Christmas 2024: The best places in the world to attend midnight mass on Christmas Eve

As Christmas approaches, more and more of us are wrapping our presents. Many of us are also packing our bags and planning trips this holiday season. And then there are the people who can’t wait to attend Christmas Eve mass. It is the event that celebrates the birth of Jesus. For Roman Catholics and many other Christian denominations, Advent – ​​the four weeks leading up to December 25 – is considered a special time.

With Christmas Mass now celebrated all over the world, here’s a look at some of the best masses.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York

Located along Fifth Avenue in the heart of Manhattan, St. Patrick’s Cathedral is where all the Christmas action takes place. Just steps from great shopping and the Rockefeller Center tree, St. Patrick’s is worth a visit any time of year. Although many services are celebrated on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, Midnight Mass requires a ticket. Simply visit the cathedral’s website and book your ticket.

Basilica of Our Lady of Peace in Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast

Designed to resemble St. Peter’s Basilica, the church can accommodate up to 18,000 people. It is the tallest church in the world, measuring 516 feet high. For more information on this mass schedule, you can visit the basilica’s official website.

Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar in Barcelona, ​​Spain

Here, the midnight mass is known as “Missa del gall,” which translates to “Mass of the Rooster.” The name comes from an ancient legend according to which the rooster was the first animal to see Jesus and announce his birth. If you’re in Barcelona this Christmas, be sure to check the mass schedule before planning your trip.

Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, Israel

The birth of Christ is described in the Gospels of Luke and Matthew – where both accounts agree that Jesus was born in Bethlehem and that this was caused by divine intervention.

Additionally, the church holds even greater significance for Christians of various faiths as the birthplace of Jesus. It is also the oldest church in the Holy Land. Since 2012, the Church of the Nativity has been listed as a world heritage site.

St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City

The opportunity to attend the Mass celebrated by the Pope is a unique experience. While anyone can enter St. Peter’s on any Sunday, midnight mass can often be tricky. However, it is important to note that the mass given by Pope Francis is always free.