For more than 75 years, the St. John’s community has gathered at the Church of St. John the Divine to celebrate the holiday season through music and meaningful fellowship. This beloved tradition brings together the entire school community, with more than 300 students participating in a joyful, family-centered celebration.

The service featured a procession of choirs, seasonal hymns accompanied by organ and orchestra, and spiritual readings shared by students and faculty, along with an address by Director of Spiritual Life David Goldberg. Performances included selections by the St. John’s choirs and Chamber Strings, with this year’s repertoire highlighting Angels We Have Heard on High (arr. Mack Wilberg), I Wonder as I Wander (arr. Jennaya Robison), Love Came Down at Christmas by B. Wayne Bisbee, and Gustav Holst’s choral-orchestral cantata Christmas. In keeping with tradition, the service concluded with Wonderful Peace by Gustav Nordqvist, sung by choristers surrounding the congregation and illuminated solely by candlelight.

Following the service, families continued the celebration at the Wassail Party in Flores Hall, enjoying caroling by Kantorei and festive holiday music performed by the US Jazz Band.