Advent & Christmas
We look forward to coming together to celebrate Advent and Christmas at the Cathedral!
Advent and Christmas 2023
In-person or online, there are countless ways for you to join the Cathedral at Christmas, from concerts to worship to moments of quiet contemplation. We can’t wait to see you.
Christmas Service Passes
Due to capacity concerns, some of our more popular services require reserved passes.
We’re excited to welcome you to Christmas at the Cathedral, and we want to make our services accessible to everyone. All worship services at the Cathedral are free. We welcome your support if you would like to help us cover the costs of managing ticketing and entry. The suggested $7 processing fee is optional.
Advent Lessons & Carols
Sun Dec. 3 • 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. Passes are not required. Livestream also available.
Handel's Messiah
Fri Dec. 8 • 7 pm Sat Dec. 9 • 4 pm Sun Dec. 10 • 4 pm Join the Cathedral Choir and Baroque Orchestra for Handel’s beloved Messiah. The Cathedral’s soaring architecture and Gothic splendor offer a venue unlike any other in Washington to experience this masterpiece. Note: Sunday's performance also has a livestream ticket option. Handel's Messiah: Family Edition
Sat Dec. 9 • 12 pm Experience the best of Messiah with the whole family: an abbreviated performance of Messiah highlights, perfect for busy families with young children. This performance is in-person only.
Christmas with the King's Singers
Fri Dec. 15 • 7 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. From Christmas favorites to lesser-known gems to some brand-new surprises, there’s no better way to embrace the warmth of the season. Available in-person or via livestream.
Blue Christmas Service
Tue Dec. 19 • 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 are not required. Livestream also available.
Gospel Christmas: Joy to the World
Fri Dec. 22 • 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. This service requires in-person passes. Livestream also available.
Family Christmas Service
Sat 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. This service requires in-person passes. Livestream also available.
Christmas Lessons & Carols
Sat Dec. 23 • 6 pm Sun Dec. 24 • 6 pm NOTE: the Dec. 24 service is at capacity. Please check back - we will release additional passes if space becomes available. Passes for Dec. 23 are still available. The services are identical. Readings from Holy Scripture, favorite hymns, and instrumental music carry us from Creation to the manger in Bethlehem. Livestream also available.
Christmas Eve Festival Holy Eucharist
Sun 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. We celebrate Christ’s birth with readings from Holy Scripture, favorite hymns, and seasonal choral and instrumental music. This service includes Holy Communion and uses incense. This service requires in-person passes. Livestream also available.
Christmas Day Festival Holy Eucharist
Mon 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 and uses incense. Passes are not required. Livestream also available.
Christmas Day Organ Recital
Mon Dec. 25 • 1:30 pm Come home to the Cathedral this Christmas as Cathedral Organists Thomas Sheehan and Rebecca Ehren present a program of festive music. Tickets are not required. Livestream also available.
Crèches from Around the World
seasonal exhibit
This Christmas season, we invite you and your family to experience one of our most beloved traditions. Crèches from Around the World features nativity scenes—or, crèches—from dozens of different countries, showcasing a world of creative and diverse representations. Visit the exhibit during sightseeing hours.
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.
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