Join us LIVE from 6pm (GMT) on Friday 6 December for our annual Carols by Candlelight service to get a pinch of magic - featuring the all-important donkeys.
Are you ready to get into the Christmas spirit? We have an evening of festive fun planned for you, as we bring you our annual Carols by Candlelight celebration. Whilst our car park is now fully booked, you are welcome to join us for our in-person event by public transport, plus we’ll be broadcasting LIVE from our Main Barn at our Sidmouth headquarters.
Key info
Watch live
Carols by Candlelight 2024 will be available to watch below from 6pm on Friday 6 December.
In-person event
Whilst the car park is now fully booked for the evening, those travelling by public transport are welcome to join us for our in-person event.
You are welcome to arrive by public transport; local bus routes serving The Donkey Sanctuary include the 899 Axe Valley Mini Travel and Stagecoach 9A between Exeter and Seaton.
Please walk along the lane and not the road to reach our entrance. It will be dark so please bring a torch.
What to expect
Thousands of candles will be lit around the sanctuary from 3pm onwards, providing the perfect festive atmosphere for our congregation of two and four-legged friends and The Kitchen will be open for an evening service serving hot food and drinks.
The 45 minute Christmas carol service will begin at 6pm in Main Barn and will be hosted by celebrant and former BBC Radio Bristol presenter Emma Britton and The Donkey Sanctuary choir will be leading us through renditions of your favourite Christmas carols:
- Joy to the World
- The Holly and the Ivy
- In the Bleak Midwinter (unaccompanied)
- Silent Night
- Good King Wenceslas
- Little Donkey
- The Twelve Days of Christmas
Please note, car park bookings do not confirm access into the barn as it has limited capacity for health and safety reasons. Entry is on a first come first serve basis. No dogs allowed in the barn.