Ringing in Washington

New Year's Day
Jan. 1, 2021 | 12:30-3:00pm

The nation's capital will erupt into sound this New Year's Day as bells and bell towers ring in the New Year together. From the soaring heights of cathedrals and basilicas, to local parks, neighborhood parishes, and municipal buildings, bells will resound with the spirit of togetherness and camaraderie. Even our friends in Maryland and Virginia are joining in the pealing!

How can you hear the bells on New Year's Day?

Throw open a window to let the sound of thundering bells roll inside. Head outside for a leisurely walk around your neighborhood. Plan a cozy picnic (and pack a mug of cocoa!) underneath your nearest bell tower. There are so many ways to celebrate the year to come under a canopy of sound.

We've listed just a few of the participating bells and bell towers below. If you're unsure whether a bell tower in your community will be ringing, call ahead! Ask them to ring in the New Year with the National Bell Festival.

Washington National Cathedral

12:30-1:00pm | Edward M. Nassor on a carillon of 53 bells

New Year's Day has traditionally been celebrated at Washington National Cathedral with change ringing by the Washington Ringing Society on the Cathedral’s 10-bell peal, but that occasion has been interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, Cathedral carillonneur Edward M. Nassor will continue the bell-ringing tradition by playing a recital of much-loved holiday favorites and melodies that celebrate the New Year. Learn more and view the program.

Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

2:00-2:20pm | Dr. Robert Grogan on a carillon of 56 bells

From high above the city (329 ft. at the pinnacle), the bells of The Knights' Tower will be brought to life as Dr. Robert Grogan, carillonneur, performs a program of beloved hymns and classical melodies. Festivalgoers may enjoy Dr. Grogan's performance on bells while social distancing in the public spaces and surrounding lawns of the Basilica. The recital will also be live-streamed online, so you and your family can tune in safely from home - the best (and warmest!) seat in the house.

Dr. Robert Grogan, Carillonneur and Organist Emeritus of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.

Baker Park

2:00-3:00pm | John Widmann on a carillon of 49 bells

From within the 70-foot Joseph D. Baker Tower and Carillon, John Widmann, the city carillonneur for Frederick, Maryland, will enchant festivalgoers with a selection of beloved songs – including "The Star-Spangled Banner" in tribute to one of Frederick’s most notable sons: Francis Scott Key, author of the American national anthem. With plenty of room to safely distance, the sound of bells can be enjoyed throughout the 58-acre Baker Park and its surrounding playgrounds, walking paths, pavilion, lake, and gardens.

John Widmann, City Carillonneur of Frederick, Maryland.

Community Bells

2:00-2:20pm

Community organizations and historical structures, national parks and memorials, churches, and people across the Washington, D.C. metro area are encouraged to gather and contribute to the ringing on New Year's Day. These are just a few of the bells that will be helping to create a canopy of sound over our nation's capital.