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