Advent & Christmas
Browse the schedule of Advent and Christmas worship services, concerts, and other features below.
Join us for Advent and Christmas 2024
We can’t wait to welcome you to Advent and Christmas at the Cathedral, in-person and online.
Tickets for Handel’s Messiah now on sale
Tickets for Handel’s Messiah, the beloved Cathedral holiday tradition, are on sale. Get tickets now →
Select Christmas Service Passes Available Nov. 18
Due to capacity concerns, reserved passes are required for the following services: Family Christmas Service, Gospel Christmas Service, Christmas Lessons & Carols, Christmas Eve Festival Eucharist. Reserved passes are not required for other worship services during Advent and Christmas.
At the Cathedral we want to make our services accessible to everyone. There is never a charge for worship services or private prayer. The $7 processing fee is optional.
Advent Lessons & Carols
Sun Dec. 1 • 4 pm As we prepare for the birth of Jesus at Christmas, join us in-person or online for this popular seasonal service. Readings from Holy Scripture, hymns, and seasonal choral music proclaim the coming of the Promised One. Livestream available. Passes not required.
Handel's Messiah
Fri Dec. 6 • 7 pm Sat Dec. 7 • 4 pm Sun Dec. 8 • 4 pm The Washington National Cathedral Choir and Baroque Orchestra perform Handel’s beloved Messiah. Experience the triumphant “Hallelujah Chorus” under the Cathedral’s soaring architecture. Runtime: 2.5 hours, including intermission. Livestream available for 12/8 performance only. Handel's Messiah: Family Edition
Sat Dec. 7 • 12 pm Experience the best of Messiah with the whole family: an abbreviated performance of Messiah highlights, perfect for busy families with young children. In-person only. Runtime: 60 minutes.
Blue Christmas Service
Wed Dec. 18 • 7 pm 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. Passes not required. Livestream available.
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. Available 11/18.
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. Available 11/18.
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. Available 11/18.
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. Available 11/18.
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.
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