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Naval Academy Holiday Gate Hours and Chapel Services

  POSTED ON: Friday, December 20, 2019 8:34 AM by mediarelations@usna.edu

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – U.S. Naval Academy Gates 1 and 3 will operate under the following modified hours during the holiday season, Dec. 18 – Jan. 6, 2020. All are welcome to attend Christmas services in the Chapel Dec. 24 and Dec. 25.

Gate 3 (Maryland Ave.):

Vehicular Access:  Closed for vehicular access throughout the holiday.

*Pedestrian Access:

  • The sentry-manned pedestrian gate will be closed throughout the holiday, except for the following times, when it will be open in support of athletic events:
    • 19: 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
    • 20: 11 a.m. – 1p.m.
    • (CLOSED Christmas Eve)

*Christmas Eve: This is a change from previous years (!); Gate 3 will be closed to visitors on Christmas Eve. (!) The gate will NOT be open to pedestrian entrance for Chapel services. Please use Gate 1 or Gate 8 for vehicle and pedestrian access when attending Christmas Eve services. (!) As always, pedestrian exit is possible at Gate 3 for all visitors through turnstile gate.

 

Gate 1 (off King George St.):

Vehicular Access: Open daily throughout the holiday season for vehicular access from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

*Pedestrian Access via the Visitor Access Center:

  • Sunday - Thursday, from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
  • Fridays and Saturdays, from 6 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.

Christmas Eve: Gate 1 will have extended hours on Christmas Eve to accommodate visitors attending religious services. Gate 1 will be open for inbound vehicles from 6 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. and outbound vehicles from 6 a.m. – 11 p.m. Pedestrians may access the Chapel through the Visitor Access Center at Gate 1 from 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.                       

NOTE: All visitor access remains secured daily at sunset-sunrise for unaffiliated visitors with the exception of attendance to a specific event/religious service on the Yard.

*Visitors with USNA-affiliated CAC/DBIDS access will be able to enter USNA using the turnstiles at Gates 1 and 3, 24/7 throughout the holiday season.

 

Gate 8 (Route 450):

Gate 8 hours will not change throughout the holiday season and will remain open 24-hours a day.

All USNA gates will resume normal hours Monday, Jan. 6, 2020.

 

RELIGIOUS SERVICES

         The U.S. Naval Academy Chapel will host a variety of public Christmas services on Dec. 24 and Dec. 25. Pedestrians may exit through turnstiles. Visitors may access the Chapel through Gate 1 or Gate 8. Gate 8 will be open for vehicle and pedestrian traffic 24/7 through the holiday period.

Christmas Eve Services (Main Chapel):

Protestant Family Worship Service: 4 p.m.

Catholic Vigil Mass: 6 p.m.

Protestant Lessons & Carols: 9 p.m.

 

Christmas Day Services:

Roman Catholic Christmas Day Mass (Main Chapel): 9 a.m.

Protestant Christmas Day Service (St. Andrew’s Chapel beneath Main Chapel): 10:30 a.m.

Again, this is a change from previous years (!), Gate 3 will be closed to visitors on Christmas Eve. (!) The gate will NOT be open to pedestrian entrance for Chapel services. Please use Gate 1 or Gate 8 for vehicle and pedestrian access for entry when attending Christmas Eve services. (!) As always, pedestrian exit is possible at Gate 3 for all visitors through turnstile gate.

Visitors are reminded that everyone 18 and older will be required to show a government-issued picture ID and that all bags are subject to search. Vehicles without a Department of Defense or USNA credentialed driver or passenger are not permitted to drive onto the academy grounds. Visitors are encouraged to park at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium (price to park is $5) and walk or ride public transportation to downtown Annapolis near the academy. Vehicles with handicapped placards or license plates may enter through Gates 1 or 8 and are subject to search.

USNA


Category: General Interest