December
Current Exhibits
Currently on display on the seventh floor are “Though the Earth Be Moved,” a look at the impact of the 2011 earthquake on the Cathedral, and “Gothic Resilience,” an exhibition of Cathedral photographs by Colin Winterbottom.
Wednesday, December 1
- 7:00 AM
Touring Interruption
Touring Interruption
- 10:00 AM
Touring Interruption
No touring of the nave (main level) in the morning due to school service. Touring will begin at 10:45 am. Lower level, Cathedral Store, and Bishop’s Garden open.
- 10:30 AM
Behind-the-Scenes Tour
This specialty tour takes you up close to stained glass windows, gargoyles, and areas of the Cathedral not on the Highlights Tour. Learn more »
- 12:30 PM
Organ Demonstration
On Mondays and Wednesdays from 12:30 to 1 pm, a Cathedral organist gives a short talk about the 10,650-pipe great organ followed by a mini-recital.
- 1:30 PM
Behind-the-Scenes Tour
This specialty tour takes you up close to stained glass windows, gargoyles, and areas of the Cathedral not on the Highlights Tour. Learn more »
Thursday, December 2
- 10:30 AM
Behind-the-Scenes Tour
This specialty tour takes you up close to stained glass windows, gargoyles, and areas of the Cathedral not on the Highlights Tour. Learn more »
- 11:30 AM
Touring Interruption
No touring in the afternoon of the nave (main level) due to concert rehearsal. Touring will conclude at 11:30 am.
- 1:30 PM
Behind-the-Scenes Tour
This specialty tour takes you up close to stained glass windows, gargoyles, and areas of the Cathedral not on the Highlights Tour. Learn more »
- 3:00 PM
Close-up Tour: Holy Family
These tours offer a special in-depth look at aspects of Cathedral artisanship for visitors aged 10 and older. Learn more »
- 5:00 PM
Holiday Shopping Night
Save 20% off most items this night only at the Herb Cottage and Cathedral Store. Learn more »
Friday, December 3
- 10:30 AM
Behind-the-Scenes Tour
This specialty tour takes you up close to stained glass windows, gargoyles, and areas of the Cathedral not on the Highlights Tour. Learn more »
- 1:30 PM
Behind-the-Scenes Tour
This specialty tour takes you up close to stained glass windows, gargoyles, and areas of the Cathedral not on the Highlights Tour. Learn more »
- 4:45 PM
Touring Interruption
Nave (main level) will closed for concert preparations at 4:45 pm. Nave (main level) will reopen to concert attendees at 6:30 pm.
- 7:30 PM
Handel’s Messiah
Handel's masterpiece in the Cathedral's setting is the essential Christmas music experience. A Baroque-period orchestra and guest soloists join the Cathedral's combined boy, girl and men's choirs under the direction of Michael McCarthy. Learn more »
Saturday, December 4
- 9:30 AM
Waiting and Watching: An Advent Journey
This morning pilgrimage invites you to begin the Advent journey in prayer and quiet contemplation in the sanctuary of the Center for Prayer and Pilgrimage. Learn more »
- 1:45 PM
Touring Interruption
Nave (main level) will closed for concert preparations at 1:45 pm. Nave (main level) will reopen to concert attendees at 3 pm.
- 1:45 PM
Touring Interruption
Nave (main level) will closed for concert preparations at 1:45 pm. Nave (main level) will reopen to concert attendees at 3 pm. Crypt level, gardens, and Cathedral Store open.
- 4:00 PM
Handel’s Messiah
Handel's masterpiece in the Cathedral's setting is the essential Christmas music experience. A Baroque-period orchestra and guest soloists join the Cathedral's combined boy, girl and men's choirs under the direction of Michael McCarthy. Learn more »
Sunday, December 5
- 7:45 AM
Holy Eucharist, Rite 1
The Rev. Jan Naylor Cope, preacher
- 8:45 AM
Holy Eucharist
The Rev. Gina Campbell, preacher
- 10:00 AM
Contemporary Folk Eucharist
The Rev. Jan Naylor Cope, worship leader
- 11:15 AM
Holy Eucharist and Celebration of American Preaching
The Rev. Dr. Nora Tubbs Tisdale, guest preacher
- 1:00 PM
Close-up Tour: Holy Family
These tours offer a special in-depth look at aspects of Cathedral artisanship for visitors aged 10 and older. Learn more »
- 1:45 PM
Touring Interruption
Nave (main level) will closed for concert preparations at 1:45 pm. Nave (main level) will reopen to concert attendees at 3 pm.
- 4:00 PM
Handel’s Messiah
Handel's masterpiece in the Cathedral's setting is the essential Christmas music experience. A Baroque-period orchestra and guest soloists join the Cathedral's combined boy, girl and men's choirs under the direction of Michael McCarthy. Learn more »
Monday, December 6
- 10:30 AM
Behind-the-Scenes Tour
This specialty tour takes you up close to stained glass windows, gargoyles, and areas of the Cathedral not on the Highlights Tour. Learn more »
- 12:30 PM
Organ Demonstration
On Mondays and Wednesdays from 12:30 to 1 pm, a Cathedral organist gives a short talk about the 10,650-pipe great organ followed by a mini-recital.
- 1:30 PM
Behind-the-Scenes Tour
This specialty tour takes you up close to stained glass windows, gargoyles, and areas of the Cathedral not on the Highlights Tour. Learn more »
- 5:30 PM
Weekday Evensong
The Girl Choristers sing Evensong. Learn more »
Tuesday, December 7
- 10:30 AM
Behind-the-Scenes Tour
This specialty tour takes you up close to stained glass windows, gargoyles, and areas of the Cathedral not on the Highlights Tour. Learn more »
- 1:30 PM
Behind-the-Scenes Tour
This specialty tour takes you up close to stained glass windows, gargoyles, and areas of the Cathedral not on the Highlights Tour. Learn more »
- 5:30 PM
Weekday Evensong
The Boy Choristers sing Evensong. Learn more »
- 6:00 PM
Centering Prayer
Open your entire being to God's presence during this time of silent prayer as you move beyond thoughts, words, and emotions into a quiet communion with the Divine. Learn more »
Wednesday, December 8
- 10:30 AM
Behind-the-Scenes Tour
This specialty tour takes you up close to stained glass windows, gargoyles, and areas of the Cathedral not on the Highlights Tour. Learn more »
- 12:30 PM
Organ Demonstration
On Mondays and Wednesdays from 12:30 to 1 pm, a Cathedral organist gives a short talk about the 10,650-pipe great organ followed by a mini-recital.
- 1:30 PM
Behind-the-Scenes Tour
This specialty tour takes you up close to stained glass windows, gargoyles, and areas of the Cathedral not on the Highlights Tour. Learn more »
- 5:30 PM
Weekday Evensong
The Cathedral Choir of Men and Girls sings Evensong. Learn more »
Thursday, December 9
- 10:30 AM
Behind-the-Scenes Tour
This specialty tour takes you up close to stained glass windows, gargoyles, and areas of the Cathedral not on the Highlights Tour. Learn more »
- 1:30 PM
Behind-the-Scenes Tour
This specialty tour takes you up close to stained glass windows, gargoyles, and areas of the Cathedral not on the Highlights Tour. Learn more »
- 5:30 PM
Weekday Evensong
The Cathedral Choir of Men and Boys sings Evensong. Learn more »
Friday, December 10
- 10:30 AM
Behind-the-Scenes Tour
This specialty tour takes you up close to stained glass windows, gargoyles, and areas of the Cathedral not on the Highlights Tour. Learn more »
- 12:00 PM
Touring Interruption
No touring of the Nave (main level) from 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm due to concert.
- 12:00 PM
Young People’s Joy of Christmas
Cathedral Choral Society; J. Reilly Lewis, conductor
- 1:30 PM
Behind-the-Scenes Tour
This specialty tour takes you up close to stained glass windows, gargoyles, and areas of the Cathedral not on the Highlights Tour. Learn more »
- 7:00 PM
Re-Center from the Center
An evening pilgrimage of quiet prayer and renewal. Learn more »
Saturday, December 11
- 7:00 AM
Touring Interruption
Nave (main level) will be closed all day for concert preparations. Nave will reopen to concert attendees. Limited touring of the lower level will be available.
- 12:00 PM
The Joy of Christmas: Family Matinee
From the opening procession accompanied by the Cathedral's organ to beloved carols old and new, this festive concert has long been a Washington family tradition. Learn more »
- 4:00 PM
The Joy of Christmas
Cathedral Choral Society; J. Reilly Lewis, conductor Learn more »
Sunday, December 12
- 7:45 AM
Holy Eucharist, Rite 1
Cathedral Dean Samuel T. Lloyd III, preacher
- 8:45 AM
Holy Eucharist
Cathedral Dean Samuel T. Lloyd III, preacher
- 9:15 AM
Christmas Baskets
Food baskets for local families Learn more »
- 9:45 AM
Giving Tree
Congregration Giving Tree - drop off presents Dec. 5 and Dec. 12 Learn more »
- 10:00 AM
Contemporary Folk Eucharist
The Rev. Nicole Simopoulos, worship leader
- 10:10 AM
Sunday Forum: One City
Mayor Elect Vince Gray Learn more »
- 11:15 AM
Holy Eucharist
Cathedral Dean Samuel T. Lloyd III, preacher
- 2:30 PM
Touring Interruption
Nave (main level) will be closed for concert preparations at 2:30 pm. Nave (main level) will reopen to concert attendees at 3:00 pm.
- 4:00 PM
The Joy of Christmas
Cathedral Choral Society; J. Reilly Lewis, conductor Learn more »
Monday, December 13
- 10:30 AM
Behind-the-Scenes Tour
This specialty tour takes you up close to stained glass windows, gargoyles, and areas of the Cathedral not on the Highlights Tour. Learn more »
- 12:30 PM
Organ Demonstration
On Mondays and Wednesdays from 12:30 to 1 pm, a Cathedral organist gives a short talk about the 10,650-pipe great organ followed by a mini-recital.
- 1:30 PM
Behind-the-Scenes Tour
This specialty tour takes you up close to stained glass windows, gargoyles, and areas of the Cathedral not on the Highlights Tour. Learn more »
- 5:30 PM
Weekday Evensong
The Girl Choristers sing Evensong. Learn more »
Tuesday, December 14
- 7:00 AM
Touring Interruption
No touring of the Nave (main level) in the morning due to school service rehearsal. Touring will begin at 10:45 am. Lower level, Museum Store and Bishop's Garden open.
- 10:30 AM
Behind-the-Scenes Tour
This specialty tour takes you up close to stained glass windows, gargoyles, and areas of the Cathedral not on the Highlights Tour. Learn more »
- 1:30 PM
Behind-the-Scenes Tour
This specialty tour takes you up close to stained glass windows, gargoyles, and areas of the Cathedral not on the Highlights Tour. Learn more »
- 5:00 PM
Listening For God
Hear the word of God in reading Holy Scripture, in silence, and by sharing with others in prayerful listening during this time of modified Lectio Divina, or holy reading. Learn more »
- 5:30 PM
Weekday Evensong
The Boy Choristers sing Evensong. Learn more »
- 6:00 PM
Centering Prayer
Open your entire being to God's presence during this time of silent prayer as you move beyond thoughts, words, and emotions into a quiet communion with the Divine. Learn more »
Wednesday, December 15
- 10:30 AM
Behind-the-Scenes Tour
This specialty tour takes you up close to stained glass windows, gargoyles, and areas of the Cathedral not on the Highlights Tour. Learn more »
- 12:30 PM
Organ Demonstration
On Mondays and Wednesdays from 12:30 to 1 pm, a Cathedral organist gives a short talk about the 10,650-pipe great organ followed by a mini-recital.
- 1:30 PM
Behind-the-Scenes Tour
This specialty tour takes you up close to stained glass windows, gargoyles, and areas of the Cathedral not on the Highlights Tour. Learn more »
Thursday, December 16
- 7:00 AM
Touring Interruption
No touring of the Nave (main level) in the morning due to school service rehearsal. Touring will begin at 10:45 am. Lower level, Museum Store and Bishop's Garden open.
- 10:30 AM
Behind-the-Scenes Tour
This specialty tour takes you up close to stained glass windows, gargoyles, and areas of the Cathedral not on the Highlights Tour. Learn more »
- 1:30 PM
Behind-the-Scenes Tour
This specialty tour takes you up close to stained glass windows, gargoyles, and areas of the Cathedral not on the Highlights Tour. Learn more »
Friday, December 17
- 7:00 AM
Touring Interruption
No touring of the Nave (main level) in the morning due to school service rehearsal. Touring will begin at 1 pm. Lower level, Museum Store and Bishop's Garden open.
- 10:30 AM
Behind-the-Scenes Tour
This specialty tour takes you up close to stained glass windows, gargoyles, and areas of the Cathedral not on the Highlights Tour. Learn more »
- 1:30 PM
Behind-the-Scenes Tour
This specialty tour takes you up close to stained glass windows, gargoyles, and areas of the Cathedral not on the Highlights Tour. Learn more »
Saturday, December 18
- 7:00 AM
Touring Interruption
No touring of the Nave (main level) in the morning due to service in the morning and Christmas pageant in the afternoon. Nave will be open in the morning to worshippers and pageant attendees. Limited touring of the lower level will be available.
- 10:00 AM
Bethlehem Prayer Service
Joint simulcast worship service with the people of Bethlehem and worshipers in the Cathedral’s nave. 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
A combination of beloved seasonal hymns and familiar Bible stories creates a warm and friendly atmosphere to begin our Christmas joy. Learn more »
- 7:30 PM
20s and 30s Christmas Potluck
20s and 30s Christmas Potluck in Sayre House Learn more »
Sunday, December 19
- 7:45 AM
Holy Eucharist, Rite 1
The Rev. Canon Mary Sulerud, preacher
- 8:30 AM
Martha's Table Ministry
Third Sunday of each month Learn more »
- 8:45 AM
Holy Eucharist
The Rev. Frank Wade, preacher
- 9:45 AM
Children to Children Campaign
School Supplies for the Kwasa Center in Springs, South Africa Learn more »
- 10:00 AM
Contemporary Folk Eucharist
The Rev. Canon Mary Sulerud, worship leader
- 10:10 AM
Sunday Forum: Christmas in the Movies
John Glavin Learn more »
- 11:15 AM
Holy Eucharist
The Rev. Frank Wade, preacher
- 4:00 PM
Carols by Candlelight
A combination of beloved seasonal hymns and familiar Bible stories creates a warm and friendly atmosphere to begin our Christmas joy. Learn more »
Monday, December 20
- 12:30 PM
Organ Demonstration
On Mondays and Wednesdays from 12:30 to 1 pm, a Cathedral organist gives a short talk about the 10,650-pipe great organ followed by a mini-recital.
Tuesday, December 21
- 10:30 AM
Behind-the-Scenes Tour
This specialty tour takes you up close to stained glass windows, gargoyles, and areas of the Cathedral not on the Highlights Tour. Learn more »
- 1:30 PM
Behind-the-Scenes Tour
This specialty tour takes you up close to stained glass windows, gargoyles, and areas of the Cathedral not on the Highlights Tour. Learn more »
- 5:00 PM
Listening For God
Hear the word of God in reading Holy Scripture, in silence, and by sharing with others in prayerful listening during this time of modified Lectio Divina, or holy reading. Learn more »
- 5:30 PM
Weekday Evensong
The Boy Choristers sing Evensong. Learn more »
- 6:00 PM
Centering Prayer
Open your entire being to God's presence during this time of silent prayer as you move beyond thoughts, words, and emotions into a quiet communion with the Divine. Learn more »
Wednesday, December 22
- 10:30 AM
Behind-the-Scenes Tour
This specialty tour takes you up close to stained glass windows, gargoyles, and areas of the Cathedral not on the Highlights Tour. Learn more »
- 12:30 PM
Organ Demonstration
On Mondays and Wednesdays from 12:30 to 1 pm, a Cathedral organist gives a short talk about the 10,650-pipe great organ followed by a mini-recital.
- 1:30 PM
Behind-the-Scenes Tour
This specialty tour takes you up close to stained glass windows, gargoyles, and areas of the Cathedral not on the Highlights Tour. Learn more »
- 5:30 PM
Weekday Evensong
The Cathedral Choir of Men and Girls sings Evensong. Learn more »
Thursday, December 23
- 10:30 AM
Behind-the-Scenes Tour
This specialty tour takes you up close to stained glass windows, gargoyles, and areas of the Cathedral not on the Highlights Tour. Learn more »
- 1:30 PM
Behind-the-Scenes Tour
This specialty tour takes you up close to stained glass windows, gargoyles, and areas of the Cathedral not on the Highlights Tour. Learn more »
- 5:30 PM
Weekday Evensong
The Cathedral Choir of Men and Boys sings Evensong. Learn more »
Friday, December 24
- 7:00 AM
Touring Interruption
No guided tours all day due to Christmas Eve. Cathedral will close at 12:30 pm in preparation for services. Passes are required for Christmas Eve services.
- 6:00 PM
Christmas Eve Festival Holy Eucharist
Cathedral Dean Samuel T. Lloyd III, preacher; Bishop of Washington John Bryson Chane, presider. Sign language interpreted. Passes required. Learn more »
- 10:00 PM
Christmas Eve Festival Holy Eucharist
Bishop of Washington John Bryson Chane, preacher; Cathedral Dean Samuel T. Lloyd III, presider. Sign language interpreted. Passes required. Learn more »
Saturday, December 25
- 7:00 AM
Touring Interruption
No guided tours all day due to Christmas holiday. Self guided touring is available.
- 9:00 AM
Christmas Day Festival Holy Eucharist
The Rev. Jan Naylor Cope, preacher; Bishop of Washington John Bryson Chane, presider. Learn more »
- 12:00 PM
Christmas Day Holy Eucharist, Rite II
The Rev. Jan Naylor Cope, preacher; the Rev. Canon Samuel Van Culin, presider Learn more »
- 4:00 PM
Christmas Lessons and Carols
Traditional service of Scripture and Christmas carols. The Rev. Jan Naylor Cope, homilist. Learn more »
- 5:15 PM
Organ Recital: Christmas Day Organ Recital
Cathedral organists Scott Dettra and Jeremy Filsell Learn more »
Sunday, December 26
- 7:45 AM
Holy Eucharist, Rite 1
The Rev. Canon Mary Sulerud, preacher
- 8:45 AM
Holy Eucharist
The Rev. Canon Mary Sulerud, preacher
- 11:15 AM
Holy Eucharist
The Rev. Canon Mary Sulerud, preacher
- 4:00 PM
Evening Prayer
Spoken service of prayer; no homily.
Monday, December 27
- 10:30 AM
Behind-the-Scenes Tour
This specialty tour takes you up close to stained glass windows, gargoyles, and areas of the Cathedral not on the Highlights Tour. Learn more »
- 12:30 PM
Organ Demonstration
On Mondays and Wednesdays from 12:30 to 1 pm, a Cathedral organist gives a short talk about the 10,650-pipe great organ followed by a mini-recital.
- 1:30 PM
Behind-the-Scenes Tour
This specialty tour takes you up close to stained glass windows, gargoyles, and areas of the Cathedral not on the Highlights Tour. Learn more »
Tuesday, December 28
- 7:00 AM
Touring Interruption
No touring of the Nave (main level) in the morning due to service. Touring will begin at 10:45 am. Lower level, Museum Store and Bishop's Garden open.
- 10:00 AM
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.
- 10:30 AM
Behind-the-Scenes Tour
This specialty tour takes you up close to stained glass windows, gargoyles, and areas of the Cathedral not on the Highlights Tour. Learn more »
- 1:30 PM
Behind-the-Scenes Tour
This specialty tour takes you up close to stained glass windows, gargoyles, and areas of the Cathedral not on the Highlights Tour. Learn more »
- 5:00 PM
Listening For God
Hear the word of God in reading Holy Scripture, in silence, and by sharing with others in prayerful listening during this time of modified Lectio Divina, or holy reading. Learn more »
- 6:00 PM
Centering Prayer
Open your entire being to God's presence during this time of silent prayer as you move beyond thoughts, words, and emotions into a quiet communion with the Divine. Learn more »
- 6:30 PM
Cathedral Crossroads: Poetry for Midwinter
An evening of contemplative practice on the last Tuesday of each month; free and open to the public. Learn more »
Wednesday, December 29
- 10:30 AM
Behind-the-Scenes Tour
This specialty tour takes you up close to stained glass windows, gargoyles, and areas of the Cathedral not on the Highlights Tour. Learn more »
- 12:30 PM
Organ Demonstration
On Mondays and Wednesdays from 12:30 to 1 pm, a Cathedral organist gives a short talk about the 10,650-pipe great organ followed by a mini-recital.
- 1:30 PM
Behind-the-Scenes Tour
This specialty tour takes you up close to stained glass windows, gargoyles, and areas of the Cathedral not on the Highlights Tour. Learn more »
Thursday, December 30
- 10:30 AM
Behind-the-Scenes Tour
This specialty tour takes you up close to stained glass windows, gargoyles, and areas of the Cathedral not on the Highlights Tour. Learn more »
- 1:30 PM
Behind-the-Scenes Tour
This specialty tour takes you up close to stained glass windows, gargoyles, and areas of the Cathedral not on the Highlights Tour. Learn more »
Friday, December 31
- 7:00 AM
Touring Interruption
No guided tours all day due to New Year's Eve holiday. Self-guided touring is available.