December
Ongoing Exhibitions
Ongoing
Featured Event: Dreamers and Believers: Cathedral Builders
Engaging exhibit using stories, voices, images, and film to celebrate the visionaries, donors, artists, and workers who built the Cathedral. Learn more »
Thursday, December 3
- 11:30 AM
Touring Interruption
No touring in the afternoon of the nave (main level) due to concert rehearsal
- 3:00 PM
Close-up Tour: Angels Everywhere
See how angels have been depicted in stained glass, needlepoint, wood carving, and stone carving Learn more »
Tickets: $5 per person; no reservation required..
- 5:00 PM
Christmas Shopping Night on the Close
The Herb Cottage and Cathedral Store stay open late for a gala night of shopping for the holidays
Friday, December 4
- 7:30 PM
Handel: Messiah
The Cathedral Choir and Baroque Orchestra perform this beloved masterpiece. Learn more »
Tickets: $20-$80. Order tickets now »
Saturday, December 5
- 9:30 AM
Waiting on the Lord: An Advent Quiet Morning
Morning Pilgrimage: As we enter this season of holy waiting, prepare your heart for the coming of the Light with a quiet morning of contemplative practices. Learn more »
Tickets: Registration Required. $30/regular; $25/student and senior.. Order tickets now »
- 2:00 PM
Touring Interruption
Nave (main level) will close for concert preparations at 2 pm
- 4:00 PM
Handel: Messiah
The Cathedral Choir and Baroque Orchestra with soloists perform this beloved masterpiece. Learn more »
Tickets: $20-$80. Order tickets now »
Sunday, December 6
- 7:45 AM
Holy Eucharist, Rite 1
The Rev. Dr. Beth Humphrey, preacher
- 8:45 AM
Holy Eucharist
Cathedral Dean Samuel T. Lloyd III, preacher
- 10:00 AM
Contemporary Folk Eucharist
The Rev. Dr. Beth Humphrey, worship leader
- 10:10 AM
Sunday Forum: Are We Our Brother's Keeper? Fighting Disease and Poverty Around the World
Ed Scott Learn more »
- 11:15 AM
Holy Eucharist
Cathedral Dean Samuel T. Lloyd III, preacher
- 1:30 PM
Close-up Tour: Angels Everywhere
See how angels have been depicted in stained glass, needlepoint, wood carving, and stone carving Learn more »
Tickets: $5 per person; no reservation required..
- 2:00 PM
Touring Interruption
Nave (main level) will close for concert preparations at 2 pm
- 4:00 PM
Handel: Messiah
The Cathedral Choir and Baroque Orchestra perform this beloved masterpiece. Learn more »
Tickets: $20-$80. Order tickets now »
Monday, December 7
- 6:15 PM
Benedictine Life and Prayer
Discover life balance and spiritual renewal through shared silence, deep listening, intentional conversation, and centering prayer on this journey through the Rule of St. Benedict. Learn more »
- 7:45 PM
Creating a Rule of Life
Experience shared learning, mutual support, and lively encouragement as you create a unique guide for living your life of balance and reconciliation in the world. Learn more »
Thursday, December 10
- 10:00 AM
Benedictine Experience at Bishop Claggett Center
A four-day retreat with leader Margaret Guenther, entitled: O Come, Emmanuel Learn more »
Tickets: $275-$446. Order tickets now »
- 10:00 AM
Touring Interruption
No touring of the nave (main level) in the morning due to school service
Saturday, December 12
- 12:00 PM
The Joy of Christmas: Family Matinee
An abbreviated version of the annual Cathedral Choral Society Christmas concert designed for families; duration: about 1 hour Learn more »
Tickets: $20-$80. Order tickets now »
- 4:00 PM
The Joy of Christmas
Annual Christmas concert with the Cathedral Choral Society. Learn more »
Tickets: $20-$80. Order tickets now »
Sunday, December 13
- 7:45 AM
Holy Eucharist, Rite 1
The Rev. Canon Samuel Van Culin, preacher
- 8:45 AM
Holy Eucharist
The Rev. Canon Carol L. Wade, preacher
- 10:00 AM
Contemporary Folk Eucharist
The Rev. Canon Samuel Van Culin, worship leader
- 10:10 AM
Sunday Forum: The Soul and the Season: Discovering the Reality of Christmas
The Very Rev. Samuel T. Lloyd III Learn more »
- 11:15 AM
Holy Eucharist
The Rev. Canon Carol L. Wade, preacher
- 4:00 PM
The Joy of Christmas
Annual Christmas concert with the Cathedral Choral Society. Learn more »
Tickets: $20-$80. Order tickets now »
Monday, December 14
- 6:15 PM
Benedictine Life and Prayer
Discover life balance and spiritual renewal through shared silence, deep listening, intentional conversation, and centering prayer on this journey through the Rule of St. Benedict. Learn more »
Friday, December 18
- 10:00 AM
Touring Interruption
No touring of the nave (main level) in the morning due to school service.
Saturday, December 19
- 10:00 AM
Bethlehem Prayer Service
Joint simulcast worship service with the people of Bethlehem and worshipers in the Cathedral’s Bethlehem Chapel. Learn more »
- 2:00 PM
Christmas Pageant
As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, we invite you to bring your children, grandchildren, and other special youngsters to participate in the Christmas pageant. Learn more »
- 6:00 PM
Carols by Candlelight
Cathedral Dean Samuel T. Lloyd III, preacher Learn more »
Sunday, December 20
-
Congregation New Member Orientation
Held in the Garrett Lounge, the third Sunday of every month.
- 7:45 AM
Holy Eucharist, Rite 1
- 8:45 AM
Holy Eucharist
Cathedral Dean Samuel T. Lloyd III, preacher
- 10:00 AM
Contemporary Folk Eucharist
- 10:10 AM
Sunday Forum: C.S. Lewis for Christmas
Max McLean Learn more »
- 11:15 AM
Holy Eucharist
Cathedral Dean Samuel T. Lloyd III, preacher
- 4:00 PM
Carols by Candlelight
Cathedral Dean Samuel T. Lloyd III, preacher. Learn more »
Monday, December 21
- 6:15 PM
Benedictine Life and Prayer
Discover life balance and spiritual renewal through shared silence, deep listening, intentional conversation, and centering prayer on this journey through the Rule of St. Benedict. Learn more »
Thursday, December 24
- 10:00 AM
Touring Interruption
No guided tours offered on Christmas Eve
- 12:30 PM
Touring Interruption
The Cathedral closes at 12:30 pm in preparation for Christmas Eve services
- 6:00 PM
Christmas Eve Festival Holy Eucharist
Passes required. Learn more »
- 10:00 PM
Christmas Eve Festival Holy Eucharist
Passes required. Learn more »
Friday, December 25
- 9:00 AM
Christmas Day Festival Holy Eucharist
Nationally telecast Christmas Day service. Learn more »
- 10:00 AM
Touring Interruption
No guided tours all day due to Christmas holiday. Self-guided touring is available
- 12:00 PM
Christmas Day Holy Eucharist
Holy Eucharist on Christmas Day, with organ and hymns.
- 4:00 PM
Christmas Lessons and Carols
Service of Word and prayer on Christmas afternoon.
- 5:15 PM
Organ Recital: Christmas Day Organ Recital
Annual Christmas Day organ recital.
Sunday, December 27
- 7:45 AM
Holy Eucharist, Rite 1
- 8:45 AM
Holy Eucharist
The Rev. Canon Stephen Huber, preacher
- 11:15 AM
Holy Eucharist
The Rev. Canon Stephen Huber, preacher
Monday, December 28
-
Ceremonial Laying of Wreath on President Wilson‘s Tomb
Join representatives from the U.S. military services on the occasion of the anniversary of Wilson’s birth.
- 6:15 PM
Benedictine Life and Prayer
Discover life balance and spiritual renewal through shared silence, deep listening, intentional conversation, and centering prayer on this journey through the Rule of St. Benedict. Learn more »
Tuesday, December 29
- 6:30 PM
Cathedral Crossroads
An evening of contemplative practice on the last Tuesday of each month; free and open to the public.