Confession: I have been looking forward to sharing these photo for an entire year.
These photo were taken on December 30, 2024 at Saint Patrick's Cathedral on Fifth Avenue in New York City.
On the day these photo were taken, the church was still in the process of celebrating Christmas. This is because St. Patrick's Cathedral is a Catholic Church, and the Catholic Church traditionally celebrates the Christmas Octave, an eight day celebration that extends the celebration of Christmas beyond December 25th. Because the church was still celebrating Christmas, the church was adorned with wreaths and vibrant poinsettas.
This photo was taken behind the high altar. The high altar at St. Patrick's Cathedral is covered with a large, golden canopy. The golden canopy is called a baldachin, and its presence signifies that the objects or area beneath it hold great significance. The high altar is above a crypt, and the stairs leading down to the crypt are located under the statue seen in this photo.
When sitting in the pews, one could see a massive crèche, or Nativity scene, to the left of the altar.
One of the unique characteristics of this display is the inclusion of a yellow Labrador. This dog is modeled after a real dog named Lexington, once owned by one of the cathedral's former Rectors.
"Lexington II" made his debut in the Christmas Nativity scene in 2011. He has been featured in the cathedral's crèche ever since. The original Lexington passed away in March 2012.
In this photo, Lexington II can be found near St. Joseph. Lexington II's location within the crèche varies from year to year.
If you visit St. Patrick's Cathedral, take time before your trip to learn more about the cathedral to enhance your experience.
Happy holidays!
Sources:
Lexington. (2025). St. Patrick’s Cathedral. https://saintpatrickscathedral.org/lexington
Schlossberg, T. (2015, March 9). Crypt at St. Patrick’s Cathedral Is Made Ready to Receive a Cardinal. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/09/nyregion/crypt-at-st-patricks-cathedral-is-made-ready-to-receive-a-cardinal.html?smid=url-share
Seymour, K. (2011, December 7). Famed Cathedral’s Dog Becomes Nativity Star. TODAY.com; TODAY. https://www.today.com/news/famed-cathedrals-dog-becomes-nativity-star-wbna45565363
The High Altar & Baldachino. (n.d.). St. Patrick’s Cathedral. https://saintpatrickscathedral.org/the-high-altar-baldachino
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