The Festival of Lights features over 400,000 Christmas lights, Nativity créches and Christmas tree decorations from around the world, and daily holiday performances. Tickets will NOT be issued this year. Entrance and parking are free. Please invite your friends and family to attend with you.

Christmas Lights:
Over 400,000 lights illuminate the temple grounds to ring in the season and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. The lights will turn on each night at 4:45 p.m and go off at 9:00 p.m The visitors’ center will open daily at 10:00 a.m and close at 9:00 p.m every evening.

Creche Displays:
The French word creche is used to describe a distinctive nativity scene displayed during the Christmas season. These scenes, depicting the birth of Jesus Christ became popular in communities throughout the Christian world beginning in the 13th century. This exhibit features 87 crèches representing 64 countries.

Christmas Trees:
Ring in the season and come and see the gorgeous Christmas Trees at the 2023 Festival of Lights. Ornaments and decorations from all over the world are celebrated. Come and learn more about how Christmas is celebrated by other cultures around the globe.

Performances Schedule:

Thursday, November 30, 2023

7:00 p.m - 8:00 p.m: Cathedral Brass Band
Join us in the Washington D.C. Temple Visitors’ Center on November for this evening concert featuring the Cathedral Brass Band.

The Cathedral Brass, based in Fairfax Virginia, will perform sacred and secular works that evoke the joy and harmony of the Christmas season. Our program will highlight the diversity of musical traditions and styles, presenting familiar favorites in surprising and unexpected ways. Featured works include Scott Soper and William Dix’s "Child of the Poor," which incorporates the traditional carol "What Child is This", Alfred Reed’s "Russian Christmas Music", Duke Ellington’s arrangement of "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy", and Phil Snedecor’s brilliant arrangement of "Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabela."

Founded in 1983 by Ray and Sharyl Abell, The Cathedral Brass is dedicated to the high-quality performance of unique sacred and secular brass music for the enjoyment of greater Washington DC audiences. The Cathedral Brass is based at Vienna Presbyterian Church and is led by Dr. Dereck Scott (Music Director and director of bands at Flint Hill School). The Cathedral Brass performs at VPC and throughout the area with a 22-person large ensemble, a trombone quartet, a brass quintet, and a jazz combo. Our performance for the Festival of Lights will incorporate all our ensembles.

Friday, December 1, 2023

7:00 p.m - 8:00 p.m: Market Street Big Band
Comprising some of the Baltimore/Washington DC area’s top musicians, The Market Street Big Band enhances any occasion with music ranging from the traditional sound of the famous Big Band era featuring jazz, swing, and Latin tunes. The group’s repertoire includes hundreds of big band, jazz, and swing arrangements made famous during the golden age of music. The fabulous blend of its reed, brass, and rhythm sections faithfully recreates the beautiful sound from the 30’s to today. The Market Street Big Band combines all this for your listening and dancing pleasure.

Saturday, December 2, 2023

4:30 p.m - 5:30 p.m: Washington Area Suzuki Flutes

7:00 p.m - 8:00 p.m: Todd Family – Harp, Piano, & Strings
The Michael and Cate Todd Family includes 6 kids, 3 in-laws, 3 harps, 2 guitars, 10 voices, 4 pianists, a violin, a cello, (and a partridge in a pear tree!) Their program will celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ with a collection of beloved Christmas carols. They are excited to perform together and use their music to bring "Joy to the World."

Sunday, December 3, 2023

7:00 p.m - 8:00 p.m: Concert with Melinda Baird
Mother/daughter duo Melinda Baird and Shaundra Baird Culatta are pleased to continue their long-standing tradition of performing in the Festival of Lights concert series.

Melinda has concertized across the US, Mexico, Canada, France, Germany, Israel, and in Carnegie’s Weill Hall. Her latest solo album, Kaleidoscope (available on Spotify and iTunes) combines classical music with favorite hymns. Melinda currently serves as Director of Piano Programs at the Levine School of Music in Washington DC.

Shaundra performs with the National Philharmonic, the Maryland Symphony Orchestra, the Richmond Symphony, and the American Pops Orchestra. Shaundra runs Encore Strings which provides string instrument rentals and repairs throughout the Northern VA area.

Melinda and Shaundra’s Christmas album, Joy, Joy, for Christ is Born is available on Spotify, iTunes, and Amazon Music.

Monday, December 4, 2023

7:00 p.m - 8:00 p.m: Greenbelt Concert Band
The Greenbelt Concert Band, under the direction of Conducto Joan Rackey is a volunteer adult musical organization dedicated to providing quality musical performances for the citizens of the City of Greenbelt, Prince George’s County, and surrounding areas. The band performs for civic and charitable activities, including concerts for veteran’s groups, retirement communities, nursing homes, and hospitals. It is composed of musicians from local communities and is open to all those with appropriate playing experience. The Band rehearses each Monday evening.

Tuesday, December 5, 2023

7:00 p.m - 8:00 p.m: Capital Accord Chorus
Capital Accord Chorus is a Silver Spring-based treble chorus performing four-part a cappella harmony in the barbershop style. Our fun and engaging repertoire ranges from jazz and pop to standards and show tunes. We welcome people whose voices are within the treble range to join in the joy of singing and sharing music. We are a Region 19 chapter of the worldwide barbershop organization Sweet Adelines International and took 3rd Place, Division A in the 2019 Sweet Adelines International Region 19 Competition. We’re back, singing live at competition, and performing throughout the DMV.

Wednesday, December 6, 2023

7:00 p.m - 8:00 p.m: Spencerville Ringers
The Spencerville Ringers have regularly scheduled concerts including the Pre-fireworks performance each July 4th at Buddy Attick Park, the Holiday Lights Festival performances each December, and the Greenbelt Day performance within the City of Greenbelt. Most concerts are open to the general public and all are free of charge.

Thursday, December 7, 2023

7:00 p.m - 8:00 p.m: Sforza Suzuki Strings
Sforza Suzuki Strings is a premier young artist string ensemble from Northern Virginia, comprised of musicians aged 2-17. Sforza will be presenting a dazzling program of Christmas favorites and invites audience members to join in the fun during the sing-along portion of the evening.

Friday, December 8, 2023

5:30 p.m - 6:30 p.m: Capital Carillon Handbell Choir
Capital Carillon
Kerric T. Baird, Artistic Director

Founded in 1996, Capital Carillon serves metropolitan Washington as an advanced English handbell ensemble. Our mission is to educate, enlighten, and entertain national capital area audiences through the art of ringing with musical excellence. The choir provides opportunities for advanced handbell ringing and performance in a community-based ensemble. The choir performs mostly on 82 English handbells (6 1/2+ octaves) manufactured by Malmark, Inc. The handbells are cast in bronze, an alloy of 80 percent copper and 20 percent tin. The bells range in weight from only a few ounces to more than 13 pounds. To add depth to our music, Capital Carillon also uses Malmark choir chimes. Our set consists of 82 chimes (spanning 7 octaves).

7:00 p.m - 8:00 p.m: Capital Carillon Handbell Choir
Capital Carillon
Kerric T. Baird, Artistic Director

Founded in 1996, Capital Carillon serves metropolitan Washington as an advanced English handbell ensemble. Our mission is to educate, enlighten, and entertain national capital area audiences through the art of ringing with musical excellence. The choir provides opportunities for advanced handbell ringing and performance in a community-based ensemble. The choir performs mostly on 82 English handbells (6 1/2+ octaves) manufactured by Malmark, Inc. The handbells are cast in bronze, an alloy of 80 percent copper and 20 percent tin. The bells range in weight from only a few ounces to more than 13 pounds. To add depth to our music, Capital Carillon also uses Malmark choir chimes. Our set consists of 82 chimes (spanning 7 octaves).

Saturday, December 9, 2023

4:30 p.m - 5:30 p.m: Suzuki Children’s Orchestra Performance
This young string orchestra is all Suzuki students who have come together to perform Christmas music selections under the direction of Suzuki teacher and conductor Alicia Javkhlan. They represent the Suzuki Association of the Great Washington Area whose vision is to inspire and encourage musical learning in the DC area, promote harmony of heart and mind through music to nurture beautiful artists, and foster compassionate connections within the community. They will be playing Christmas Songs and Hymns.

7:00 p.m - 8:00 p.m: Mutual Agreement
Mutual Agreement is a vocal ensemble of Christian men singing a cappella in six-part harmony. The group, whose name means "A Covenant with God", focuses on spreading the word of God through gospels, spirituals, and hymns that are uplifting and beautifully inspirational. Its arrangements and renditions are fresh and contemporary. The ensemble is a member of the Gospel Music Workshop of America. It was nominated one of the eight best a cappella vocal ensembles in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States and won second place in the 2017 Mid-Atlantic Harmony Sweepstakes A Cappella Festival. It has performed at Showtime at the Apollo with Steve Harvey, at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, for the State Department, and for corporate and political events. It has also sung at homeless shelters, prisons, and juvenile detention facilities. Various television and radio programs have featured the group. Based near Washington, D.C., Mutual Agreement seeks to preserve a musical art form that has played an important part in its musical heritage.

Sunday, December 10, 2023

7:00 p.m - 8:00 p.m: Concert with Sandra Turley and Friends
Sandra Turley performed the role of Cosette in Les Miserables on Broadway in New York City and was part of the original closing cast. Sandra was invited to perform the role of Cosette in the Shanghai, China premiere of Les Miserables alongside Broadway star, Colm Wilkinson. She received her BFA from Brigham Young University with a major in Music, Dance, and Theater. Among her favorite performances are Ariel in Disney World’s stage production of The Little Mermaid and singing for numerous national and international dignitaries in the DC area including at the US Supreme Court. Sandra was a recording artist for Shadow Mountain Records having released two albums "Sandra Turley: On Broadway" (produced by Tyler Castleton, 2012) and "Inside My Soul" (produced by Kurt Bestor, 2014). Sandra performed across the country as a presenter for Deseret Book’s popular Time Out for Women and Time Out for Girls events. In 2019 Sandra took her first turn as a Producer for Rob Gardner’s oratorio Lamb of God for the Washington DC premier, for which she also sang the role of Mary Magdalene. Sandra is a constant student of yoga, life coaching, and theology. She is a private vocal coach and cheerleader for rising musical theater students. Sandra and her husband, Josh, reside outside of Washington D.C. where they are raising four incredible children.

Monday, December 11, 2023

7:00 p.m - 8:00 p.m: Alex Fuhriman, Devin Toma, & Johnathan Austin: Three-part Noel
Accompanist: Lee Ann Renfro

A fun-filled musical journey through Christmas favorites with three veteran vocal performers. Enjoy some nostalgia and find some new favorites.

Alex Fuhriman caught the theater bug when he starred as Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors in high school. He then completed a Bachelor of Music Theater and Performance at Boise State University and has gone on to perform in dozens of productions. Some of his favorite roles have been Skye Masterson in Guys and Dolls, the Prince and Big Bad Wolf in Into the Woods, and Ham in the Ark. Jonathan Austin grew up on stage and has performed in many productions throughout his life as his father ran the theater program at a university. Jonathan went on to receive his Bachelor’s degree in theater as well as an MFA in Acting and his PhD in theater from BYU. During his life as a performer, he has had the opportunity to sing with the Utah Opera and perform many recitals and productions across the country. Some of Jonathan’s favorite roles include Tony in West Side Story, Jesus in Godspell, and Archibald in The Secret Garden. He met his wife in a University of Florida production of Carousel playing Billy Bigelow to her Julie Jordan. Devin Toma grew up with a love for music playing the violin, piano, and singing. He studied in vocal performance and music dance theater at BYU and performed with the BYU Young Ambassadors. He has performed in various productions and in the recording studio, as well as directing and choreographing numerous shows. Some of his favorite recent roles and productions include Bert in Mary Poppins, Judas in DC production of The Lamb of God, soloist in regional productions of Handel’s Messiah, and producing/directing DC area productions of Savior of the World.

Tuesday, December 12, 2023

7:00 p.m - 8:00 p.m: Rockville Chorus
Formed in 1972, Rockville Chorus has been performing for audiences of all ages within the Rockville regional community, and surrounding areas, in the state of Maryland. Rockville Chorus is a vibrant and dedicated musical organization consisting of 75 adult singers who are currently under the direction of Linda Garrettson. Rockville Chorus is focused on developing a wide range of musical genres and styles of choral music. The repertoire performed consists of classical choral canon, Broadway musical songs, classical jazz arrangements, and original compositions from contemporary composers. Since the late 1990s, Rockville Chorus has been organizing and performing, annually, a benefit concert for the Rockville Emergency Assistance Program which supports the most vulnerable citizens of Montgomery County. Additionally, in 2010, Rockville Chorus traveled and sang on a European Tour and, for more fun, in 2023, we began singing the National Anthem at minor league baseball games during the summer.

Wednesday, December 13, 2023

7:00 p.m - 8:00 p.m: Harbor City Music Company
Harbor City Music Company is excited to be back at the visitor’s center for Festival of Lights 2023. We are an award-winning, energized group of women who meet weekly to sing a cappella, four-part harmony music in the barbershop style. In addition to a large assortment of sacred and secular holiday songs, we have a wide repertoire of Broadway, pop, folk, and traditional barbershop songs. We perform in groups as small as 4 people or up to full chorus performances of 100+ voices.

Thursday, December 14, 2023

7:00 p.m - 8:00 p.m: D.C. Temple Choir
Founded in 1980, The Washington D.C. Temple Choir is composed of over 80 singers from about 50 congregations of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout the greater Washington area. The mission of the choir is to worship God, to testify of Him and His work through music, and to support the interfaith outreach of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The choir’s repertoire includes major choral works, hymns, spirituals, show tunes, Americana, and patriotic music. The choir has performed throughout the Washington D.C. region and the mid-Atlantic states in houses of worship and other venues, including the White House, Constitution Hall, Strathmore Hall, the Kennedy Center, Washington National Cathedral, Washington Hebrew Congregation, Washington Monument, Navy Memorial, Fort McHenry, and Andrews A.F.B.

Friday, December 15, 2023

7:00 p.m - 8:00 p.m: Piano Concert with Ethan Vinodh
Ethan Vinodh, a classically trained pianist of 15 years, comes to the temple for the 2nd year in a row with select songs from his Christmas album, "The Season" showcasing popular Christmas themes through many genres from Arabic to Smooth Jazz! He is joined by world-class musicians including, Douglas Lira, an exceptional saxophonist and producer; Felipe Paccagnella, an extremely gifted bassist, pianist, guitarist, and producer Jonas Durante, a critically acclaimed drummer, his 13-year-old brother, Elian on the cello as well with several other vocal features. This will be a fantastic night as we capture the Christmas spirit in music.

Saturday, December 16, 2023

7:00 p.m - 8:00 p.m: Polynesian Performers
Polynesian cousins and friends will be performing dances from Hawaii, Tahiti, Samoa, New Zealand, Tonga, and Fiji. They look forward to sharing with you Christmas in the islands.

Sunday, December 17, 2023

7:00 p.m - 8:00 p.m: Capitol Sound Strings
Capitol Sound Strings is a non-profit organization that is committed to developing excellence in the performing arts among the rising generation of the Greater Washington Area. Its mission is to provide the highest quality of violin training and instruction to all participants, from ages 3-18 years, and to develop a high level of artistry made available to the surrounding community, respectful to the culture and heritage of the Greater Washington Area. The organization is directed by violinist Chris Sanchez, who teaches violin in Bethesda, MD.

Monday, December 18, 2023

7:00 p.m - 8:00 p.m: Takoma Park Community Band
The Takoma Park Community Band in Takoma Park, Maryland, was founded in 1974 and has approximately 30 regular members. The band is a diverse group of musicians from the entire Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Members range from high school to retirees. Currently, our repertoire includes classical, popular, show tunes, marches, jazz, and Latin music. The band performs at retirement homes, churches, hospitals, and local parks. Each year the band performs at the Takoma Park City Independence Day celebration.

Tuesday, December 19, 2023

7:00 p.m - 8:00 p.m: Greater Washington Bel Canto Singing Salon
The Greater Washington Bel Canto Vocal Salon is an ensemble of twenty amateur classical vocalists. Established in 2020, our dedicated members convene bi-monthly to showcase their talent by rendering art songs and arias, accompanied by accomplished pianists. Despite our diverse full-time vocations, our members take pleasure in pursuing their passion for singing through professional vocal training and actively engaging in local community activities.

Wednesday, December 20, 2023

7:00 p.m - 8:00 p.m: Northern Lights Concert
Northern Lights: We are a traditional Big Band that originated from a little family band out of Alberta, Canada in the 1930s - The Dow Rhythmers. Nadene Dow Forsyth, our founder, was the lead alto sax and clarinet player in this family band. Throughout her life, she formed and reformed the band everywhere she went using various band names, including (but not limited to) The Gadianton Band! After Nadene’s passing in January of 2001, we renamed the band to The Northern Lights Dance Orchestra to honor Nadene’s native Canada and the Northern Lights that shine so brightly there.

Thursday, December 21, 2023

7:00 p.m - 8:00 p.m: Colesville Interfaith Choir
The Colesville Interfaith Choir consists of the Colesville United Methodist Church Choir and the White Oak Ward Choir of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The two congregations join quarterly for blood drives and now unite their voices to offer hope and joy this Christmas season. The choir will also feature the UMC Handbell Choir and multiple instrumentalists.

Friday, December 22, 2023

7:00 p.m - 8:00 p.m: D.C. Temple Orchestra
The Washington DC Temple Orchestra seeks to be a musical emissary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to Washington DC area audiences by performing religious music and classical favorites. Originating as the Suitland Stake Orchestra, the orchestra is now celebrating its 15th season as a regional ensemble of strings, winds, and percussion instruments. It performs at the Washington Temple Visitors’ Center and other local venues such as the Strathmore Music Center.

Saturday, December 23, 2023

7:00 p.m - 8:00 p.m: Bernadette & Winston Charles
Bernadette and Winston Charles are both classically trained singers. Nevertheless, they both transcend their God-given talents to a wide range of musical categories. Throughout the years, they have acquired various merits and awards, one of which was the 2003 First Place Winner of the National Talent America Award in New York. This couple has performed on Three Angels Broadcasting Network Television Station and Rock Your Block TV Show in VA. In addition, they have performed in Trinidad and Tobago, New York, London – England, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Virginia, and numerous locations in the Washington Metropolitan area. They also ministered in music numerous times at the DC Temple Festival of Lights, and are currently soloists/DUO Singers with the National Christian Choir of 170 members under the Directorship of Kathy Bowman.

Sunday, December 24, 2023

7:00 p.m - 8:00 p.m: A Magical Christmas Eve
Join host Elder Osmond for an inspirational Christmas Eve program performed by the Washington DC North Mission Missionaries. On December 24 at 7:00 P.M. in the Washington D.C. Temple Visitors’ Center. Elder Osmond has been the lead singer for the world-famous Osmond family for over 60 years. Merrill has sung lead on 27 gold records, and with his brothers, helped produce over 47 gold and platinum albums. He has also worked closely with the production of President Ronald Reagan’s and President George Bush’s Inauguration. Elder and Sister Osmond are serving a one-year mission here at the visitors’ center.

Monday, December 25, 2023

7:00 p.m - 8:00 p.m: Missionary Christmas Performance
To celebrate Christmas Day, missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Washington D.C. area are coming together to perform beloved Christmas songs, bring in the spirit of the season, and celebrate the birth of the Savior, Jesus Christ.

Tuesday, December 26, 2023

7:00 p.m - 8:00 p.m: Hill Family Singers & Friends
The Hill Family Singers & Friends have enjoyed singing together, gathered around the piano in the living room, for many years. They are excited to move out of the living room and onto the stage to share their love of music at the Festival of Lights. They started performing at the Washington D.C. Temple Visitors Center nearly 40 years ago as singers, dancers, and actors with The Washington Family Theatre, founded by family matriarch, Claudia Jean Hill. Performing has always been a whole family affair and each new family member and friend enhances our repertoire and our enjoyment.

Wednesday, December 27, 2023

7:00 p.m - 8:00 p.m: Coro Latin Choir
Coro Latino began in 2009 when Brother Marco Lorenzana asked Sister Myriam L. Stevenson to organize a group to sing at the first Hispanic conference in the region under the direction of Elder Ralph Hardy (Area Authority at the time). After that first very special experience, the desire to continue singing hymns and songs in Spanish remained due to the large number of Spanish-speaking members in this region.

The choir has taken part in several performances, including the Festival of Lights in the visitors’ center in past years.
The choir is made up of 45 brothers from various wards of the Silver Spring, Washington DC, and Seneca Stakes.
Please join us in the Washington D.C. Temple Visitors’ Center on December 27 at 7:00 P.M. for this choir celebration.

Thursday, December 28, 2023

7:00 p.m - 8:00 p.m: Ecuadorian Band Concert
Join us in the Washington D.C. Temple Visitors’ Center on December 28 at 7:00 P.M. for a concert by an Ecuadorian Band. We hope to see you at this uplifting performance.

Friday, December 29, 2023

7:00 p.m - 8:00 p.m: Baxter Family Bluegrass
Eric and SaraLyn Baxter and their family have lived in the DC area for 21 years. They have seven children, and because SaraLyn is a violin teacher, they all naturally had to learn to play violin. They have added additional instruments over the years. Eric, who is a pianist, was likewise coerced into playing guitar to make a band, and they have been having fun fiddling around ever since. Steve Kovalchik, a family friend, joins them on bass. Steve is a former bassist for the Marine Corps Band and loves any chance to make music.

Saturday, December 30, 2023

7:00 p.m - 8:00 p.m: Starlight Art Ensemble
Starlight Art Ensemble was established in March 2019 and is one of the newest art groups in the Washington Metropolitan Area. It currently has a total of 105 registered members. Members are music lovers from Tysons, Herndon, and surrounding areas. Since its establishment and with coaching from professional musicians, the group’s singing ability has consistently improved. SAE has actively participated in Washington Metropolitan Cultural Festivals and Holiday Performances over the past few years. During the difficult 2020 and 2021 Covid period, SAE held two online concerts which were highly praised by music professionals and audiences in the DMV. SAE is rapidly developing reaching for higher goals and trying to continuously improve. SAE’s current Choir Conductor is Mr. Goufu Ma and its current President is Mrs. Fei Li.

Sunday, December 31, 2023

7:00 p.m - 8:00 p.m: Scotland Mass Choir
Hailing from the suburbs of Potomac, Maryland, and the Historical Scotland African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Zion Church, The Scotland Mass Choir, under the direction of Michael A. Terry, is a family group that has been singing together for many years. Known for their heart-stirring, foot-stomping, spiritual, and rich gospel music, they bring you to both timeless Christmas and inspirational musical selections that have been beautifully arranged and written by their director for a soulful evening during this Holiday Season.

Monday, January 1, 2024

7:00 p.m - 8:00 p.m: Onley Big Band
The Olney Big Band returns to the D. C. Washington Temple Visitor’s Center for its 11th performance which began on December 23, 2011. Hailing from Olney, Maryland the band was established in 2002 and is currently under the direction and leadership and lead trombonist David Cannon. This 17-piece traditional orchestra features three vocalists, Barbara Bauer, Brad Bawek, and Matt Williams. The band has performed both internationally and locally within the D.C. metropolitan area at concerts, dances, community and charitable events, festivals, and private parties including weddings. Its members are both professional and accomplished professional musicians. For New Year’s Day, the band will perform traditional holiday, seasonal, and big band tunes that inspire love, peace, and happiness which will bring smiles to your face and warmth to your heart.

Date: November 30 - January 1, 2024

Location:

Washington D.C. Temple Visitors Center
9900 Stoneybrook Drive
Kensington, MD 20891

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