Washington National Cathedral

WASHINGTON, D.C.—In addition to worship services, Washington National Cathedral offers many family-friendly events during the 2009 holiday season. All events take place at Washington National Cathedral, Massachusetts and Wisconsin Avenues, N.W., Washington, D.C., 20016:

The First Noel: Annual Crèche Exhibit
Monday, November 23, 2009–Friday, January 8, 2010; located on the Lower Level in the south aisle; free; Open Monday-Friday, 10 am to 5:30 pm; Saturday, 10 am to 4:30 pm; Sunday, 8 am to 6:30 pm; For more information, please call (202) 537-6200.
The Cathedral presents its annual international crèche exhibit featuring crèches from around the country and around the world.

Close-Up Tour: Angels Everywhere
Thursday, December 3 at 3 pm; Sunday, December 6 at 1:30 pm; The tour meets at the west-end docent station, nave level, just inside the main doors; $5. per person; The tours offer a special in-depth look at aspects of Cathedral artisanship for visitors aged 10 and older. Reservations are not required. Information at (202) 537-6200.
Discover how angels have been depicted in stained glass, needlepoint, wood carving, and stone carving throughout Washington National Cathedral.

Handel’s Messiah
Friday, December 4 at 7:30 pm, Saturday, December 5 at 4 pm, and Sunday, December 6 at 4 pm
Tickets range from $20 to $80. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.music.cathedral.org or call (202) 537-2228.
Handel’s Messiah at Washington National Cathedral is one of Washington, D.C.’s most popular holiday traditions. Michael McCarthy conducts the Cathedral’s men and youth choirs with Baroque orchestra in an authentic presentation of Handel’s beloved oratorio. Soloists include Rufus Müller, tenor, Craig Phillips, bass-baritone, Clare Wilkinson, mezzo-soprano, Gillian Keith, soprano.

The Joy of Christmas – Cathedral Choral Society, J. Reilly Lewis, Music Director with the participation of the Heritage Signature Chorale, Scott Dettra, organ, and Edward Nassor, carrillon
Saturday, December 12, at noon (special family matinee, all seats are general admission and $25.)
Saturday, December 12, at 4 pm
Sunday, December 13, 2007 at 4 pm
For more information, go to: www.cathedralchoralsociety.org. Tickets range from $20 to $80. Call (202) 537-5527 during business hours (Monday to Friday, 10 am – 4 pm). A perennial Washington holiday favorite from the opening procession of the advent wreath to the final note of the last beloved carol, this festive concert has long been a family Christmas tradition. It will include favorite carols for all to sing, including the world premiere of a Christmas carol by the renowned American composer Lee Hoiby, and features the Heritage Signature Chorale. Takes place in the Gothic splendor of Washington National Cathedral.

Annual Christmas Pageant
Saturday, December 19 at 2 pm; free; The pageant takes place in the main part of the church, (202) 537-6200.
The special service for children will include the reenactment of the story of Jesus’ birth including visits from the three magi, animals, and angels. Free and open to the public.

SOURCE: Washington National Cathedral