Duke University Chapel, 401 Chapel Drive, Durham, is often filled with music, and much of the time it’s available for the public to listen to, for free. During weekdays, there is typically a 15-minute Carillon recital at 5 p.m.
Events at Duke Chapel
See all upcoming events on the Duke University Chapel website.
Here’s some of what’s coming up:
Duke Chorale Holiday Concert with Special Guests Durham School for the Arts
Tuesday, December 3, 2024
7 p.m.
Admission: One new or lightly used children’s book for Book Harvest
The forty-five-voice Duke Chorale, directed by Allan Friedman, presents holiday music from around the world sung by the Chorale. The Chorale will be joined by choirs from the Durham School of the Arts conducted by Jeremy Nabors. There will be carols for all to sing, a children’s story, and a special guest for children. This family holiday event is a long-standing tradition for many area residents.
There’s no better way to celebrate than with music! Check out our big list of holiday concerts in the Triangle!
Duke Employee Holiday Concert
Tuesday, December 10, 2024
11 a.m.
Free
Staff and faculty throughout the University and Health System as well as members of the Duke University Retiree Association (DURA) will be invited to Duke’s annual Holiday Concert at the Duke University Chapel. The event features a large choir group that performs a medley of holiday songs. The event is emceed by the Vice President of Human Resources and remarks will provide a reflection of Duke’s Centennial year. A Centennial gift will be distributed (while supplies last) and a dessert reception will follow the event.
Advent Lessons and Carols
Thursday, December 12, 2024
7 p.m.
Free
Based on the formula made famous by the Christmas Lessons and Carols from King’s College, Cambridge, this service follows a similar pattern of readings, choral anthems, and congregational hymns. It begins in a darkened Chapel, with the choir singing and processing by candlelight. The service lasts about one hour.
Duke Chapel by Candlelight: Christmas Open House
Wednesday, December 18, 2024
12 p.m.
Free
Welcome the splendor of the season at the annual candlelight open house at Duke Chapel. All are invited to see the Chapel fully decorated for the Christmas season and listen to familiar Christmas music. There is no cost to attend and no tickets or reservations are required. The event starts at 12-noon and ends at 2:00 p.m.; drop in and stay for as little or as long as you’d like! Parking is available on a first-come-first-served basis in the Bryan Center Garage at 125 Science Dr. with ADA parking in the surface lot at the same address.
Christmas Eve Lessons and Carols
Tuesday, December 24, 2024
11 p.m.
Free
This is the traditional Lessons and Carols Christmas Eve Service with candlelight, scripture readings, and Christmas carols. *** Attendees of this service are advised to arrive early to allow for time to park and because the service often fills up. *** Free parking is available in the Bryan Center Parking Garage at 125 Science Drive. ADA parking is available in the parking lot at the same address.
Epiphany Lessons and Carols
Sunday, January 5, 2025
4 p.m.
Free
Based on the formula made famous by the Christmas Lessons and Carols from King’s College, Cambridge, this service follows a similar pattern of readings, choral anthems, and congregational hymns. Paid parking is available on a first-come-first-served basis in the Bryan Center garage at 125 Science Drive. ADA parking is available in the Bryan Center Surface Lot at the same address.
Bach Cantata Series: Solo Cantatas
Sunday, February 2, 2025
5 p.m.
Free
Johann Sebastian Bach’s church cantatas are often considered the pinnacle of German sacred music, works whose theological depth and emotional resonance touch deep places in the human soul. This year, we follow Bach through the various stages of his career, from his earliest appointments in Arnstadt and Mühlhausen, to Weimar, and to the culmination of his work in Leipzig. Each place and each employment offered Bach different opportunities to focus his creative energies. The theme of this concert is “Leipzig III: Solo Cantatas” and features these cantatas: * Ich habe genug (BWV 82) * Ich will den Kreuzstab gerne tragen (BWV 56) There is no charge for admission. Paid parking is available on a first-come-first-served basis in the Bryan Center Garage at 125 Science Drive. ADA parking is available in the surface lot at the same address. Learn more about the music in this concert by attending a pre-concert conversation at 4:00 p.m. in Goodson Chapel in the Divinity School’s Westbrook Building.
Docent-Led Tour of Duke Chapel
Sundays (check Duke Chapel website for exceptions)
12:15 p.m.
Free
Learn about the history, architecture, and life of Duke Chapel in this tour, which is free and open to the public. The tour begins at 12:15 p.m., or immediately following the conclusion of the Sunday morning service, and lasts approximately forty-five minutes. No reservation is required but if you plan to bring a large group please notify the Chapel in advance. Meet the docent on the front steps of the Chapel.
Parking at Duke Chapel
Paid parking is available on a first come, first served basis in the Bryan Center Parking Lot at 125 Science Drive. ADA parking is available in the Bryan Center Surface Lot at the same address.
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More Events
Check out our list of free and cheap events in Raleigh and the rest of the Triangle this weekend, or our full event calendar in the Triangle, or just look at few upcoming events here:
