A Candlelight Christmas
The Washington Chorus presents its 16th annual holiday tradition, "A Candlelight Christmas," a series of family-friendly concerts that blend beloved carols with new seasonal classics. Featuring the full 200-voice chorus accompanied by brass, organ, and magical lighting effects, each performance aims to capture the hope and togetherness of the holiday season. Guest soloists Colleen Daly and Christie Dashiell appear on different dates, and select concerts also include youth chorales and chamber singers from local schools and universities. The program travels to three venues across the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia region.
When: Saturday, December 12 through Tuesday, December 22, 2026.
Showtimes: Saturday, December 12 at 3pm (Cramton Auditorium, Howard University); Sunday, December 13 at 3pm (Cramton Auditorium); Friday, December 18 at 7:30pm (Lisner Auditorium, GWU); Saturday, December 19 at 11am and 3pm (Lisner Auditorium); Monday, December 21 at 7:30pm (Strathmore); Tuesday, December 22 at 7:30pm (Strathmore).
Venue: Multiple locations: Cramton Auditorium, Howard University (Dec 12–13); Lisner Auditorium, George Washington University (Dec 18–19); Strathmore (Dec 21–22).
Tickets: Ticket presale begins July 16. Only tickets purchased directly through The Washington Chorus, Lisner Auditorium, or Strathmore are guaranteed; third-party reseller tickets are not accepted. For ticket inquiries, contact [email protected].
Lineup: The Washington Chorus (200 voices), conducted by Eugene Rogers; guest soloist Colleen Daly (Dec 18 & 19); guest soloist Christie Dashiell (Dec 12, 13, 21, & 22); organist Paul Byssainthe, Jr. (Dec 18–22); National Capital Brass and Percussion; Howard University Concert Chorale Chamber Singers, Dr. Eric Poole, director (Dec 12 & 13); South Loudoun Youth Chorale, Laura Lazarevich, director (Dec 21 & 22); Reservoir High School, Greg Knauf, director (Dec 18 & 19).
Run time: Not specified in the source materials.
Ages: The event is described as family-friendly; no explicit age restrictions are given.
Note: Performances feature brass, organ, magical lights, and special guests. The program includes audience participation in carol singing. The 2026 edition marks the 16th annual presentation of this holiday concert series.