Where Is The BBC One Christmas Day Service 2025 Taking Place In Bradford

Big news for anyone who loves getting into the Christmas spirit! Get ready to mark your calendars because the location for the BBC One Christmas Day Service in 2025 has been announced, and it’s happening right in Bradford. This isn't just any service; it's a huge national celebration broadcast live across the country, and it's all happening at the magnificent Bradford Cathedral. The whole event is part of the city's massive celebration for being named the UK's City of Culture for 2025, putting Bradford firmly in the spotlight during this special festive season. It’s a chance for the entire nation to see what makes a Bradford Christmas so unique.

A proper Bradford celebration on the telly

On Thursday, 25th December 2025, all eyes will be on Bradford as the cathedral hosts this famous live broadcast. Being chosen for the Christmas Day service is a massive honour, especially as it ties in with Bradford's year as the UK City of Culture. This title is a huge deal, highlighting the city's incredible arts and culture scene. So, what better way to cap off such an important year than with a joyful celebration of the birth of Christ, beamed into living rooms everywhere?

The service is designed to be a true reflection of the city. It’s not just about tradition; it’s about showcasing the diverse and vibrant community that makes Bradford what it is. The plan is to blend classic Christmas elements with unique local flavours. Think of it as your favourite Christmas dinner, but with a special ingredient you can only find in Bradford.

The Revd Canon Ned Lunn, who is the Canon for Intercultural Mission and the Arts, puts it perfectly.

‘We invite you to join us in the Cathedral or at home for our Christmas Day service where we hope to close this year as UK City of Culture showing the world how we celebrate this festive season in Bradford. It will include all the ingredients that will make that unique Bradford flavour. Rooted in the ancient story of Jesus which has been proclaimed on this site for 1,400 years, we will show how, with a pinch of contemporary and global touches, this story of God's hospitality crosses cultural and linguistic differences. Come for a proper Bradford Christmas!’

What’s happening during the service?

This isn't just a simple sing-along. The Christmas Day service is set to be a rich and meaningful experience. The whole celebration will be led by members of the Cathedral’s clergy, with Revd Henriette Howarth and The Very Revd Andy Bowerman, the Dean of Bradford, guiding the congregation. And remember Ned Lunn? He'll be performing the Gospel reading.

What really stands out is the focus on an intercultural mission. The service will weave together readings, prayers, and carols from different cultures and in different languages. The Lord's Prayer, for example, will be spoken by people from across the Cathedral's diverse community in their own languages. This is a beautiful way to show true hospitality and reflect the amazing mix of people in the city. It’s these global touches that will make the event feel both ancient and completely modern. It’s a wonderful celebration of faith that shows how a story about Christ can connect people from all backgrounds.

Music to get you in the festive mood

What’s a Christmas Day service without incredible music? The sounds you’ll hear will be a massive part of the experience, whether you attend in person or watch the BBC broadcast at home. The world-class Choir of Bradford Cathedral will be leading the singing, making sure the building is filled with festive joy.

The choir, led by the brilliant Geoffrey Woollatt, will guide the congregation through some of the best-loved Christmas carols. Get ready to sing your heart out to classics like ‘O Come, All Ye Faithful’ and ‘Hark! The Herald Angels Sing’. But there’s more. The choir will also perform special anthems and a piece by the modern composer Jonathan Dove called Missa Brevis. Now, ‘Missa Brevis’ just means ‘short mass’. It’s a way of setting the traditional words of a church service to new music. Jonathan Dove's version is known for being powerful and beautiful, perfectly blending the timeless feeling of a cathedral with a fresh, contemporary energy. It’s a great example of how the service will celebrate both tradition and modern arts.

How to attend in person

Watching on BBC One will be amazing, but imagine being there! If you want to attend the service in person and be part of the live congregation, you absolutely can. Being in the cathedral on Christmas morning will be an unforgettable experience, sharing the celebration with hundreds of others.

Here are the key details you'll need:

• Date: Thursday, 25th December 2025
• Doors Open: 8:45 am
• Please be seated by: 9:30 am
• Live BBC Broadcast Begins: 10:00 am

Notice the 10am start time is a bit earlier than usual for Bradford Cathedral. Because it’s a live broadcast, everything needs to run like clockwork.

To make sure the morning goes smoothly and everyone has a great time, the cathedral is asking people who want to come to register their interest beforehand. This isn't a ticket, and it doesn’t guarantee a seat, but it really helps the organisers plan. It gives them a good idea of how many people to expect for this special celebration, so they can offer the best hospitality. If you’d like to be part of the Christmas morning congregation, you can let them know by speaking to a member of the clergy, sending an email to info@bradfordcathedral.org, or calling 01274 777720. This simple step will help make the 2025 festive season finale a wonderful and welcoming event for everyone.