Rather English - Attend Christmas Eve at York Minster

Amongst the largest Gothic buildings in northern Europe, York Minster dominates the skyline of York. Started around 1230, it was not completed until the late 15th century, and since then it has been an important landmark for generations of those who live in York and the surrounding areas. On Christmas Eve, its draw for local people is understandable, and a number of services take place today, attracting up to 2,000 people.

Three main services make up the programme at the Minster today, with a crib service at noon, promising the largest unrehearsed nativity in the country, and inviting everyone to come dressed as a shepherd, angel, star – or even a Power Ranger, to embrace the season. After a 3pm evening prayer, the Service of Nine Lessons and Carols takes place at 4pm with a traditional sequence of nine readings is interspersed with carols from the Minster Choir, and finally Midnight Mass at 11:30pm promises a special service to see in Christmas Day, with with music provided by the St William’s Singers and York Young Soloists.

For more, see http://www.yorkminster.org/whats-on/2012/12/24/christmas-eve-services.html

_{From November 2012 until January 2013, Tired of London, Tired of Life will briefly be posting as RatherEnglish.com and featuring interesting things to do in England}