Nine Lessons and Carols at St. John's Cathedral

St. John’s Cathedral Welcomes the New Year with Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols

Jacksonville, FL — St. John’s Cathedral invites the community to begin New Year’s Eve with one of Jacksonville’s most beloved traditions: the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, held on Wednesday, December 31, at 4:00 p.m. in the Cathedral Nave.

A longstanding New Year’s Eve custom at St. John’s Cathedral, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols has been recognized as one of the top things to do in Jacksonville on December 31. Rooted in the historic service first celebrated at King’s College, Cambridge, this worship experience weaves scripture readings with choral music to tell the story of God’s promise and hope for the world.

The Cathedral Choir will lead the service, joined by members of the wider community as guest readers. While the specific carols vary from year to year, the service faithfully follows tradition by opening with “Once in Royal David’s City” and concluding with the triumphant “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.”

This year’s guest readers include distinguished leaders from across Jacksonville:

Anne Eagen, Pediatrician and Chairman of the Board, Wolfson Children’s Hospital

Tiffany McCall, Pastor, First United Methodist Church

Ginny Myrick, President and CEO, Cathedral District Jax

Brian Ward, Development Director, Catholic Charities

Courtney Lewis, Music Director, Jacksonville Symphony

Donna Deegan, Mayor of the City of Jacksonville

Following the service, all are invited to a champagne reception celebrating the New Year in London style. Guests will gather to watch a live BBC One broadcast, hear Big Ben ring in midnight in London, and enjoy the iconic fireworks over the London Eye—ushering in the New Year several hours early, no passport required.

Event Details:
Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols
Date: Wednesday, December 31
Time: 4:00 p.m.
Location: St. John’s Cathedral, Cathedral Nave

Music, fellowship, tradition—and a joyful toast to the New Year—await at St. John’s Cathedral.

Time: 16:00 - 19:00