Grace Cathedral is one of the most iconic churches in San Francisco, famous for its gorgeous stained glass windows, mosaics, floor labyrinths, and overall French Gothic design. The church is especially beautiful to visit during the holiday season, and luckily, they have some great events on the calendar for this holiday season.
Check out these amazing special events coming up on the calendar, many of which are Christmas-themed. They’re open to everyone, whether or not you’re a frequent church attendee. Weekly church services will continue as usual during the holiday season, but these special holiday events and performances typically require purchasing tickets in advance.
Performances
- Sing you a Merry Christmas (Dec. 16, 21, 22): A family sing-along event perfect for families where festive costumes are encouraged. Tickets range from $8 to $28.
- A Cathedral Christmas (Dec. 10, 16, 17, 22, 23): The Choir of Men and Boys will perform classic Christmas carols accompanied by a full orchestra and organ. The event is truly an impressive musical endeavor and been a tradition for years. Tickets range from $18 to $88.
- A Brass and Organ Christmas (Dec. 18): Bay Area brass musicians combined with the cathedrals epic organ create a stunning and festive performance. Tickets range from $18 to $88.
- Bishop’s Christmas Pageant (Dec. 24): The Christmas story told by the Right Rev. Dr. Marc Handley Andrus, Bishop of California, accompanied by children portraying shepards, magi, and angels to illustrate the story telling. The event is fun and captivating for all ages.
- Lessons & Carols (Dec. 24): The Choir of Men and Boys will perform an Anglican tradition of readings, hymns, and anthems.
- Destiny Muhammad’s Soulful Joy (Dec. 9): Award-winning harpist Destiny Muhammad and her ensemble will perform a in the holiday spirit incorporating jazz and gospel.
- Choral Eucharists (Dec 24-25)
- Christmas Eve: A mixed-voice choir sings the first Eucharist of Christmas.
- Midnight Mass: The Choir of Men and Boys and a full orchestra celebrate Christmas.
- Christmas Day::A mixed-voice quartet celebrates Christmas Day.
Installations
- World Tree of Hope (through January 5): Grace Cathedral is home to the largest origami Christmas tree in the world. They partner with Rainbow World Fund to decorate it with over 17,000 handmade origami cranes and stars, each of which is inscribed with wishes and hopes for the future. The Rainbow World Fund’s mission is to “promote peace, unity, and hope by leading the LGBTQ movement in participating in humanitarian relief efforts”. Anyone can send a wish to Grace Cathedral that will be put on the tree, and there will be a festive tree lighting on December 4.
- Grace Light (recurring Mondays, restarting Jan. 2024): Illuminate and Grace Cathedral present an enormous light installation by George Zisiadis, accompanied by an original score by Gabriel Gold. See a 100-foot-tall shifting beam of light shine down onto the labyrinth. The art installation creates a new way to see the beautiful church. The installation is very popular, so don’t forget to get your tickets early before the sell out. Tickets for January will be released on December 15.
- Yoga on the Labyrinth (Tuesdays and select Saturdays): Captivating weekly yoga classes set to live music. See our article about Yoga on the Labyrinth for more info!
Find Grace Cathedral at 1100 California Street in Nob Hill, San Francisco.
By Jamie Ferrell and Dana Flynn