Advent & Christmas 2009
Return and re-experience the mystery, wonder, and joy of Advent and Christmas through services and celebrations at Washington National Cathedral.
Handel Messiah
Friday, December 4 7:30 pm
Saturday, December 5 4 pm
Sunday, December 6 4 pm
The Cathedral choirs, baroque orchestra, and guest soloists present Handel’s beloved masterpiece in its entirety. Details & tickets »
The Joy of Christmas
Saturday, December 12 12 noon
Saturday, December 12 4 pm
Sunday, Decemer 13 4 pm
The Cathedral Choral Society present this Washington holiday must-see with the Heritage Signature Chorale. This year’ concerts feature the world premiere of a Christmas carol by the renowned American composer Lee Hoiby. Details & tickets »
Advent Lessons and Carols
Sunday, November 29 4 pm
The Cathedral choirs present anthems and carols amid Scripture lessons and prayers. Cathedral Dean Samuel T. Lloyd III offers the homily.
Service will be webcast live.
Christmas Lessons and Carols
Saturday, December 19 6 pm
Sunday, Decemer 20 4 pm
This service called “Carols by Candlelight” alternates carols sung by the Cathedral choirs with collects and Scripture readings. The homily is offered by Cathedral Dean Samuel T. Lloyd III.
Service will be webcast live.
Bethlehem Prayer Service
Saturday, December 19 10 am
A simulcast Christmas service held in the Cathedral’s Bethlehem Chapel and in Bethlehem, Palestine. Learn more »
Webcast live.
Exhibit of Nativity Scenes
Opens Monday, November 23
The annual crèche exhibition includes sets from around the world. Details »
Christmas Eve
Thursday, December 24 6 & 10 pm
Festival Holy Eucharist on Christmas Eve. Cathedral Dean Samuel T. Lloyd III and the Rt. Rev. John Bryson Chane preach and preside.
Request passes for the 10 pm service now »
Sign up for the waiting list for the 6 pm service online now »
Webcast live.
Christmas Day
Friday, December 25 9 am
Televised nationally, Bishop John Bryson Chane preaches the Christmas sermon and Cathedral Dean Samuel T. Lloyd III presides at the Eucharist. The Rev. Canon Carol L. Wade shares the Christmas story with children in a children’s sermon.
Check local listings for broadcast channels and times. Webcast live.
Christmas Pageant
Saturday, December 19 2 pm
Children and families reenact the Nativity with the help of shepherds, angel, wisemen, animals, and a monster! Webcast live.
Sunday Mornings in Advent
Join us Sunday mornings for the Sunday Forum at 10:10 am and for Holy Eucharist at 11:15 am.
Webcast live.