Rosslyn Chapel takes on a new temporary look as of 29 November, as the outside lighting turns purple to mark Advent. Purple is the colour traditionally used by the Church during the season of Advent, leading to Christmas, and has been chosen since the Chapel is a working church, part of the Scottish Episcopal Church, as well as a popular visitor destination.
The Chapel will be lit purple every evening from dusk to early evening; it is open to visitors throughout December, Monday to Saturday 9.30-5 and Sunday 12-4.45, and will have special evening openings on Thursdays, 3 and 10 December until 7pm.
Concerts, craft activities and church services will all take place at Rosslyn Chapel in the lead up to Christmas.
Lunchtime concerts
Lunchtime concerts take place from 1pm to 1.30pm on selected days and performances are included in the daily ticket to the chapel or free for passholders.
Friday, 4th December – Evie Buchanan & Heather Yule, clarsach performance
Saturday, 5th December – Choral performance by Schola Cantorum
Friday, 11th December – Evie Buchanan, Clarsach performance
Thursday, 17th December – Choral performance by Cantiamo
Saturday, 19th December – Choral performance by Castle Chorus
Evening concerts
Evening concerts require tickets, which are available by following this link :
Saturday 5 December at 7.30 – Canty Trio perform Music for Yuletide including rare and lovely Scottish pieces from the St Andrews Music Book and a delicious feast of English medieval carols
Saturday 12 December at 7.30pm – a programme of winter and Christmas song with Rudsambee, who are delighted to be returning to the Chapel on to offer a programme of sung seasonal music
Saturday 19 December at 9.30pm – after an amazing response last year we are delighted to see the return of Carols for Christmas, performed by a choir put together by Steve King, Director of Music at Heriot-Watt University. NOW SOLD OUT
Church Services
Further details are available by following the link to the the congregation’s website:
Sunday 13 December, 6.30pm – ‘Christmas by Candlelight’ readings and carols
Sunday 20 December, 10.30am – Family nativity service
Thursday 24 December, 11.30pm – Midnight Mass
Friday 25 December, 10.30am – Christmas Day Eucharist
Thursday 24 December 11.30pm – Midnight Mass
Family craft activities
‘Festive Friday’ craft activities for families take place on Friday afternoons, from 1.30 to 3.30pm and this year are inspired by a Victorian Christmas theme. Activities are included in daily ticket or free to passholders.
Friday 4th December – Make your own Christmas Cards
Friday 11th December – Create a hanging delight for your tree
Friday 18th December – A very Victorian decoration