Cathedral Announces Advent and Christmas Worship Services, Concerts and Other Activities 

As the Christmas season approaches, Washington National Cathedral is proud to announce its holiday events—an inspiring series of celebrations that invite all to experience the joy, peace and unity of the season in the heart of the nation’s capital.

The festivities include stunning performances by the Cathedral Choir and Baroque Orchestra, enchanting nativity displays, and meaningful opportunities for worship and reflection.

Families can enjoy special sightseeing activities such as the Guided Christmas Spotlight Tour and tower climbs with breathtaking city views, or explore the Cathedral’s seasonal gift shop, featuring unique holiday ornaments and 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:

• 11/25 – 1/11 –– Nativity Scenes Exhibit: The One Family, One World exhibit will showcase nativity scenes, also known as crèches, from the Cathedral’s collection, telling the story of the Holy Family by channeling different cultures and using various media and materials. 
• 12/6, 7 p.m. | 12/7, Noon & 4 p.m. | 12/8, 4 p.m. –– Handel’s Messiah: The Washington National Cathedral Choir and Baroque Orchestra will perform Handel’s beloved Messiah under the Cathedral’s soaring Gothic architecture.
• 12/14, 2 p.m. & 7 p.m. | 12/15, 4 p.m. –– Joy of Christmas Concerts: The Cathedral Choral Society will fill the Washington National Cathedral with soaring voices and jubilant brass, capturing the spirit of the season through a joyful celebration of music and tradition.  
• 12/18, 7 p.m. –– Blue Christmas Service: This service of prayer, music and reflection is offered to those experiencing feelings of grief, loss and hardship, inviting us into hope and healing.
• 12/21, 6 p.m. –– Gospel Christmas Service: The Washington Performing Arts Children of the Gospel Choir and the Jason Max Ferdinand Singers will tell the story of Christmas through vibrant music, poetry and scripture. Advance passes required.
• 12/23, 11 a.m.  –– Family Christmas Service: People of all ages are invited to join a menagerie of live animals in bringing the Nativity to life during this joyful service of carols and prayers. Advance passes required.
• 12/23, 6 p.m. | 12/24, 6 p.m. –– Christmas Lessons & Carols: Readings from Holy Scripture, favorite hymns and instrumental music carry us from Creation to the manger in Bethlehem, telling the ancient story of God’s continuing love as made known in Christ. Advance passes required.
• 12/24, 10 p.m. –– Christmas Eve Festival Holy Eucharist: This service will celebrate the Holy Night and Christ’s birth with readings from Holy Scripture, favorite hymns, and seasonal choral and instrumental music. Advance passes required.
• 12/25, 11:15 a.m. –– Christmas Day Service: This festive morning service will mark the birth of Christ with readings from Holy Scripture, favorite hymns, and seasonal choral and instrumental music.
• 12/25, 1:30 p.m. –– Christmas Organ Recital: This Holy Day Recital features festive music performed by Cathedral Organist Thomas Sheehan and Organ Scholar Ariana Corbin.

Due to capacity limits, reserved passes are required for the following services: Family Christmas Service, Gospel Christmas Service, Christmas Lessons & Carols, and Christmas Eve Festival Eucharist.

What: Advent and Christmas Worship Services, Concerts, and other Activities
Where: Washington National Cathedral, 3101 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016
When: November 25, 2024 – January 11, 2025

###

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

###

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.