× The Cathedral is open from 10:30 am to 5 pm (Cathedral closes promptly at 5 pm).

Explore the Cathedral at your own pace with a complimentary self-guided brochure. You may arrive any time during our open hours.

× The Cathedral is open from 10 am to 4 pm (Cathedral closes promptly at 4 pm).

Explore the Cathedral at your own pace with a complimentary self-guided brochure. You may arrive any time during our open hours.

× Join Washington National Cathedral for Handel’s Messiah and experience this Christmas classic in a space as Handel would have intended. The Cathedral’s soaring architecture and Gothic splendor offers a venue unlike any other in Washington to experience this work.

RUN TIME: Approximately 3 hours, with one 20-minute intermission.

× Join Washington National Cathedral for Handel’s beloved “Messiah,” and experience this Christmas classic in a space as Handel would have intended. The Cathedral’s soaring architecture and Gothic splendor offers a space unlike any other in Washington to experience Handel’s masterpiece.

The 12 pm concert on December 3 is an abbreviated performance of “Messiah” highlights, perfect for busy families with young children. Experience the best of “Messiah” with the whole family. RUN TIME: Approximately 90 minutes, with no intermission.

× Join Washington National Cathedral for Handel’s Messiah and experience this Christmas classic in a space as Handel would have intended. The Cathedral’s soaring architecture and Gothic splendor offers a venue unlike any other in Washington to experience this work.

RUN TIME: Approximately 3 hours, with one 20-minute intermission.

× Join Washington National Cathedral for Handel’s Messiah and experience this Christmas classic in a space as Handel would have intended. The Cathedral’s soaring architecture and Gothic splendor offers a venue unlike any other in Washington to experience this work.

RUN TIME: Approximately 3 hours, with one 20-minute intermission.

× Handel's Messiah
Sunday, December 4, 2022 | 4:00 pm

Join Washington National Cathedral for Handel’s Messiah and experience this Christmas classic in a space as Handel would have intended. The Cathedral’s soaring architecture and Gothic splendor offers a venue unlike any other in Washington to experience this work

× The Cathedral is open from 10 am to 3 pm (Cathedral closes promptly at 3 pm).

Explore the Cathedral at your own pace with a complimentary self-guided brochure. You may arrive any time during our open hours.

× Tickets: $50, 4 ticket max per person. Each ticket includes a hardcover copy of Surrender, to be picked up at the event. You will not receive paper tickets for this event. At the time of entry you must present a valid photo ID matching the purchaser name. Your entire party must enter the venue at the same time. Tickets are non-transferable.

Join Washington National Cathedral for an evening of conversation with legendary singer-songwriter, activist, and global humanitarian Bono to discuss his new memoir, Surrender, with Cathedral Canon Historian Jon Meacham. Surrender is the story of the remarkable life he’s lived, the challenges he’s faced, and the friends and family who have shaped and sustained him. In his unique voice, Bono takes us from his early days growing up in Dublin, including the sudden loss of his mother when he was fourteen, to U2’s unlikely journey to become one of the world’s most influential rock bands, to his more than twenty years of activism dedicated to the fight against AIDS and extreme poverty.

Please note that books will not be signed by the author.

× Virtual Ticket + Book Bundle: $37 + $10 shipping fee (US only). One per order. Purchase includes a hardcover copy of Surrender, to be shipped 5-15 business days following the event by Politics & Prose and East City Books. An email will be sent to you prior to the event on December 5th with instructions to join the livestream. THIS IS NOT A TICKET TO THE IN-PERSON EVENT AT THE CATHEDRAL. Orders are non-transferable. Shipping only available to residents of the United States - no international shipping available.

Join Washington National Cathedral for an evening of conversation with legendary singer-songwriter, activist, and global humanitarian Bono to discuss his new memoir, Surrender, with Cathedral Canon Historian Jon Meacham. Surrender is the story of the remarkable life he's lived, the challenges he's faced, and the friends and family who have shaped and sustained him. In his unique voice, Bono takes us from his early days growing up in Dublin, including the sudden loss of his mother when he was fourteen, to U2's unlikely journey to become one of the world’s most influential rock bands, to his more than twenty years of activism dedicated to the fight against AIDS and extreme poverty.

Please note that books will not be signed by the author.

×

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.

× The Cathedral is open from 11 am to 5 pm (Cathedral closes promptly at 5 pm).

Explore the Cathedral at your own pace with a complimentary self-guided brochure. You may arrive any time during our open hours.

× The Cathedral is open from 10 am to 5 pm (Cathedral closes promptly at 5 pm).

Explore the Cathedral at your own pace with a complimentary self-guided brochure. You may arrive any time during our open hours.

× The Cathedral is open from 10 am to 5 pm (Cathedral closes promptly at 5 pm).

Explore the Cathedral at your own pace with a complimentary self-guided brochure. You may arrive any time during our open hours.

×

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.

× The Cathedral is open from 11 am to 4 pm (Cathedral closes promptly at 4 pm).

Explore the Cathedral at your own pace with a complimentary self-guided brochure. You may arrive any time during our open hours.

× Trumpets, drums, and voices herald the coming of the Christmas season. As the cold of winter sets in, music of the holidays past and present will warm your spirit. CCS’s annual Joy of Christmas is a Washington tradition that all should experience.

RUN TIME: Approximately 90 minutes with no intermission.

× Trumpets, drums, and voices herald the coming of the Christmas season. As the cold of winter sets in, music of the holidays past and present will warm your spirit. CCS’s annual Joy of Christmas is a Washington tradition that all should experience.

RUN TIME: Approximately 90 minutes with no intermission.

× Trumpets, drums, and voices herald the coming of the Christmas season. As the cold of winter sets in, music of the holidays past and present will warm your spirit. CCS’s annual Joy of Christmas is a Washington tradition that all should experience.

RUN TIME: Approximately 90 minutes with no intermission.

× Recorded Live Sunday, December 11, 2022 | 4:00 pm EST

You will receive a viewing link by email on the day of the performance. The performance will remain online to watch for thirty (30) days following the live performance.

Trumpets, drums, and voices herald the coming of the Christmas season. As the cold of winter sets in, music of the holidays past and present will warm your spirit. CCS’s annual Joy of Christmas is a Washington tradition that all should experience.

×

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.

× The Cathedral is open from 10 am to 5 pm (Cathedral closes promptly at 5 pm).

Explore the Cathedral at your own pace with a complimentary self-guided brochure. You may arrive any time during our open hours.

×

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.

× The Cathedral is open from 11 am to 5 pm (Cathedral closes promptly at 5 pm).

Explore the Cathedral at your own pace with a complimentary self-guided brochure. You may arrive any time during our open hours.

× The Cathedral is open from 10 am to 5 pm (Cathedral closes promptly at 5 pm).

Explore the Cathedral at your own pace with a complimentary self-guided brochure. You may arrive any time during our open hours.

× The Cathedral is open from 10 am to 5 pm (Cathedral closes promptly at 5 pm).

Explore the Cathedral at your own pace with a complimentary self-guided brochure. You may arrive any time during our open hours.

× The Cathedral is open from 10 am to 5 pm (Cathedral closes promptly at 5 pm).

Explore the Cathedral at your own pace with a complimentary self-guided brochure. You may arrive any time during our open hours.

× The Cathedral is open from 10 am to 5 pm (Cathedral closes promptly at 5 pm).

Explore the Cathedral at your own pace with a complimentary self-guided brochure. You may arrive any time during our open hours.

× The Cathedral is open from 11:30 am to 5 pm (Cathedral closes promptly at 5 pm).

Explore the Cathedral at your own pace with a complimentary self-guided brochure. You may arrive any time during our open hours.

× The Cathedral is open from 10 am to 5 pm (Cathedral closes promptly at 5 pm).

Explore the Cathedral at your own pace with a complimentary self-guided brochure. You may arrive any time during our open hours.

× Readings from Holy Scripture, favorite hymns, and instrumental music carry us from Creation to the manger in Bethlehem, telling the ancient story of God’s continued continuing love as made known in Christ. Canon Vicar Dana Colley Corsello delivers the homily.

There is a handling fee of $7 per pass. Passes are delivered by email, and may either be printed or shown on your device for entry.

× A menagerie of live animals helps bring the Nativity to life in this joyful service of carols and prayers. Gather loved ones of all ages to welcome the Holy Family in the festively decorated Cathedral nave.

There is a handling fee of $7 per pass. Passes are delivered by email, and may either be printed or shown on your device for entry.

× Hear the good news as it comes to life in our annual service of gospel Christmas music, poetry, and readings from Holy Scripture. Canon Theologian Kelly Brown Douglas delivers the homily.

There is a handling fee of $7 per pass. Passes are delivered by email, and may either be printed or shown on your device for entry.

× Readings from Holy Scripture, favorite hymns, and instrumental music carry us from Creation to the manger in Bethlehem, telling the ancient story of God’s continued continuing love as made known in Christ. Cathedral Dean Randolph Marshall Hollerith delivers the homily.

There is a handling fee of $7 per pass. Passes are delivered by email, and may either be printed or shown on your device for entry.

× Join us for one of the most beautiful services of the year as we herald the Light made known to us on this holy night. We celebrate Christ’s birth with readings from Holy Scripture, favorite hymns, seasonal choral and instrumental music, and preaching by Cathedral Dean Randolph Marshall Hollerith. The Right Reverend Mariann Edgar Budde, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, presides.

There is a handling fee of $7 per pass. Passes are delivered by email, and may either be printed or shown on your device for entry.

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This year, we're offering a virtual Christmas Pass for all of our upcoming services and concerts. Sign up once and you'll receive all our Christmas offerings delivered straight to you via email on the day of each program.

× Cathedral organists Thomas Sheehan and Rebecca Ehren present a program of festive Christmas music on the Cathedral’s Great Organ.

On December 25, 2022, registrants will be sent a link to view the concert.

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What are the basic elements shared by any Gothic building? Why is Gothic so well suited to religious structures? Through the Cathedral’s soaring walls and exquisite carvings, visitors explore the Gothic style and its unique characteristics, purposes, and building methods.

Gothic Cathedrals have been described as a “symphony in stone.” In this tour, Washington National Cathedral’s 20th century Gothic structure--with its soaring walls, brilliant stained glass windows, exquisite carvings and tall towers--is used to introduce visitors to Gothic architecture. The tour identifies the unique characteristics of Gothic architecture and explains the brilliant technical innovations developed almost 900 years ago that allowed Medieval builders to construct these miracles of architecture and craftsmanship. Visitors will also learn how the Gothic style embodies a religious vision and see the evolution of English Gothic from its earliest manifestations to the glories of fan vaulting

× The Cathedral is open from 10 am to 5 pm (Cathedral closes promptly at 5 pm).

Explore the Cathedral at your own pace with a complimentary self-guided brochure. You may arrive any time during our open hours.

× The Cathedral is open from 11 am to 5 pm (Cathedral closes promptly at 5 pm).

Explore the Cathedral at your own pace with a complimentary self-guided brochure. You may arrive any time during our open hours.

×

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.

×

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.

× The Cathedral is open from 10 am to 5 pm (Cathedral closes promptly at 5 pm).

Explore the Cathedral at your own pace with a complimentary self-guided brochure. You may arrive any time during our open hours.

× Discover the symbolism of the Cathedral’s stone, stained glass and fabric art which, like that crafted by medieval cathedral artisans, illustrates the, “…Divine purpose which animates human endeavor…” Learn to read the art’s unfolding stories by decoding the symbols’ meanings on this in-depth tour.

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/Adult and $25/Child (5-17), Senior (65+), Student (w/ID), Teacher (w/ID), Military (w/ID).

×

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.

× The Cathedral is open from 10 am to 5 pm (Cathedral closes promptly at 5 pm).

Explore the Cathedral at your own pace with a complimentary self-guided brochure. You may arrive any time during our open hours.

×

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.

×

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.

× The Cathedral is open from 10 am to 5 pm (Cathedral closes promptly at 5 pm).

Explore the Cathedral at your own pace with a complimentary self-guided brochure. You may arrive any time during our open hours.

×

Celebrate notable African Americans who have made significant contributions in theology, human rights, social justice, civil rights, education, and the welfare of other human beings.