Carols and candlelight

Festive church services in the run up to Christmas.


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  • Area Deal, Dover, Sandwich
  • Category Seasonal, Events

"Silent night...", "Good King Wenceslas...", "Once in royal David's City..."

Whatever your favourite Christmas carol is, there is joy to be found in belting it out with a crowd of people in one of the beautiful churches or locations here in White Cliffs Country, whether you have a faith or not. Join the congregations at any of the following services* and you'll be made very welcome. Public carol concerts are also listed at the bottom of the page. 

Saturday 14 December

  • 2-3pm – Shine the Light at St James Retail Park, Dover (near the Christmas tree)

Sunday 15 December

  • 10am – Little Lights Christingle Service at St Richard’s Church Centre, Mill Hill, Deal
  • 3pm – Carol Service at Kingsdown Church
  • 3.30pm – Carols with Christingle at St Andrews, Crabble Meadows off London Road, Dover
  • 4pm – Carols by Candlelight at St Peter & St Paul, Church Hill, Sutton-by-Dover
  • 6.30pm – Carol service at St Mary in Castro at Dover Castle
  • 6pm – Nine Lessons & Carols at St Saviour’s Church, The Strand, Walmer

Wednesday 18 December

  • 6pm – Carols on the Green, East Langdon

Friday 20 December

  • From 4.30pm - Carols Around the Tree, outside The King's Head, Deal, with The Rock Choir
  • 7pm – Carols by Candlelight at St Mary's Church, St Mary's Road, Walmer
  • 7.30pm – Carol Service with music by the Herne Bay Concert band, followed by mince pies and mulled wine at St Nicholas Church, London Road, Sholden, Deal

Sunday 22 December

  • 3pm – Celebration of Christmas at St Mary in Castro at Dover Castle
  • 4pm – Carol Service at East Langdon Church
  • 4pm – Nine Lessons & Carols at St Margaret's Church, St Margaret's-at-Cliffe
  • 6.30pm – Carol Service at Ringwould Church, Church Lane, Ringwould
  • 6.30pm – Nine Lessons & Carols at St Clement’s Church, Sandwich
A row of candles in glass covers and hymn books on a stand.
Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols at St Clement's Church in Sandwich © KC Photography.

Christmas Eve

  • 3pm & 5pm – Christingle Family Carols at St George's Church, St Georges Road, Deal (entrance by free ticket only)
  • 4pm – Christingle at Studdal Church Hall, Downs Road, East Studdal
  • 4pm – Christingle at St Mary's Church, Walmer
  • 4pm – Children's Christingle and Crib Service at St Clement's Parish Church, Sandwich
  • 4pm – Christingle at St Leonards Church, Rectory Road, Deal
  • 4pm – Christingle at St Nicholas Church, London Road, Sholden
  • 4pm – Christingle at St Martins Church, Church Close, Deal
  • 4pm – Children’s Christingle Crib Service at St Clement’s Church, Sandwich
  • 4pm – Crib Service at St Mary the Blessed Virgin, Church Street, Eastry
  • 5pm – Christingle at Kingsdown Church, Church Cliff, Kingsdown
  • 5pm – Cribside Service at St Margaret's Church, St Margaret's-at-Cliffe
  • 6pm – Crib Service at St Andrews, Crabble Meadows off London Road, Dover

*Please note this is not an exhaustive list and other services may be taking place.