Advent & Christmas
Browse the full schedule of worship services, concerts, and other features below. Select service passes available November 17.
Join us for Advent and Christmas 2025
We can’t wait to welcome you to Advent and Christmas at the Cathedral, in-person and online.
Seasonal Concerts
Handel’s Messiah • Dec. 5-7
The Washington National Cathedral Choir and Baroque Orchestra perform Handel’s beloved Messiah under under the direction of Dana Marsh. Abbreviated concert also available. See all showtimes and get tickets below.
VOCES8: Winter Tales • Dec. 19-20
The GRAMMY-nominated a capella ensemble VOCES8 makes its Cathedral debut with a winter program of carols, contemporary choral works, and festive favorites. See all showtimes and get tickets below.
Select Christmas Passes Available Nov. 17
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. 30 • 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. 5 • 7 pm
Sat Dec. 6 & Sun Dec. 7 • 6 pm
Handel's Messiah: Highlights
Sat Dec. 6 • 2 pm Enjoy the most popular selections from Messiah during this abbreviated, family-friendly program. From “Sinfonia (Overture)” to the legendary “Hallelujah Chorus,” experience the highlights of a concert that has become a Cathedral tradition. Runtime: 60 minutes.
Blue Christmas Service
Wed Dec. 17 • 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. Livestream available. Passes not required.
VOCES8: Winter Tales
Fri Dec. 19 • 7:30 pm Sat Dec. 20 • 7:30 pm The GRAMMY-nominated a capella ensemble VOCES8 makes its Cathedral debut with a winter program of carols, contemporary choral works, and festive favorites. Spanning centuries of seasonal music, from Es ist ein Ros’ entsprungen to Let it Snow, this concert celebrates the warmth and joy of the holiday season.
Gospel Christmas Service
Sun Dec. 21 • 6 pm Gather with us as we tell the story, through music, poetry, and scripture, in our annual Gospel Christmas service. Our very own Contemporary Ensemble and the Washington Performing Arts Children of the Gospel choir will partner to lead is all in celebration of The Newborn King! Livestream available. Due to capacity concerns, passes are required. Available Nov. 17.
Family Christmas Service
Tue 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, passes are required. Available Nov. 17.
Christmas Lessons & Carols
Tue Dec. 23 • 6 pm Wed 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. Livestream available. Due to capacity concerns, passes are required. Available Nov. 17.
Christmas Eve Festival Holy Eucharist
Wed 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. Livestream available. Due to capacity concerns, passes are required. Available Nov. 17.
Christmas Day Festival Holy Eucharist
Thu 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
Thu Dec. 25 • 2 pm The Christmas Day Organ Recital features festive music performed by Cathedral Organists. Livestream available. Tickets not required.
One Church, One Family: Nativity Scenes Exhibit
annual exhibit