Cathedral launches immersive Christmas experience

20 November 2025

Shariqua Ahmed

News image — The Wonders of Christmas display will be open until 4 December

We Love Peterborough Peterborough Cathedral lit up in red light with a black sky in the background. — The Wonders of Christmas display will be open until 4 December

Peterborough Cathedral has unveiled its first-ever immersive Christmas light and sound show, which aims to give the city centre a "magical transformation."

The Wonders of Christmas display opened on Wednesday and was expected to attract thousands of visitors.

Vice Dean Revd Canon Tim Alban Jones said the event was designed to engage the local community, allowing people to "claim their cathedral" and feel part of the historic building.

The experience also included a Christmas tree festival, featuring 40 real trees placed around the cathedral, which were decorated by community groups, charities and local businesses.

We Love Peterborough A red sleigh with two reindeers with golden decorations on them placed in front of the Cathedral, with two women sitting in it. — The ticketed event is expected to attract large crowds, the cathedral said

The cathedral's first festive light and sound display features a lit-up façade with moving images, twinkling lights on the lawn, and a large sleigh with reindeer for photo opportunities.

Mr Jones praised the "fantastic, hard-working and dedicated team" of staff and volunteers who brought it to life, calling the effort "almost superhuman".

"Without them, we couldn't do any of what we do," he said.

"We are hoping people will come and enjoy and spread the word about it… so we are expecting thousands, not hundreds."

Peterborough Cathedral Green Christmas trees with decorations - the trees on the left ahve red decorations with golden balls and the trees on the left have mostly yellow and white decorations including cards. They are placed inside the cathedral building with stained glass windows in the background and people walking around the display. — Peterborough's communities came together to take part in decorating 42 Christmas trees

The cathedral has been busy with events and recently hosted its largest Christmas market, attracting more than 6,000 visitors across three days, between Friday and Sunday.

Earlier this year, the cathedral raised more than £300,000 through its Cathedral in Crisis campaign, enabling it to remain open daily without charging entrance fees.

The funds have been used for essential repairs and to recruit a new cohort of choristers.

It continues to appeal for ongoing support, with a spokesperson previously saying, "the journey is far from over".