Festival begins at 6pm on Wednesday 26th December with a Light-Up service. This short service, aimed particularly at children, is a delightful way to kick off the festive season. Stay for a drink and a nibble after the service. A very popular feature of the Festival is the Memory Tree corner, where you can write on a tag to remember someone who is not with you for Christmas and hang it on one of the Memory Trees. We prepare over 3000 tags and they are usually all gone before Christmas day. Check out our website for details of Christmas services. We have a special Christingle service for children on December 23rd in the cathedral. As always we will be celebrating the birth of Christ at the Midnight Communion beginning at 11pm on the 24th. Before the evening service the choir sings carols 10.15 - 10.45. Christmas Day services are at 8am and 10am. Our Nine Lessons and Carols service is December 21st at 7pm. The Cathedral also runs the Carols on the Steps event at 8.45pm on December 24th.