Advent and Christmas

Advent is a season of waiting and watching as we prepare for God to become human. Advent services are marked by stillness and reflection as we make ourselves ready to receive Jesus into our hearts anew.

At Christmas, we celebrate the coming of Christ, who lived and died as one of us, opening to us the way of Salvation. Christmas services raise our spirits with joyful music, pageantry, and the timeless retelling of Jesus' humble birth in Bethlehem.

Advent Services

  • Advent Eucharists - Dec. 1, 8, 15 & 22 at 8 a.m. (spoken), 9 a.m. (family), and 11 a.m. (choral)
  • Advent Lessons & Carols - Sunday, Dec. 1 at 4 p.m. A moving service of prophecy and hope, with music sung by the Cathedral Choir in a gradual procession as the Cathedral is brought from darkness into light.

Christmas Services

  • The Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols - Thursday, Dec. 19 at 7:30 p.m. Patterned after the famous carol service from King's College in Cambridge, this service recounts the story of Christ's Nativity in scripture and music led by the Cathedral Choir and Choristers.
  • Christmas Eve services:
    • Family Eucharist with Pageant at 4 p.m. A celebration of Christmas especially suited to children but meaningful to people of all ages.
    • Lessons & Carols for Christmas Eve at 7 p.m. A musical celebration of Christmas Eve led by the Cathedral Choir and Choristers.
    • Solemn Eucharist at 10 p.m. Our principal celebration of Christmas with festive Christmas music led by the Cathedral Choir. The organ prelude begins at 9:30 p.m.
  • Christmas Day Eucharist at 10 a.m. A smaller, quieter celebration of the Nativity with music led by members of the Cathedral Choir.
  • Christmas Eucharists - Dec. 29 & Jan. 5 at 8 a.m. (spoken), 9 a.m. (family), and 11 a.m. (choral)
  • Epiphany Lessons and Carols - A musical service telling the story of the the journey of the Magi and Christ's infancy which marks the end of the Christmas season.

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 on Sundays at ROW Parking Garage, 50 E Ohio Street, for $2 up to 6 hours. Parking is available every day at Ohio Ontario Self Park, 33 W Ontario, for $10 up to 18 hours. Get a reduced-rate parking voucher from the St. James Commons reception desk.

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