An English Christmas for the Ages

Celebrate the holidays with Folger Consort as they present a festive concert spanning centuries of English Christmas music. The program journeys from medieval Yuletide songs and English carols through the royal courts of King Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I, featuring works by renowned composers Thomas Tallis and William Byrd. In commemoration of the 250th anniversary of American independence, the concert culminates with spirited Christmas anthems by New England composer William Billings. This performance is part of Folger Consort’s 50th anniversary season, under the artistic leadership of Robert Eisenstein and Christopher Kendall.

When: December 11–20, 2026

Showtimes: Performances are typically scheduled on Friday evenings at 8:00 PM, Saturday matinees at 2:00 PM, Saturday evenings at 8:00 PM, and Sunday matinees at 2:00 PM. (Exact showtimes for individual dates are not listed; confirm with the box office.)

Tickets: Single ticket prices are not yet available. Subscription packages for the full four-concert season start at $162 (includes a $6 handling fee), with an Under 35 discount option at $126 (proof of age required). Subscribers receive up to 20% savings, free ticket exchanges, access to the Early Music Seminar series, and discounts on other Folger events.

Lineup: Featuring medieval Yuletide songs, English Christmas carols, festive court music from the reigns of Henry VIII and Elizabeth I, compositions by Thomas Tallis and William Byrd, and Christmas anthems by William Billings. Performed by Folger Consort, the award-winning early music ensemble-in-residence at the Folger Shakespeare Library.

Run time: Not specified.

Ages: Not specified.

Venue: Folger Theatre, Folger Shakespeare Library (201 East Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC).

Note: This concert is part of Folger Consort’s 50th anniversary season. For more information or to purchase subscriptions, contact the box office at (202) 544-7077 or folgerboxoffice@folger.edu.