Please join us on a field trip to the Washington National Cathedral on 24 January 2026. This is a great time of year to photograph the Cathedral with the winter sunlight streaming in through the stained glass windows and projecting beautiful colors across the cathedral’s walls.
It turns out this is a special week. In addition to the opportunity to tour the Cathedral during the day and photograph the light through the stained glass they are going to clear out the Cathedral’s chairs to create an open, walk-through experience for the evening called the Luxmuralis Light Show. So there are three options: (1) Self-Guided Tour, (2) Guided Tour, and (3) the Luxmuralis Light Show. These are three different timed, ticketed events. You can do either the guided or the self-guided tours and if interested stay for the light show. You will require tickets to each one. See below for details.
Option 1: Self-Guided Tour
They are going to clear our the Cathedral’s chairs to create an open, walk-through experience. Explore the most beloved Cathedral features at your own pace during our posted sightseeing hours. Your ticket includes a self-guided app with audio tour and brochure, plus access to: exhibits, main and lower levels, and Tower Observation Gallery when available. Explore some of the most beloved Cathedral features at your own pace, including the world famous Space Window, Canterbury Pulpit, and more.
Meet for the self guided tour which start at 12:00am and end at 5:00pm. The Cathedral closes promptly at 5 pm.
Tickets are $17.
You can buy tickets to the self guided tours here.
Tickets are available now. Don’t wait to buy them.
Option 2: Guided Tour
Upgrade your sightseeing experience with a Guided Spotlights Tour! Your admission includes a tour with an expert guide and features the stories behind must see Cathedral favorites on the main and lower levels such as the Space Window and the Canterbury Pulpit. Learn about the artists behind the new Now and Forever Windows and the famous West Rose Window. Explore some of the oldest parts of the Cathedral in the crypt. Hear the stories of the craftspeople who built this gothic masterpiece, and more. Duration: 1 hour. After your tour, you are welcome to continue exploring at your own pace during that day’s posted sightseeing hours.
Nancy suggest the 1:30PM tour. The Cathedral closes promptly at 5 pm.
Tickets are $22.00.
You can buy tickets to the 1:30Pm guided tour here.
Tickets are available now. Don’t wait to buy them.
Option 3: Luxmuralis Light Show
Experience the acclaimed light and sound installation and see the Cathedral nave like never before, as Time by Luxmuralis transforms sacred architecture into a living canvas of vivid projections and original music. Join us on a dazzling journey of color, story, and sound. The Cathedral’s chairs will be cleared to create an open, walk-through experience. Guests will journey through the aisles and chapels, ending in the nave’s central aisle, surrounded by light and sound.
General Admission tickets are offered January 24 and issued in 15-minute increments starting at 6 pm and available through 9:15 pm.
Attendees should check their emails closer to the event for updated information.
Meet for the 6:00pm Luxmuralis Light Show. If the 6PM sells out, you can buy tickets to a later entry time.
Tickets are $27
You can buy tickets to the January 24 6:00 Luxmuralis Light Show here.
Tickets are available now. Don’t wait to buy them.
Location
3101 Wisconsin Ave, NW
Washington, DC 20016
Metro
The nearest Metrorail stations are Tenleytown and Woodley Park; numerous Metrobus lines have stops within the blocks immediately surrounding the Cathedral.
Parking
There is very limited parking on the Cathedral grounds and in the surrounding neighborhood. We recommend planning to park in the underground parking garage on the Cathedral grounds, operated by Atlantic. Garage info:
- Entrance: Enter via Wisconsin Avenue, at the traffic signal just south of Woodley Road.
- Garage Hours: 6 am to 11 pm.
- Maximum height: 7’ 6” including rooftop accessories. No trailers or RVs are permitted in the garage or on the grounds.
- Accessible parking spaces: located on each level of the garage near the elevators.
- Security office: located on level B1 of the garage next to the Wisconsin Avenue entrance.
- Rates: Current Rates (PDF) Rates subject to change. For latest information, please visit asgpark.com
- Pay station machines: located by the elevator lobbies on the B1 and B2 levels and also at the Wisconsin Avenue exit. Pay machines accept cash or credit cards. Credit cards or small denomination bills preferred. Change is issued in coins.
- During select events, special rates and cash only may apply.
Photography Policy
- Follow the guidance of Cathedral staff and signage.
- Visitors may be limited in the use of photo equipment such as tripods or selfie sticks
- Don’t make another person the primary subject of a photo without their express permission.
- Many people visit the Cathedral for private prayer; please respect their personal space and privacy.