Christmas 2025

Written By Sandy Grant

Christmas at St Andrew’s – and some FAQs 

Blue Christmas (for those experiencing grief, loss or sadness)
Monday 8th December 5:15pm | with ADM's Mental Health Institute
Preacher: The Reverend Keith Condie

Lessons & Carols  
Wednesday 17th December 6:00pm | Cathedral Brass 
Preacher: Kanishka Raffel, Archbishop of Sydney

Lessons & Carols 
Thursday 18th December 7:00pm* | Cathedral Choir & Brass 
Preacher: Kanishka Raffel, Archbishop of Sydney

Christmas Eve Lessons & Carols 
Wednesday 24th December 
6:00pm* and 8:00pm* | Cathedral Choir & Brass
Preacher: Sandy Grant, Dean of Sydney

Christmas Eve Holy Communion 
Wednesday 24th December 
10:45pm | Cathedral Chamber Choir 
Preacher: Canon Christopher Allan

Christmas Day 
Thursday 25th December 
8:30am Holy Communion 
10:00am* Christmas Celebration | Cathedral Choir
Preacher: Kanishka Raffel, Archbishop of Sydney

* 设有打印的中文讲道翻译 Printed sermon translation in Chinese provided at services marked above with an asterisk

English-language PDFs of some orders of services will be available for viewing closer to the date of each service [link to come]. 

‘Frequently Asked Questions’

Will there be livestreaming? 
Some of our services will be livestreamed: 

How do I get to the Cathedral?
St Andrew’s Cathedral is easily accessible via public transport, which we recommend using where practical. The closest stations are Town Hall (train and light rail) and Gadigal (metro). The closest bus stops are at York Street QVB, Park Street and Elizabeth Street. 

The closest available car park is the Wilson’s - St Andrew’s House car park at 464 Kent Street, from where there are lifts to directly to the ground floor of Sydney Square and Cathedral entrances. For Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, free parking applies if you leave within 6 hours of entry (after 3pm on Dec 24). In all cases you must get your ticket validated at the machine by the north door, which an usher can show you.

Cinema Centre Car Park, with dual entrances at 521 Kent Street and 306 Sussex Street is another large car park nearby, which is reasonably priced especially for evening, weekend and public holiday parking.  

We have a small amount of space on site prioritised for attendees with disability parking permits. 

When do the doors open?
Doors open 30 minutes before the service (or as soon as attenders at the previous service have left). Our Christmas services can get big! We can’t reserve seating, but if you or a family member has accessibility needs, tell us and we will help as much as we can. 

Our Christmas services can also get quite warm, and we advise you to consider bringing your own water bottle and handheld fan.

What about Children?
We love sharing Christmas with children at the Cathedral. There is a family zone in the Cathedral, and also a crying room with audio-visual livestream. Kids’ Christmas activity sheets will be supplied at some services.

How is your security?
We have reviewed and upgraded our security protocols in light of advice from authorities. This means that we no longer permit people to bring suitcases, luggage and other large bags or backpacks into the large or crowded services. If you see something that concerns you, speak to an usher/welcomer with the red lanyard and badge.

Sandy Grant
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