Advent & Christmas
Browse the full schedule of worship services, concerts, and other features below.
Advent & Christmas 2026
We can’t wait to welcome you to Advent and Christmas at the Cathedral, in-person and online.
Seasonal Concerts
Handel’s Messiah • Dec. 4-6
The Washington National Cathedral Choir and Baroque Orchestra perform Handel’s beloved Messiah. Full concert, highlights concert, livestream, and overnight stay options available. See all ticket options →
Christmas with Cantus: Lessons and Carols for Our Time • Dec. 20
Acclaimed ensemble Cantus brings its signature warmth and artistry to this contemporary take on the beloved Lessons and Carols tradition. Featuring seasonal readings and a thoughtful blend of cherished carols. In-person tickets and livestream tickets available.
Select Christmas Passes Available Nov. 16
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 Nov. 29 • 4 pm 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. Livestream available. Passes not required.
Handel's Messiah
Fri Dec. 4 – Sun Dec. 6
Multiple Showtimes
Blue Christmas Service
Wed Dec. 16 • 6 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. Livestream available. Passes not required.
Gospel Christmas Service
Sat Dec. 19 • 6 pm Gather with us as we tell the story, through music, poetry, and scripture in our annual Gospel Christmas service. Featuring the Washington Performing Arts Children of the Gospel Choir, Kingston 17 and the Cathedral Contemporary Ensemble. Due to capacity concerns, in-person passes are required. Available Nov. 16.
Cantus: Lessons and Carols for Our Time
Sun Dec. 20 • 6 pm Acclaimed ensemble Cantus brings its signature warmth and artistry to this contemporary take on the beloved Lessons and Carols tradition. Featuring seasonal readings and a thoughtful blend of cherished carols. Livestream tickets available. Run time: 90 minutes, including intermission.
Family Christmas Service
Wed 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. Due to capacity concerns, in-person passes are required. Available Nov. 16.
Christmas Lessons & Carols
Wed Dec. 23 • 6 pm Thu Dec. 24 • 6 pm 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 continuing love as made known in Christ. Due to capacity concerns, in-person passes are required. Available Nov. 16.
Christmas Eve Festival Holy Eucharist
Thu 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. Due to capacity concerns, in-person passes are required. Available Nov. 16.
Christmas Day Festival Holy Eucharist
Fri 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. Livestream available. Passes not required.
Christmas Day Organ Recital
Fri Dec. 25 • 1:30 pm The Christmas Day Organ Recital features festive music performed by Cathedral Organists.