Advent & Christmas

Sun Nov. 27 • 11:15 am
As we prepare for the birth of Jesus at Christmas, join us for this popular seasonal service. Readings from Holy Scripture, hymns, and seasonal choral music proclaim the coming of the Promised One. In-person passes are NOT required.

Tue Dec. 13 • 6 pm
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. Priest Associate Patrick Keyser delivers the homily. In-Person Passes NOT required.

Fri. Dec. 23 • 11 am (SOLD OUT)
Heaven and nature sing! 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. Passes required.

This service is at in-person capacity. You are invited to join us online.

Fri. Dec. 23 • 6 pm
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. Hear the good news as it comes to life in our annual service of gospel Christmas music, poetry, and readings from Holy Scripture. Canon Theologian Kelly Brown Douglas delivers the homily. Passes required.

Thu Dec. 22 • 6 pm | Sat Dec. 24 • 6 pm (SOLD OUT)
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 continued love as made known in Christ. Canon Vicar Dana Colley Corsello (Dec. 22) and The Very Rev. Randy Hollerith (Dec. 24) deliver the homilies. Passes required.

Sat Dec. 24 • 10 pm (SOLD OUT)
In one of the most beautiful services of the year, we herald the Light made known to us on this holy night. We celebrate Christ’s birth with readings from Holy Scripture, favorite hymns, seasonal choral and instrumental music, and preaching by Cathedral Dean Randolph Marshall Hollerith. The Right Reverend Mariann Edgar Budde, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, presides. This service includes Holy Communion. Incense will be used. Passes required.

This service is at capacity. You are invited to join us online.

Sun Dec. 25 • 11:15 am
On this day earth shall ring! In this festive morning service, we mark the birth of Christ with readings from Holy Scripture, favorite hymns, seasonal choral and instrumental music, and preaching by Provost Jan Naylor Cope. Dean Randolph Marshall Hollerith presides. Incense will be used. This service includes Holy Communion. In-person passes are NOT required.

Fri. Dec. 2 • 7 pm; Sat. Dec. 3 • 12 pm & 4 pm; Sun. Dec. 4 • 4 pm
A Christmas season tradition: the Cathedral’s soaring architecture and Gothic splendor offers a venue unlike any other to experience Handel’s iconic work. Shortened “Family Edition” available on Saturday at noon. Live webcast available for Sunday’s performance.

Sat. Dec. 10 • 2 pm & 6 pm; Sun. Dec. 11 • 4 pm
Trumpets, drums, and voices herald the coming of the Christmas season. As the cold of winter sets in, music of the holidays past and present will warm your spirit. CCS’s annual Joy of Christmas is a Washington tradition that all should experience.

Sun. Dec 25 • 1:30 pm
Cathedral organists Thomas Sheehan and Rebecca Ehren present a program of festive Christmas music on the Cathedral’s Great Organ. In-Person passes are NOT required.