A Beloved Wolf Trap Tradition

There’s a different kind of warmth that surrounds the Filene Center in early December—with the glow from candlelight and community.

Holiday Sing-A-Long is a beloved Wolf Trap tradition that pre-dates the Filene Center itself! It began in 1968 when Wolf Trap’s founder, Catherine Filene Shouse (1896-1994), invited local choirs to her farmhouse to sing Christmas carols and share in holiday cheer. Since then, it has become a staple of the Washington area holiday season.

Each year, thousands of families and a multitude of volunteer singers from community churches, schools, and choral groups fill the Filene Center to share the holiday spirit. They are led and accompanied by none other than “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band.

For Shouse’s great-grandson, David Robertson, the Holiday Sing-A-Long is an annual tradition to this day. He recalls the early days of attending with his great-grandmother fondly, “I remember often sliding my hands under the lapel of my great-grandmother’s fur coat in order to keep warm.”

Robertson shares one of his favorite memories from more recent years, “One year, it was very cold and a little windy. As we began to sing, ‘It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas,’ snow began drifting through the theater. It was truly magical!”

In rain, shine, or snow, Encore Circle members Mary Shedlock and Jim Mizner have rarely missed a Holiday Sing-A-Long over the last few decades.

Mary shared, “A favorite memory I have of the Sing-A-Long is from when our son Andrew was about five or six years old. That year, we had snow, so before the show started, he went sledding down on the meadow hill numerous times. He lives in North Carolina now, but he always brings up that memory when he hears that we’re headed to the Sing-A-Long.”

It's a core memory kind of event!

For Curtain Raiser member Camille Haberland, there's nothing quite like the Wolf Trap Holiday Sing-A-Long to welcome the spirit of the season.

“As a music teacher, I love watching families of multiple generations experiencing the joy of singing festive music together. And, of course, we are led by one of the world's most prestigious bands. For me, it's the highlight of the holiday season.”

Never ventured to the Filene Center outside of the summer season? Experienced attendees share their advice for first timers:

“Wear layers and bring toe and hand warmers!” —David

“Dress warmly; wear a festive holiday hat (antlers are always fun); bring a battery-operated candle; bring your singing voice; bring the whole family; and most importantly, bring your holiday spirit and get ready for a good time!” —Peter and Lil

“Dress warmly, bring a blanket for your legs, and enjoy the season!” —Phyllis

Read even more helpful tips to make the most of your Holiday Sing-A-Long!

You can prepare for the weather, but there are some things you must experience for yourself.

One couple shares their favorite moment, “We enjoy the music, the entertainment, and the community spirit of the event. However, our favorite part of Holiday Sing-A-Long is the last piece of music—‘Silent Night.’ We love the serenity and beauty of hearing the oboe solo as it continues the melody while the audience leaves the auditorium with their glowing candles. Its simplicity always makes us reflect on what Christmas truly means—peace, fellowship, and goodwill to all!”

Wolf Trap President and CEO Arvind Manocha remarks:

“The Wolf Trap Holiday Sing-A-Long is a tradition that celebrates everything that's great about our community: generosity, through the Toys for Tots collection; service and volunteerism, with performances by the Marine Corps Band and local choirs; and the spirit of togetherness that is made possible by live music. It's a free event—just one of many ways Wolf Trap gives back to our community—so bring your family, a candle, your singing voice, and your jingle bells. What better way to kick off the holiday season?”

Whether it’s your first (or 40^th) Holiday Sing-A-Long, prepare to delight in the warmth of the holiday season.