Cathedral Announces Spring Tours, Easter and Holy Week Services, Concerts

March 21, 2025

As the spring season blooms and Easter approaches, Washington National Cathedral is excited to announce its springtime celebrations, an uplifting series of events that invite all to embrace the renewal, hope, and joy of the season in the heart of the nation’s capital.

The festivities include beautiful performances by the Choir of King’s College, Cambridge and Cathedral Choir, inspiring Holy Week services, and meaningful opportunities for worship and reflection, all celebrating the spirit of resurrection and renewal.

Families can enjoy special sightseeing activities, including new Cathedral in Bloom Guided Spotlight Tour and tower climbs with breathtaking city views. Explore the Cathedral’s seasonal gift shop, which features unique keepsakes perfect for the season. With activities for all ages, these opportunities offer a unique space to unite, celebrate, and renew our shared sense of community.

The list of events and further details include:

SPRING TOURISM

  • Easter Flowers Media Preview: Members of the media will have the opportunity to preview flower arrangements organized by the Cathedral Flower Guild before it is open to the public. RSVP to [email protected]. Saturday, April 19, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Guided Spotlights Tour: Cathedral in Bloom: Upgrade your sightseeing experience with the Cathedral in Bloom edition, showcasing the unique Easter flower arrangements and specialized decor. Monday, April 21 through Friday, April 25. Times vary; tickets required. 
  • Spring Cathedral Tower Climbs: Experience Washington like never before with panoramic vistas from the highest geographical point in the nation’s capital. These adventurous climbs take visitors through hidden stairwells and past stunning stained glass and charming gargoyles for a unique experience that will take your breath away. Friday, March 21 through Friday, April 25. Dates and times vary; tickets required.

MUSIC and CONCERTS

  • The Choir of King’s College, Cambridge: The Choir of King’s College, Cambridge concert will showcase a stunning program that merges the rich traditions of English and European choral music. Sunday, April 6, 6 p.m.
  • Easter Sunday Organ Recital: The Easter Sunday Organ Recital features festive music performed by Cathedral Organist Thomas Sheehan and Organ Scholar Ariana Corbin. Sunday, April 20, 2 p.m.

HOLY WEEK and EASTER

  • Palm Sunday: Holy Week begins with the journey from Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem to his utter rejection and crucifixion. Sunday, April 13, 8 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.
  • Palm Sunday Choral Evensong: The Sunday of the Passion ends with Choral Evensong, a traditional Anglican service of sung evening prayer that features Holy Scripture, Psalms, hymns and anthems led by the Cathedral Choir. Sunday, April 13, 4 p.m.
  • Holy Eucharist with Chrism Blessing: Join the Episcopal Diocese of Washington as clergy reaffirm their vows and consecrate sacramental oil. Tuesday, April 15, 12 p.m.
  • Maundy Thursday: In the Solemn Liturgy of Maundy Thursday, Jesus’ Last Supper and his charge to love one another through the washing of feet is remembered. Thursday, April 17, 7 p.m.
  • Good Friday: Join the Cathedral community in remembering Christ’s suffering, crucifixion and death on Good Friday with a service of Scripture, music and ancient prayer. Friday, April 18 at 12 p.m., followed by in-person and online Rite of Reconciliation (Confession) throughout the afternoon, and a Good Friday Evening Service at 7 p.m.
  • Easter Vigil: Journey from darkness to light, from death to life, as the Cathedral bears witness to the Paschal Mystery through powerful music, the retelling of the salvation story and welcoming new believers in Baptism. Saturday, April 19 at 8 p.m.
  • Easter Sunday: The Cathedral will gather around Christ’s table, and join together in music and prayer, to proclaim Jesus’ victory over death and the Good News of the Resurrection. Due to capacity concerns, in-person passes are required. The 11:15 service is at capacity. Sunday, April 20 at 8 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.
  • Easter Sunday Choral Evensong: The Easter Sunday celebrations end with Choral Evensong, a traditional Anglican service of sung evening prayer that features Holy Scripture, Psalms, hymns and anthems led by the Cathedral Choir. Sunday, April 20, at 4 p.m.

PROGRAMS 

  • Sacred Earth, Sacred Soul Retreat: Join renowned Celtic teacher and author of spirituality John Philip Newell and his colleague Cami Twilling for an intimate three-day retreat at Washington National Cathedral’s newly-renovated Virginia Mae Center. Tuesday May 13 through Thursday May 15.

Members of the media are invited to RSVP for access to any of the services and events by replying to this email at [email protected].

Who: Washington National Cathedral
What: Spring and Easter Worship Services, Concerts, and other Activities
Where: Washington National Cathedral, 3101 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20016
When: April 6, 2025 – May 15, 2025

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MEDIA CONTACT
Lincoln Le, 954-701-1363, [email protected]

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About Washington National Cathedral
Grounded in the reconciling love of Jesus Christ, Washington National Cathedral is a house of prayer for all people, conceived by our founders to serve as a great church for national purposes.