The Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine Announces a Fresh Fall & Festive Season with a Lineup of New, Beloved & Reimagined Programming

Left to Right: Gaia at Tewkesbury Abbey, UK, 2024. Photo (c) Jack Boskett Media Ltd; Halloween Extravaganza; New Year’s Eve Concert for Peace

From September to December 2026, experience a dynamic blend of beloved traditions and new programming at one of the world’s largest Gothic Cathedrals, including a reimagined St. Francis Day, a 9/11 25^th Anniversary Commemoration, new musical offerings, exhibitions, and more.

The Cathedral of St. John the Divine in Morningside Heights is ready to usher in the fall and holiday seasons with a vibrant array of cultural and spiritual programming. Among the season’s highlights is a reimagined St. Francis Day & the Blessing of the Earth featuring Luke Jerram’s Gaia, an illuminated 3D Earth sculpture that has toured around the world and will make its debut at the Cathedral in September. The Cathedral will also host a special commemoration for the 25^th anniversary of 9/11 and welcome returning collaborators like Musica Sacra and the Sixth Station Trio. Guests can also look forward to events they know and love like the annual Halloween Extravaganza, Crafts at the Cathedral, and so much more.

“This year, the Cathedral is embracing new beginnings while staying true to time-honored traditions,” said Laura Bosley, Executive Director, Cathedral Programming. “In addition to special services, poignant art exhibitions and moving musical performances, we are thrilled to introduce our community to a reenvisioned St. Francis Day, timed with the 800^th anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi.  The festivities promise to be a beautiful celebration of the Earth and creation, all taking place underneath the breathtaking Gaia sculpture. As we approach the 25^th anniversary of 9/11, we also invite New Yorkers to join us in honoring the first responders and all those we lost on September 11^th.”

Below are highlights of special events and programming from September to December 2026 listed in chronological order. Tickets (unless otherwise indicated) will go on sale Tuesday, September 8 at 10am EST, via the Cathedral website www.stjohndivine.org.

·         25^th Anniversary Event of 9/11 & Documentary Film Screening (Friday, September 11) – In observation of the 25^th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks, join the Cathedral for a day of remembrance and a screening of 9/11: Reclaiming Ground Zero, a documentary that explores the public decision-making process behind the redevelopment of the World Trade Center site. The event will take place at 6:30pm and is free with RSVP.

·         FREE Sunday Fall Organ Recitals (Sundays, September 13 to 27; November 15 to 29) – Following the 4pm Evensong on select Sundays in the fall, the Cathedral hosts distinguished organists from around the world in performance on their acclaimed Aeolian-Skinner pipe organ. Organists include Kent Tritle, David Briggs, and more. These 5pm recitals are free for the public and 45 minutes in length.

·         Gaia Earth Installation (Friday, September 18 to October 9) – In honor of the 800^th anniversary of the St. Francis of Assisi’s passing, the Cathedral is welcoming Gaia, a touring artwork by UK artist Luke Jerram. Measuring 23 feet in diameter and featuring detailed NASA imagery of the Earth’s surface, the rotating installation will be suspended in the Cathedral nave, offering a three-dimensional view of the planet floating in space. There will be an opening reception on September 18 at 6pm. Visitors are also welcome to experience a worship service underneath Gaia on October 4^th in honor of St. Francis Day & the Blessing of the Earth. The installation is included with admission during regular open hours.

o   “Transcendent Tuesdays” Yoga (Tuesdays, September 22, September 29 & October 6) – In addition, visitors can experience a transformative yoga experience beneath Gaia with instructors from Harlem Yoga at 6pm. Tickets available at $10 and yogis are required to bring their own mat.

·         United Nations Sunday Service (Sunday, September 20) – A longstanding tradition, the Cathedral has welcomed the President of the General Assembly to the pulpit at the start of each UN General Assembly session. This year, the Cathedral has invited the President of the General Assembly, to address the congregation. The United Nations Orchestra, which includes both professional and amateur musicians who live in New York and work for the UN, will participate in the service beginning at 10:30am.

·         SOUND OF LOSS Sound Installation, Timed during World Peace Day (Monday, September 21) – In honor of World Peace Day, established by the UN General Assembly to promote world peace, non-violence and global ceasefire, the Cathedral will debut SOUND OF LOSS, an audio exhibit by award-winning German director and multimedia artist Philip Gröning. Statistically, at least 550 people are killed in one of the worldwide wars each day in 2026. Gröning’s installation uses a simple clicking noise to remind viewers of the lives continually lost to global conflict – on average, every 2.62 minutes. SOUND OF LOSS is included with admission during regular open hours.

·         The Choir of Trinity College Cambridge Concert (Friday, September 25) – With Conductor Steven Grahl at the helm, The Choir of Trinity College Cambridge was voted one of the top choirs in the world by Gramophone magazine’s “20 Greatest Choirs.” Comprised of 30 choral scholars and an organ scholar of the University, the Choir’s program will celebrate choral music from Thomas Tallis, the grandfather of the English choral tradition, through to music of today including Dame Judith Weir, Master of the King’s Music and an Honor Fellow at Trinity College. Music includes Bach’s Komm, Jesu, Holst’s Nunc Dimittis and works by John Taverner and Herbert Howells. Ticket prices to be announced shortly. 

·         St. Francis Day & the Blessing of the Earth and Fair with Pet Blessings (Sunday, October 4) – To celebrate the 800^th anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi’s passing, the Cathedral is reimagining the popular tradition and will debut the breathtaking Gaia installation. While the formal procession of animals will no longer be part of the ceremony, all pets and their human companions are warmly welcome inside the Cathedral for this historic celebration of creation. Following the service, the afternoon fair and pet blessings will be held rain or shine, outside on the Cathedral grounds. Passes are not required. The day begins with a worship service at 10:30am, the Pet Blessings will begin outside as soon as the service has concluded, at approximately 12pm.

·         SurRound: The Earth Remembers (Wednesday, October 7) – Musica Sacra, led by Music Director Kent Tritle, continues their exploration of immersive performances as part of the Gaia programming. Singers will be placed throughout the Cathedral performing works by Mouton, Monk, Shaw, and others with texts that range from Rilke to traditional Quechuan and Navajo. The performance begins at 7:30pm with tickets available for $75 and $125. 

·         Evensong for Haiti and Reception (Sunday, October 11) – Join the Diocese of New York in celebrating the ministry of Haiti, the local New York Haitian community and visitors. This special evensong begins with the Right Reverend Matthew F. Heyd as celebrant will begin at 4pm and will be offered in person and over livestream, with a reception to follow.

• Annual Halloween Extravaganza (Friday, October 23 & Saturday, October 24) – The Cathedral will host two nights of their annual spooktacular Halloween Extravaganza, starting at 7pm with a showing of the 1920s silent film Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, with live organ accompaniment by world-renowned organist David Briggs. Guests can also anticipate a procession of “Ghouls and Ghosts” through the audience. This year, the Cathedral will offer tiered pricing with tickets available for $50 and $75.

·         Launch of “One Single Act,”  a New Book by The Very Reverend Winnie Varghese (Friday, November 6) – Officially launching on November 3^rd and available via Amazon and Target, Dean Winnie Varghese’s newest book, “One Single Act,” will introduce readers to how daily acts of kindness, generosity and justice can spark personal transformation and renew our communities with hope. Dean Varghese, along with the diocese of New York, originally launched a social media campaign #OneSingleAct in July 2025 to invite the community to perform one act of generosity, compassion, kindness or justice daily. The book takes the idea of the campaign and speaks to the fundamentals of Christian Spirituality. To celebrate its launch, the Cathedral will host a release event at 6:30pm. “One Single Act” is published by Church Publishing Incorporated. Attendance is free with RSVP.

·         Genshin in Concert, Featuring the Sixth Station Trio (Friday, November 13) – After making their New York City debut at the Cathedral last year, the San Francisco-based professional violin, cello, and piano trio return for one enchanting evening to perform melodies from the popular Anime-style video game Genshin Impact. The concert starts at 7:30pm and tickets are available for $35 and $50.

·         The 28^th Annual Crafts at the Cathedral (Friday, December 4 to Sunday, December 6) – Offering the only juried fine crafts show in New York City, Crafts at the Cathedral will be taking place on Friday 9:30am to 7pm; Saturday 9:30am to 6pm; and Sunday 12pm to 5pm. Featuring talented artists from across the country, visitors can look forward to holiday shopping for one-of-a-kind gifts from ceramics, fine jewelry, chic home accents, pottery and handmade goods at a variety of price points. A weekend pass is $22, while single day passes are $15 for adults, $12 for senior citizens, and $12 for students.

·         Annual Cathedral Christmas Concert (Friday, December 11 and Saturday, December 12) – Join the Cathedral Choirs and Orchestra, featuring the Cathedral Choristers as they celebrate their 125^th anniversary, for The Joy of Christmas: Gloria in Excelsis! presenting holiday favorites with carols for all to sing. This year, the Cathedral will offer two concerts, one on December 11 at 7pm, and another on December 12 at 4pm. Tickets are available for $125, $80, and $55.

·         Christmas Services at the Cathedral (Thursday, December 24 & Friday, December 25) – All services are available in person and via livestream. No passes or reservations are required.

o   Christmas Eve: Lessons & Carols (Thursday, December 24, 4:00 pm)

o   Christmas Eve: Festal Eucharist (Thursday, December 24, 10:30 pm)

o   Christmas Day: Holy Eucharist (Friday, December 25, 10:30 am)

·         New Year’s Eve Concert for Peace (Thursday, December 31) – The Cathedral’s New Year’s Eve Concert for Peace is a longstanding beloved tradition, inviting visitors to welcome the new year with beautiful music. The concert will feature performances by several Cathedral Artists in Residence, including organist David Briggs, soprano Susanna Phillips, musician Paul Winter, and composer Jason Robert Brown. The concert begins at 7pm with tickets available for $155, $105, and $50.

·         New Year’s Eve Watchnight (Thursday, December 31) – Following the Concert for Peace, the Cathedral opens its doors for a traditional, contemplative Watchnight liturgy to reflect on the past year and ring in the New Year together. All are welcome to join this service which will begin at 11pm.

·         Ongoing Art Exhibitions at the Cathedral (On view through Fall 2026) – See the award-winning Peace Post installation by Brooklyn-based design studio Selman, showcasing nearly 200 portraits of peace, environmental, and human rights activists created by more than 100 international artists. The Cathedral also welcomes guests to experience UNSEEN, a site-specific installation by New York- and Catskills-based glass artist Nisha Bansil, featuring more than 50,000 individual cast glass ginkgo leaves that serve as a physical translation of the overwhelming number of unhoused people in NYC.

For more information and a calendar of events, visit www.stjohndivine.org and follow on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok @StJohnDivineNYC.

About The Cathedral

Founded in 1892 and one of the largest cathedrals in the world, the trustees of the Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine conceived its mission to be a house of prayer for all people, an instrument of church unity, and a center of intellectual light and leading in the spirit of Jesus Christ.

Today, as the mother church of the Episcopal Diocese of New York and the seat of its bishop, the Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine serves the many diverse people of our diocese, city, nation and world through the worship of God; pastoral, educational and community outreach activities; cultural and civic events; international ecumenical initiatives; and the preservation of the great architectural and historic site that is its legacy.

For more information, visit www.stjohndivine.org and follow on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok @StJohnDivineNYC.