What's on · Seasonal
Christmas at Ampleforth Abbey
Ampleforth Abbey's first Christmas craft market on 28 and 29 November, Handel's Messiah on 5 December, a lantern procession and carol service on 6 December and Celtic carols by candlelight on 12 December
Ampleforth Abbey holds its first Christmas craft market on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 November, from 10am on the Saturday to 3pm on the Sunday. It is indoors in Alban Roe House, entry is free, and the stalls are local makers selling pottery, candles, honey, lavender, books, homeware and decorations.
The same weekend there is a drop-in lantern-making workshop for children, 3.50 a child for materials, with no booking. Children need an adult with them.
The lanterns come out on Sunday 6 December for a procession from Alban Roe House to the Abbey Church at 4pm, followed by a short carol service at 4.30pm. It is free and there is no need to book.
Ampleforth College's Schola Cantorum and Choral Society sing Handel's Messiah in the abbey on Saturday 5 December at 7.30pm, with an orchestra and soloists. On Saturday 12 December at 7.30pm, Olivia Graham tells the Advent and Christmas story through Celtic music and song in the Abbey Church, 12 a person, booked ahead.
Dates still to come
- 28 to 29 November 2026Ampleforth Abbey Christmas Craft Market10am on Saturday to 3pm on Sunday, in Alban Roe House. Free entry
- 5 December 2026Ampleforth Abbey: Handel's Messiah7.30pm to 9.30pm, booked through Ampleforth College
- 6 December 2026Ampleforth Abbey lantern procession and carol serviceFree, no booking. The carol service starts at 4.30pm
- 12 December 2026Ampleforth Abbey: Celtic Carols by Candlelight7.30pm to 8.30pm, 12 a person, booked ahead
Coming for this? We are at 87 Market Place. The menu, hours and parking, or book a table if there are six or more of you.