View more photos of Lessons & Carols

The Hotchkiss Chorus presented its 66th annual Festival of Lessons & Carols on Sunday, Dec. 7, in the Hotchkiss Chapel. This beloved holiday tradition combines choral music with seasonal reflections, offering a festive and heartwarming start to the Christmas season.

The Hotchkiss Chorus, led by faculty member Jack Brown, was joined by Joe Rose on the magnificent Hotchkiss Chapel pipe organ. Chaplain and faculty member Jason Larson led the service. The 30-member chorus performed a mix of classic a cappella carols alongside contemporary settings by English and American composers. Highlighting this year’s program, student composer Jeff Gong '26 created a new arrangement of It Came Upon a Midnight Clear specifically for the chorus.

Members of the audience participated in the singing of traditional carols throughout the service. Following a longstanding tradition, the evening concluded with a candlelight rendition of Silent Night, creating a magical and communal experience.

View a Recording of Lessons & Carols