Handel's Messiah (Limited Tickets Available) Friday December 8 2023 at 7:00 PM
Featuring Laura Choi Stuart, soprano | Zoie Reams, mezzo-soprano | Rufus Muller, tenor | Kevin Deas, bass-baritone
Running Time: 3 hours, including one 20-minute intermission.
Handel's Messiah (Limited Tickets Available) Saturday December 9 2023 at 12:00 PM
Experience the best of Messiah with the whole family: an abbreviated performance of Messiah highlights, perfect for busy families with young children.
Handel's Messiah (Limited Tickets Available) Saturday December 9 2023 at 4:00 PM
Featuring Laura Choi Stuart, soprano | Zoie Reams, mezzo-soprano | Rufus Muller, tenor | Kevin Deas, bass-baritone
Running Time: 3 hours, including one 20-minute intermission.
Handel's Messiah (Limited Tickets Available) Sunday December 10 2023 at 4:00 PM
Featuring Laura Choi Stuart, soprano | Zoie Reams, mezzo-soprano | Rufus Muller, tenor | Kevin Deas, bass-baritone
Running Time: 3 hours, including one 20-minute intermission.
LIVESTREAM Handel's Messiah Sunday December 10 2023 at 4:00 PM
After registering, access the livestream by logging into your account at tix.cathedral.org, clicking "Tickets for Upcoming Performances", and clicking "Watch." The link to the livestream will also be sent out via email. The performance will be available to view at the same link for 30 days following the performance.
Behind the Scenes (Sold Out) Monday December 11 2023 at 10:30 AM
Discover the Cathedral’s hidden stories on the behind-the-scenes tour as you marvel at the building’s artistry and engineering. Journey through stone stairwells and passageways to see stained glass windows up close and magnificent views from the heights. Be prepared for stair climbing, close quarters, and heights.
Thematic Tour: Stained Glass Monday December 11 2023 at 2:00 PM
In this introduction to the stained glass windows, learn about the tales they tell, from God’s creation of the universe to stories from American history to the Last Judgment. While walking through the Cathedral, you will witness the stylistic evolution of Cathedral windows from 1911 to the 2000s and learn about the creation process, which combines artistry and technical skill.
General Sightseeing Monday December 11 2023
Tickets: $18; Youth (age 5-12) $13; Kids under 5 free
Explore the Cathedral at your own pace with a complimentary self-guided brochure. You may arrive any time during our open hours.
Behind the Scenes (Limited Tickets Available) Tuesday December 12 2023 at 2:00 PM
Discover the Cathedral’s hidden stories on the behind-the-scenes tour as you marvel at the building’s artistry and engineering. Journey through stone stairwells and passageways to see stained glass windows up close and magnificent views from the heights. Be prepared for stair climbing, close quarters, and heights.
General Sightseeing Tuesday December 12 2023
Tickets: $18; Youth (age 5-12) $13; Kids under 5 free
Explore the Cathedral at your own pace with a complimentary self-guided brochure. You may arrive any time during our open hours.
Behind the Scenes (Sold Out) Wednesday December 13 2023 at 10:30 AM
Discover the Cathedral’s hidden stories on the behind-the-scenes tour as you marvel at the building’s artistry and engineering. Journey through stone stairwells and passageways to see stained glass windows up close and magnificent views from the heights. Be prepared for stair climbing, close quarters, and heights.
Tower Climb: Bell Tower (Sold Out) Wednesday December 13 2023 at 2:00 PM
The ultimate destination of this climb is the ringing chamber, 333 steps high in the Cathedral’s central tower. From here, visitors will find the best possible view of Washington, DC. The climb includes multiple views inside the Cathedral itself, up-close views of stained glass, and access to some of the Cathedral’s oldest stairs.
The Classic Tower Climb lasts 75-90 minutes and costs $50 per person. Please review the following information before purchasing tickets:
Prepare for rigorous activity.
Those with a fear of heights or enclosed spaces should not participate; stairs include both enclosed stone staircases and also open metal, spiral stairs.
Minimum height requirement: 48 inches (4 feet)
Not appropriate for young children; Infants cannot be carried on the tour.
Dress appropriately for the weather, as the weather conditions are more extreme than at ground level.
General Sightseeing Wednesday December 13 2023
Tickets: $18; Youth (age 5-12) $13; Kids under 5 free
Explore the Cathedral at your own pace with a complimentary self-guided brochure. You may arrive any time during our open hours.
Behind the Scenes (Sold Out) Thursday December 14 2023 at 10:30 AM
Discover the Cathedral’s hidden stories on the behind-the-scenes tour as you marvel at the building’s artistry and engineering. Journey through stone stairwells and passageways to see stained glass windows up close and magnificent views from the heights. Be prepared for stair climbing, close quarters, and heights.
General Sightseeing Thursday December 14 2023
Tickets: $18; Youth (age 5-12) $13; Kids under 5 free
Explore the Cathedral at your own pace with a complimentary self-guided brochure. You may arrive any time during our open hours.
Thematic Tour: Symbols of God & Humankind Thursday December 14 2023 at 2:00 PM
Through the ages, humankind has expressed the Judeo-Christian faith by the use of symbols to take the place of words. In this tour we explore the ways in which this faith is interpreted in Cathedral stone, stained glass, wrought iron and needlepoint. The tour looks at symbols which have come down through the ages basically unchanged, symbol systems called iconography, and the way that Washington National Cathedral uses these symbols to inspire and teach all those who visit.
About Thematic Tours
Thematic Tours tours offer a special, in-depth look at aspects of Cathedral artisanship for visitors aged 10 and older. Reservations are encouraged but not required; space is limited.
Cost: $30.
Behind the Scenes (Sold Out) Friday December 15 2023 at 2:00 PM
Discover the Cathedral’s hidden stories on the behind-the-scenes tour as you marvel at the building’s artistry and engineering. Journey through stone stairwells and passageways to see stained glass windows up close and magnificent views from the heights. Be prepared for stair climbing, close quarters, and heights.
General Sightseeing Friday December 15 2023
Tickets: $18; Youth (age 5-12) $13; Kids under 5 free
Explore the Cathedral at your own pace with a complimentary self-guided brochure. You may arrive any time during our open hours.
Christmas With The King's Singers (Limited Tickets Available) Friday December 15 2023 at 7:00 PM
Celebrate the magic of the Christmas season with one of Britain's most beloved vocal ensembles, The King's Singers, in their only DC-area appearance. From Christmas favorites to lesser-known gems to some brand-new surprises, there's no better way to embrace the warmth of the season. ~~
LIVESTREAM Christmas with The King's Singers Friday December 15 2023 at 7:00 PM
Behind the Scenes (Sold Out) Monday December 18 2023 at 10:30 AM
Discover the Cathedral’s hidden stories on the behind-the-scenes tour as you marvel at the building’s artistry and engineering. Journey through stone stairwells and passageways to see stained glass windows up close and magnificent views from the heights. Be prepared for stair climbing, close quarters, and heights.
Behind the Scenes (Sold Out) Monday December 18 2023 at 2:00 PM
Discover the Cathedral’s hidden stories on the behind-the-scenes tour as you marvel at the building’s artistry and engineering. Journey through stone stairwells and passageways to see stained glass windows up close and magnificent views from the heights. Be prepared for stair climbing, close quarters, and heights.
General Sightseeing Monday December 18 2023
Tickets: $18; Youth (age 5-12) $13; Kids under 5 free
Explore the Cathedral at your own pace with a complimentary self-guided brochure. You may arrive any time during our open hours.
Behind the Scenes (Sold Out) Wednesday December 20 2023 at 10:30 AM
Discover the Cathedral’s hidden stories on the behind-the-scenes tour as you marvel at the building’s artistry and engineering. Journey through stone stairwells and passageways to see stained glass windows up close and magnificent views from the heights. Be prepared for stair climbing, close quarters, and heights.
General Sightseeing Wednesday December 20 2023
Tickets: $18; Youth (age 5-12) $13; Kids under 5 free
Explore the Cathedral at your own pace with a complimentary self-guided brochure. You may arrive any time during our open hours.
General Sightseeing Thursday December 21 2023
Tickets: $18; Youth (age 5-12) $13; Kids under 5 free
Explore the Cathedral at your own pace with a complimentary self-guided brochure. You may arrive any time during our open hours.
General Sightseeing Friday December 22 2023
Tickets: $18; Youth (age 5-12) $13; Kids under 5 free
Explore the Cathedral at your own pace with a complimentary self-guided brochure. You may arrive any time during our open hours.
Gospel Christmas Service (Sold Out) Friday December 22 2023 at 6:00 PM
Passes are emailed and must be printed or shown on your phone for entry. Every person in your party must have their individual pass scanned - so you must either enter all together or distribute passes to your party before arrival.
Family Christmas Service (Sold Out) Saturday December 23 2023 at 11:00 AM
Passes are emailed and must be printed or shown on your phone for entry. Every person in your party must have their individual pass scanned - so you must either enter all together or distribute passes to your party before arrival.
Christmas Lessons & Carols (Sold Out) Saturday December 23 2023 at 6:00 PM
Passes must be printed or shown on your phone for entry. Every person in your party must have their individual pass scanned - so you must either enter all together or distribute passes to your party before arrival.
Christmas Lessons & Carols (Sold Out) Sunday December 24 2023 at 6:00 PM
Passes must be printed or shown on your phone for entry. Every person in your party must have their individual pass scanned - so you must either enter all together or distribute passes to your party before arrival.
Christmas Eve Festival Holy Eucharist (Sold Out) Sunday December 24 2023 at 10:00 PM
Passes must be printed or shown on your phone for entry. Every person in your party must have their individual pass scanned - so you must either enter all together or distribute passes to your party before arrival.
Behind the Scenes (Sold Out) Tuesday December 26 2023 at 2:00 PM
Discover the Cathedral’s hidden stories on the behind-the-scenes tour as you marvel at the building’s artistry and engineering. Journey through stone stairwells and passageways to see stained glass windows up close and magnificent views from the heights. Be prepared for stair climbing, close quarters, and heights.
General Sightseeing Tuesday December 26 2023
Tickets: $18; Youth (age 5-12) $13; Kids under 5 free
Explore the Cathedral at your own pace with a complimentary self-guided brochure. You may arrive any time during our open hours.
Behind the Scenes (Sold Out) Wednesday December 27 2023 at 10:30 AM
Discover the Cathedral’s hidden stories on the behind-the-scenes tour as you marvel at the building’s artistry and engineering. Journey through stone stairwells and passageways to see stained glass windows up close and magnificent views from the heights. Be prepared for stair climbing, close quarters, and heights.
Thematic Tour: Architecture Wednesday December 27 2023 at 1:30 PM
Tower Climb: Bell Tower (Sold Out) Wednesday December 27 2023 at 2:00 PM
The ultimate destination of this climb is the ringing chamber, 333 steps high in the Cathedral’s central tower. From here, visitors will find the best possible view of Washington, DC. The climb includes multiple views inside the Cathedral itself, up-close views of stained glass, and access to some of the Cathedral’s oldest stairs.
The Classic Tower Climb lasts 75-90 minutes and costs $50 per person. Please review the following information before purchasing tickets:
Prepare for rigorous activity.
Those with a fear of heights or enclosed spaces should not participate; stairs include both enclosed stone staircases and also open metal, spiral stairs.
Minimum height requirement: 48 inches (4 feet)
Not appropriate for young children; Infants cannot be carried on the tour.
Dress appropriately for the weather, as the weather conditions are more extreme than at ground level.
General Sightseeing Wednesday December 27 2023
Tickets: $18; Youth (age 5-12) $13; Kids under 5 free
Explore the Cathedral at your own pace with a complimentary self-guided brochure. You may arrive any time during our open hours.
Thematic Tour: Stained Glass (Limited Tickets Available) Thursday December 28 2023 at 10:30 AM
In this introduction to the stained glass windows, learn about the tales they tell, from God’s creation of the universe to stories from American history to the Last Judgment. While walking through the Cathedral, you will witness the stylistic evolution of Cathedral windows from 1911 to the 2000s and learn about the creation process, which combines artistry and technical skill.
Thematic Tour: Ironwork Thursday December 28 2023 at 1:00 PM
Explore the magic of wrought iron in the Cathedral—from fantastic creatures to stunning flowers, all unique and made by skilled hands.
Behind the Scenes (Limited Tickets Available) Thursday December 28 2023 at 2:00 PM
Discover the Cathedral’s hidden stories on the behind-the-scenes tour as you marvel at the building’s artistry and engineering. Journey through stone stairwells and passageways to see stained glass windows up close and magnificent views from the heights. Be prepared for stair climbing, close quarters, and heights.
General Sightseeing Thursday December 28 2023
Tickets: $18; Youth (age 5-12) $13; Kids under 5 free
Explore the Cathedral at your own pace with a complimentary self-guided brochure. You may arrive any time during our open hours.
Behind the Scenes (Sold Out) Friday December 29 2023 at 10:30 AM
Discover the Cathedral’s hidden stories on the behind-the-scenes tour as you marvel at the building’s artistry and engineering. Journey through stone stairwells and passageways to see stained glass windows up close and magnificent views from the heights. Be prepared for stair climbing, close quarters, and heights.
Behind the Scenes (Sold Out) Friday December 29 2023 at 2:00 PM
Discover the Cathedral’s hidden stories on the behind-the-scenes tour as you marvel at the building’s artistry and engineering. Journey through stone stairwells and passageways to see stained glass windows up close and magnificent views from the heights. Be prepared for stair climbing, close quarters, and heights.
General Sightseeing Friday December 29 2023
Tickets: $18; Youth (age 5-12) $13; Kids under 5 free
Explore the Cathedral at your own pace with a complimentary self-guided brochure. You may arrive any time during our open hours.
Moving Mindfully into the New Year: In-Person Retreat (Limited Tickets Available) Saturday December 30 2023 at 9:30 AM
Join us on the Cathedral grounds in the newly renovated Virginia Mae Center for this morning retreat. Take time to let go of and celebrate memorable moments in 2023 and reflect on the year to come. Guided meditations, individual reflections and shared ritual invite us to move mindfully into the new year.
Behind the Scenes (Sold Out) Saturday December 30 2023 at 10:30 AM
Discover the Cathedral’s hidden stories on the behind-the-scenes tour as you marvel at the building’s artistry and engineering. Journey through stone stairwells and passageways to see stained glass windows up close and magnificent views from the heights. Be prepared for stair climbing, close quarters, and heights.
Thematic Tour: Stained Glass Saturday December 30 2023 at 10:30 AM
In this introduction to the stained glass windows, learn about the tales they tell, from God’s creation of the universe to stories from American history to the Last Judgment. While walking through the Cathedral, you will witness the stylistic evolution of Cathedral windows from 1911 to the 2000s and learn about the creation process, which combines artistry and technical skill.
Behind the Scenes (Limited Tickets Available) Saturday December 30 2023 at 2:00 PM
Discover the Cathedral’s hidden stories on the behind-the-scenes tour as you marvel at the building’s artistry and engineering. Journey through stone stairwells and passageways to see stained glass windows up close and magnificent views from the heights. Be prepared for stair climbing, close quarters, and heights.
General Sightseeing Saturday December 30 2023
Tickets: $18; Youth (age 5-12) $13; Kids under 5 free
Explore the Cathedral at your own pace with a complimentary self-guided brochure. You may arrive any time during our open hours.