Cathedral Christmas Features Worship Services, Music Recitals, and Other Activities 

December 3, 2024

Washington National Cathedral invites all to join an inspiring series of celebrations to experience the joy, peace and unity of the Christmas season in the heart of the nation’s capital. 

 

Service attendees hold candles during a hymn in the darkness of the nave.

During the week of Christmas, the festivities include a stunning recital by Cathedral Organist Thomas Sheehan, enchanting nativity displays and meaningful opportunities for worship and reflection.

Washington National Cathedral will host special sightseeing activities such as the Guided Christmas Spotlight Tour and tower climbs with breathtaking city views. The Cathedral’s seasonal gift shop features 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.

Throughout the week, visitors can experience:

  • 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, Christmas Lessons & Carols and Christmas Eve Festival Eucharist.

In addition, the Cathedral’s “One Family, One World” exhibit of nativity sets features creche scenes from global hotspots and battleground states. The exhibit runs through Jan. 11, 2025, and is included with general sightseeing admission (hours vary).

What: Christmas Worship Services, Concerts, and other Activities
Where: Washington National Cathedral, 3101 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016
When: December 23, 2024 – December 25, 2024

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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.