Advent & Christmas
Browse the full schedule of worship services, concerts, and other features below.
Thank you for joining us!
Thanks to all who joined us to celebrate Advent and Christmas at the Cathedral, in-person and online.
Christmas Day Organ Recital
Original performance date: Dec. 25, 2025
Thank you for joining us! The Christmas Day Organ Recital features festive music performed by Cathedral Organists.
Christmas Day Festival Holy Eucharist
Original service date: Dec. 25, 2025
Thank you for joining us! 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 Eve Festival Holy Eucharist
Original service date: Dec. 24, 2025
Thank you for joining us! 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.
Christmas Lessons & Carols
Original service dates: Dec. 23 and 24, 2025
Thank you for joining us! 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.
Family Christmas Service
Original service date: Dec. 23, 2025
Thank you for joining us! 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.
Gospel Christmas Service
Original service date: Dec. 21, 2025
Thank you for joining us! 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!
VOCES8: Winter Tales
Original concert dates: Dec. 19-20, 2025
Thank you for joining us! 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.
Blue Christmas Service
Original service date: Dec. 17, 2025
Thank you for joining us! 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.
Handel's Messiah
Original Concert Dates: Dec. 5-7, 2025
Thank you for joining us! The Washington National Cathedral Choir and Baroque Orchestra perform Handel’s beloved Messiah under the direction of Dana Marsh. Experience the triumphant “Hallelujah Chorus” surrounded by the Cathedral’s soaring architecture. Runtime: 2.5 hours. Livestream available for 12/7 performance.
Advent Lessons & Carols
Original service date: Nov. 30, 2025
Thank you for joining us! 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.
One Church, One Family: Nativity Scenes Exhibit
annual exhibit
Join your family with families the world over to celebrate the Christmas story as told through traditional nativity sets. "One Church, One Family" showcases nativity sets, also known as crèches, from the Cathedral’s collection. This exhibit is included with sightseeing admission and runs from Nov. 24 through Jan. 18.
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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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