As we prepare our hearts for the celebration of the birth of our Savior, we invite you to be part of the special events here at the Basilica! Hear the festive melodies of the season in our Christmas Concert and Choral Meditations on the Nativity, volunteer to help those in need, or join us for Mass throughout Advent and Christmas. Learn more about what’s happening at the Basilica this December – virtually and in person!
Mass and Vespers – Each Sunday of Advent
As we anticipate the birth of the Messiah, join us in person or online for Mass, livestreamed each Sunday of Advent beginning December 1, at 12:00 p.m., and at 2:30 p.m. in Spanish. Vespers will be livestreamed each Sunday of Advent at 4:00 p.m. in the Great Upper Church.
Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception – December 9
We invite you to join us in celebrating the Patronal feast day of the Basilica and of the United States of America, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. The 12:10 p.m. Mass will be celebrated by the Most Rev. Timothy P. Broglio, Archbishop of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, and livestreamed on nationalshrine.org/mass.
Advent Rorate Mass – December 20
On Friday, December 20, please join us at 7:00 a.m. in the Crypt Church for the celebration of the ancient and beloved Advent tradition of the Rorate Mass in honor of the Blessed Mother, as part of our celebration of “100 Years of Worship.” Dating back to the eighth century, this tradition takes its name from the incipit of the Introit of the Fourth Sunday of Advent and the Advent votive Masses of the Blessed Mother. Everyone is invited to bring a lantern or a candle to “light their way” and illuminate the Crypt Church during the celebration of the Eucharist.
Choir of the Basilica Christmas Concert – December 21
The Choir of the Basilica will offer a one-hour Christmas Concert on Saturday, December 21, at 6:00 p.m. in the Crypt Church of the National Shrine. The Christmas Concert is free and open to the public. Seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis with no ticketing, advanced registration, or reservations. All are welcome to attend!
Blessing of the Bambinelli – December 22
Following in the annual Papal tradition in Saint Peter’s Square, the National Shrine will host its annual Blessing of the Bambinelli on Sunday, December 22, 2024, following 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 at the National Shrine on this Fourth Sunday of Advent and participate in the lighting of the Christmas Tree.
Musical Meditations on the Nativity and Solemn Mass on Christmas Eve – December 24
Join us at the Basilica on December 24 as we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, with Mass and musical meditations on the Nativity. The Choral Meditations and the Mass will be livestreamed on nationalshrine.org/mass.
2024 Christmas Dinner – December 25
On Christmas Day, the Basilica will provide more than 2,000 meals to those in need who live in the District of Columbia and surrounding areas. Meals will be available for pick-up or delivery only. To request a Christmas Day dinner, please call 202-526-8300. All meal requests must be received by Sunday, December 15. Volunteers are needed to fill many different positions.
Solemn Mass on Christmas Day – December 25
Join us at the Basilica to rejoice in the birth of our Savior! This Mass will be celebrated by Cardinal Wilton Gregory, Archbishop of Washington, and livestreamed on nationalshrine.org/mass.