Nine Lessons and Carols

Thursday, December 19 at 7:30 p.m.

The Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols is our first proclamation of Christmas. Modeled after the famous carol service from King's College, Cambridge, the service opens with a lone chorister singing the first verse of Once in Royal David's City. Lessons and Carols celebrates the Christmas story with lessons from scripture, carols new and old sung by the Cathedral Choir and Choristers, and beloved Christmas hymns sung by the congregation.

This beloved Chicago tradition is always popular, so be sure to arrive early to get a good seat. The organ prelude begins at 6:45 p.m. played by guest organist David Jonies of Holy Name Cathedral.

A festive reception follows in Kyle’s Place.

Choral Repertoire:

Gardner - Tomorrow shall be my dancing day
Frank Boles - Adam lay ybounden
Arr. John Rutter - Sans Day Carol
Ghislaine Reece-Trapp - A new work is come on hand
Britten - Balulalow, from Ceremony of Carols
Hassler - Dixit Maria
Arr. Buck - O Holy night
Jonathan Dove - Seek him that maketh the seven stars
Pettman - The Infant King

Plan your visit

When you visit St. James Cathedral during Advent and Christmas, expect to receive a warm welcome! Whether you are a committed follower of Christ, a first-time visitor who is joining a friend, or fall somewhere in between, you're not just welcome, you belong.

It is not uncommon for people to either dress casually or formally when visiting the Cathedral. Our priority is that you to feel comfortable. Children are always welcome at St. James. There is an open space to the front right of the pews for children to play under your supervision and a changing station for parents of our youngest members under the church in the restrooms.

The cathedral is accessible to people with limited mobility. An access ramp is located at the west end of the building, 65 E. Huron St.

Map & Parking

We are conveniently located 2 blocks from the red line. Exit at Chicago Avenue, then south two blocks to the corner of Wabash and Huron.

We are one block west from the 3, 10, 26, 146, 147, and 151 bus lines on Michigan Avenue. Exit at Superior or Erie if southbound, exit at Huron if northbound.

Reduced-rate parking is available at ROW Parking Garage, 50 E Ohio Street, for $15 up to 18 hours. Parking is also available at Ohio Ontario Self Park, 33 W Ontario, for $10 up to 18 hours daily. Get a reduced-rate parking voucher from the St. James Commons reception desk.