Step into the St. Bavo Cathedral and experience the Festival of  Nine Lessons and Carols, an English tradition that has made its way to Haarlem. This Festival combines music, scripture readings, and the beauty of candlelight for a deeply moving celebration of the Christmas story.

As the evening begins, the St. Bavo choir processes into the darkened cathedral, carrying lit candles and singing the timeless hymn “Once in a Royal David’s City.”

The program includes nine short readings that recount the story of the birth of Jesus, interspersed with traditioal English carols such as “O Come, All Ye Faithful.”

when and where

  • Date: Monday, December 23
  • Time: 8 PM (doors open at 7:30 PM)
  • Location: St. Bavo Cathedral
  • Admission: Free. A donation will be collected at the end.