Worcester Cathedral has officially started the countdown to Christmas with the announcement of an exciting new addition to its highly anticipated Christmas Tree Festival 2025.
This year’s festival will be bigger and better than ever, with over 200 trees already confirmed, and more to come. And for the first time this year, the festival will expand beyond the Cloisters and Chapter House into a festive pop-up venue on College Green, named Wulfstan’s Lodge, featuring trees, food and drink and more.
Also new this year are Dedication Trees – a meaningful way for families and individuals to remember a lost loved one. Generously donated by St Peter’s Garden Centre, there are 60 trees available for dedication, each priced at £55. These trees will be beautifully displayed in the Cathedral’s Chapter House throughout the festive season, with personal dedication messages on display and can be collected after the festival to take home, plant, nurture, and enjoy for years to come.
In another first for the Cathedral, visitors can also write and post their letters to Father Christmas this year in a special post box in Wulfstan’s Lodge. The ever-popular Relaxed Hours will also be returning for those seeking a calmer experience.
Suitable for those with sensory differences, accessibility or additional needs, these sessions will run from 9.10-10am on Saturday 13, Saturday 20, Monday 22 and Tuesday 23 December. Tickets must be pre-booked to manage capacity.
The Cathedral’s Events Director Sam Poursain said: “The Christmas Tree Festival is a much-loved tradition here at the Cathedral and it grows in size and popularity every year.
“The addition of Wulfstan’s Lodge this year means we are able to offer even more businesses and organisations the opportunity to get involved. Alongside the Dedication Trees, which offer an opportunity for families and individuals to remember a lost loved one in the festival, letters to Santa and relaxed hours, there really is a way for all to be involved in this year’s festival.
“We can’t wait to see the trees in situ and visitors to the Cathedral enjoying this very special event, that brings joy and festive cheer to all each December.” The Christmas Tree Festival will be open to visit from Thursday 4 December 2025 until Tuesday 6 January 2026 (excluding Christmas Eve* and Christmas Day**), during normal visiting hours - 10am-5pm Monday to Saturday and 12.30-3pm on Sundays.
This year’s festival is generously sponsored by Newmedica, Emdot Property Agents, Haus Installations, Kendrick Homes, Nick Taylor Plumbing, Peaceful Moments Therapy, Southco, St Peter’s Garden Centre and Bryland Fire Protection.
*Open for visiting 9am-12pm on Christmas Eve.
** The Cathedral is open for worship on Christmas Day at 7.30 am, 8 am, 10.30am and 4 pm - usual visiting resumes on Boxing Day.
***Well-behaved dogs on a short lead are welcome in the Cathedral during the Christmas period, including to the Christmas Tree Festival (assistance dogs only during Relaxed Hours). During particularly busy times, such as Saturdays and 4-7 November when the Victorian Christmas Market is on, we ask owners to be mindful of the limited space in the cloisters for the comfort of all of visitors.*
