Advent & Christmas
Browse the full schedule of worship services, concerts, and other features below.
Join In-Person
We invite you to attend our services and concerts that do not require passes, including Blue Christmas Service, Christmas Day Festival Holy Eucharist, and the Christmas Day Organ Recital. All services requiring in-person passes due to capacity concerns (including Family Christmas Service, Gospel Christmas Service, Christmas Lessons & Carols, and Christmas Eve Festival Holy Eucharist) are now full.
Join Online
All Advent and Christmas worship services, along with the Christmas Day Organ Recital, are available via livestream on our website and YouTube channel. Browse the schedule below and join our growing online community.
Gospel Christmas Service
Sat Dec. 21 • 6 pm Gather as we tell the story, through music, poetry, and scripture, in our annual Gospel Christmas service. Featuring the Cathedral Contemporary Ensemble, Washington Performing Arts Children of the Gospel Choir and the Jason Max Ferdinand Singers. Livestream available. Due to capacity concerns, in-person passes are required. This service is at in-person capacity.
Family Christmas Service
Mon Dec. 23 • 11 am A menagerie of live animals helps bring the Nativity to life in this joyful service of carols and prayers. Gather loved ones of all ages to welcome the Holy Family in the festively decorated Cathedral nave. Livestream available. Due to capacity concerns, in-person passes are required. This service is at in-person capacity.
Christmas Lessons & Carols
Mon Dec. 23 • 6 pm Tue Dec. 24 • 6 pm Readings from Holy Scripture, favorite hymns, and instrumental music carry us from Creation to the manger in Bethlehem. Livestream available. Due to capacity concerns, in-person passes are required. Both services are at in-person capacity.
Christmas Eve Festival Holy Eucharist
Tue Dec. 24 • 10 pm In one of the most beautiful services of the year, we herald the Light made known to us on this holy night. Celebrate Christ’s birth with readings from Holy Scripture, favorite hymns, and seasonal choral and instrumental music. This service includes Holy Communion. Livestream available. Due to capacity concerns, in-person passes are required. This service is at in-person capacity.
Christmas Day Festival Holy Eucharist
Wed Dec. 25 • 11:15 am Join us for the festive morning service as we mark the birth of Christ with readings from Holy Scripture, favorite hymns, and seasonal choral and instrumental music. This service includes Holy Communion. Livestream available. Passes not required.
Christmas Day Organ Recital
Wed Dec. 25 • 1:30 pm The Christmas Day Organ Recital features festive music performed by Cathedral Organist Thomas Sheehan and Organ Scholar Ariana Corbin. Livestream available. Tickets not required.
Handel's Messiah
Original Performance Dates: Dec. 6-8, 2024
Thank you for joining us! The Washington National Cathedral Choir and Baroque Orchestra perform Handel’s beloved Messiah. Experience the triumphant “Hallelujah Chorus” under the Cathedral’s soaring architecture.
ICYMI: Blue Christmas Service
Original service date: Dec. 18, 2024
In case you missed it: At a time of year when so many experience feelings of grief, loss, and hardship, this service of prayer, music, and reflection invites us into hope and healing. This service includes Holy Communion.
ICYMI: Advent Lessons & Carols
Original service date: Dec. 1, 2024
In case you missed it: Join us as we prepare for the birth of Jesus at Christmas. Readings from Holy Scripture, hymns, and seasonal choral music proclaim the coming of the Promised One. Watch archived stream below.
Nativity Sets from Around the World
annual exhibit
Join your family with families the world over to celebrate the Christmas story as told through traditional nativity sets. "One Family, One World" showcases nativity sets, also known as crèches, from the Cathedral’s collection. This exhibit is included with sightseeing admission and runs from Nov. 25 through Jan. 11.
learn more
Honor a Loved One this Christmas
memorial & honor gifts
The beauty of a Cathedral Christmas is made possible by people just like you! If you’d like to contribute to the offering of greens and flowers to honor a loved one, we appreciate your generosity as we aim to decorate the Cathedral to match the glory of the season.
Give Now