The Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols was popularized at King’s College, Cambridge, by the then Dean Eric Milner-White in the early part of the twentieth century. The music at the very first service in Cambridge in 1918 was directed by Arthur Henry Mann. The service was first broadcast by the BBC in 1928.

The format of those early services did not differ substantially from that familiar to us today. Scriptural lessons, or readings, are interspersed with music and carols.

The service in Budapest has become an annual ecumenical event of Saint Margaret’s Anglican Church and Saint Columba’s Scottish Presbyterian Church, where the service this year will again be held. Plan now to attend....

Our music will be provided by members of several excellent local choirs, including the Gabrieli Choir, and as in years past, the Exultate Boys’ Choir.

This will be a wonderful opportunity to introduce friends and neighbours to this enriching and stirring service in the days before Christmas itself. There is no sermon at Lessons & Carols. A free-will offering is asked.

The service lasts a bit over one hour.

Place: Saint Columba's Church Budapest

Address: 1064 Budapest, Vörösmarty utca 51