Whether you wish to bask in the heavenly music of the Basilica Choir or contemplate the miracle of the Nativity through sacred art, there are a variety of ways the faithful can prepare their hearts for Christmas at America’s Catholic Church. In today’s post, we invite you to discover four things to see and do at the Basilica this Advent and Christmas season.
1. Experience the heavenly music of the Basilica Choir.
Join us on Saturday, December 20, at 6:00 p.m. in the Great Upper Church, as the Choir of the Basilica presents its annual Christmas concert, titled: “Follow the Star: Sacred Choral Music for the Christmas Season.” Just as the brilliant star once guided the Wise Men to the Christ Child, our hope is that this beautiful sacred music from across the centuries will lead you toward a renewed encounter with Christ. The concert is free and open to the public. All are welcome to attend this evening of sacred choral works capturing the spirit of the Christmas season in all its radiance, poetry, solemnity, and joy.
2. Participate in Mass during Advent and Christmas.
Grow in holiness and strengthen your devotion this Christmas by drawing near to the Lord in the celebration of the Mass. Here at the Basilica, you can join us in person for daily Masses in English, or virtually via livestream for Sunday Masses in English and en Español. This month, we will also livestream several special Masses, including the Rorate Mass and Masses on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. View the upcoming Mass schedule on our event page and the livestream details on our Mass page.
3. Join us for the Blessing of the Bambinelli and Lighting of the Christmas Tree.
Visitors of all ages enjoy participating in this special Christmas event! Following the annual Papal tradition in Saint Peter’s Square, the National Shrine will host its annual Blessing of the Bambinelli on Sunday, December 21, 2025, after the 4:30 p.m. Mass. The faithful are invited to bring the Baby Jesus from their Nativity scenes to the Hall of American Saints to be blessed on this Fourth Sunday of Advent and to participate in the lighting of the Christmas Tree.
4. Discover all the places the Nativity is portrayed in the art of the Basilica.
Did you know that the Nativity is featured in four different works of art at the Basilica? From the vibrant colors of the Rosary Garden mosaic to the shimmering beauty of the Nativity Chapel, each of these depictions express this mystery of our faith in vivid detail. As we get ready to celebrate the Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord, we invite you to explore where the Nativity is portrayed at the Basilica and contemplate the divine love of our Savior.
