Christchurch Cathedral will open its doors for anyone who books with a $25 koha (or more) for the Christchurch City Mission during the twelve days of Christmas visiting between December 3 - 18.

All proceeds will go to the 'Opening the Cathedral' project and donations to the Christchurch City Mission, thanks to Christchurch businesses that paid for the tree to be installed and lit up. 

Dean of Christchurch Ben Truman, said the visits were about bringing people back into their Cathedral at Christmas and coming together again in this special place.

He said 2024 had been a hard year for many people, and for the Cathedral, and now was the time to come together and look forward positively to a better 2025.

“Going inside the Cathedral at Christmas will mean so much to many Christchurch people who will remember visiting it in the past and leaving gifts for children in need under the City Mission tree. We are bringing a cherished tradition back to life and reminding everyone of the important part our Cathedral has in our city’s traditions.” 

Embedded in a beam high up inside the Cathedral is a hook that used to hold up the traditional large City Mission pine tree of the past. Today’s modern steel tree was built in 2020 and its spiralling parallel helix design will be placed near this original site.

Christchurch City Missioner Corinne Haines said she was delighted that the City Mission tree had found such a worthy and historic home this Christmas.

“Our tree was installed in Cashel Mall for two years but there were security concerns in that public space and the costs of installation meant we have not installed the tree for a couple of years.

“Being sited within the Cathedral solves those problems and I am excited it will be back, this time in our city’s beautiful Cathedral. I like how visitors can follow the past tradition of leaving a gift under the tree.” 

The CCRL and City Mission deeply appreciate the sponsorship and support of Naylor Love, Protranz, Accessman, Antony & Mates, Mitre 10 Canterbury, Holmes Solutions, HW Hendriks Sons & Daughter, Isaacs Construction and The Light Site for their contributions towards this special Christmas effort.

Booking for the scheduled visits is essential and can be made here: https://events.humanitix.com/12-days-of-christmas 

For people who can't visit the Cathedral, the City Mission gratefully receives good quality gifts and non-perishable donations for Christmas dropped to the Transitional Cathedral from 9am - 4pm on weekdays.