Advent & Christmas In-Person

Saturday, Dec. 4 • 7 pm eastern
Sunday, Dec. 5 • 4 pm eastern

Join us for Handel’s beloved Messiah in the glorious surroundings of Washington National Cathedral. The soaring architecture and Gothic splendor offers a space unlike any other in Washington to experience this masterpiece and Christmas classic.

Saturday, Dec. 4 • 12 pm eastern

Experience the best of Handel’s Messiah with the whole family! This abbreviated performance of Messiah highlights, including the beloved Hallelujah chorus, is perfect for busy families with young children.

Saturday, Dec. 11 • 2 pm and 6 pm
Sunday, Dec. 12 • 4 pm

Washington, D.C.’s holiday tradition since 1976 is back. Seraph Brass and organist Tom Sheehan join Maestro Steven Fox and the Cathedral Choral Society for an unforgettable return to choral music. Enjoy traditional favorites along with a newly-commissioned carol by composer Jonathan Woody.

Friday, Dec. 17 • 7:30 pm

Celebrate the magic of the Christmas season with one of Britain’s most beloved vocal ensembles, The King’s Singers, in their only DC-area appearance. With Christmas favorites, lesser-known gems and some brand new surprises, there’s no better way to embrace the warmth of the season than with these talented singers.

Saturday, Dec. 25 • 1:30 pm eastern

Cathedral organists Thomas Sheehan and George Fergus present a program of festive Christmas music on the Cathedral’s Great Organ. Make a cup of cocoa, wear your holiday-appropriate ugly sweaters and socks, and celebrate Christmas with us!

The Christmas Day organ recital will be online only. Read Dean Hollerith’s full statement about our adjusted Christmas schedule here.

Registration required for online access.

Sunday, Nov. 28 • 4 pm eastern

Join us for the return of this popular seasonal service as we anticipate the arrival of the Messiah. Readings, hymns, and seasonal choral music proclaim the coming of the Promised One.

Passes not required.

Tuesday, Dec. 14 • 7 pm eastern

At a time when so many continue to experience grief, loss, and hardship, this service of prayer, music, and reflection invites us into hope and healing. The Reverend Canon Jan Naylor Cope delivers the homily. Chaplains will be available in private zoom chapels during and following the service (pre-register here).

Passes not required.

Sunday, Dec. 19 • 6 pm eastern

Hear the good news of great joy as it comes to life in our annual service of gospel Christmas music and readings from Holy Scripture. The Reverend Canon Leonard L. Hamlin, Sr., delivers the homily.

Passes not required.

The Family Christmas Service scheduled for December 23 has been canceled, due to large numbers of potentially unvaccinated children. Read Dean Hollerith’s full statement about our adjusted Christmas schedule here. 

Thursday, Dec. 23 • 6 pm eastern

Journey with us from Creation to the manger in Bethlehem with readings from Holy Scripture, favorite hymns, and the Cathedral’s best-in-class music. We will again tell the ancient story of God’s love that took flesh in Jesus Christ.

This service will no longer be available in-person. Please join us online.

Download the service leaflet

Due to the spike in COVID-19 in the DC area, this service has been canceled. 

Friday, Dec. 24 • 10 pm eastern

In one of the most beautiful services of the year, we herald the Light made known to us on this holy night. Join us as we celebrate Christ’s birth with readings from Holy Scripture, favorite hymns, seasonal choral and instrumental music, and preaching by the Right Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde, Bishop, Episcopal Diocese of Washington. This service includes Holy Communion. Incense will be used.

This service will no longer be available in-person. Please join us online.

Access the link below at 9:45 pm ET to attend the service online.

Download the service leaflet

The Cathedral will be closed Christmas Day and the 11:15 am Christmas Day Eucharist is canceled. Read Dean Hollerith’s full statement about our adjusted Christmas schedule here.