Montreal Christmas Mass 2017

It's no secret Montreal has beautiful churches, ornate, eye-popping remnants of a time not too long ago when the Catholic Church was so influential in Quebec that it matched if superceded the power of the state.

Nowhere in the rest of Canada, and possibly North America, was the Catholic Church's grasp so firm and all-encompassing as it was in Quebec. Even tithing was was legally sanctioned and mandatory at one point, which arguably paved the way for the kind of budgets that allowed for the construction of such detailed and elaborate structures.

So to have to a chance to attend Christmas Mass in Montreal is an experience on its own, even for non-believers. To an atheist, these buildings are architectural gems offering a sociocultural experience, a window into the Church's once-upon-a-time pervasive reach as a religious, social and political figurehead that defined the very foundation of community, with all of its pros and cons.

But to the spiritually-minded, there's something more going on in these buildings, something that transcends history lessons, political power grabs and sociological insight. The energy permeating these sacred spaces is like a subtle hum to them as they quiet their minds and listen carefully, drawing closer to a higher source that gives them a sense of strength and comfort as they navigate their day-to-day.

First time in Montreal? Been living here all your life? You'll both love my top picks for Montreal Christmas Mass.

Christmas Mass at St. Joseph's Oratory is about as grand as it gets for Catholic assemblies in the Montreal area, especially in the Oratory's Basilica church, which means you'll want to plan this one out and get there early because I can downright guarantee you won't find a spot at the sites of allegedly thousands of miracles if you wait until the last minute. You`ll probably be able to visit Saint André's tomb though.

Even the Oratory's second church, the crypt church, fills to capacity. Note that some Basilica church masses, while free of charge, still require tickets ahead of time. Call (514) 733-8211 ext 2790 to find out if you need to reserve tickets for the Mass of your choice. And note that unless specified, it's safe to assume Mass is in French.

Montreal Christmas Mass in the Basilica Church: 2017 Schedule

December 24, 2017 at 6 p.m.: Family Mass

December 24, 2017 at 9 p.m.: Christmas Mass conducted in French with a performance by Les Petits Chanteurs du Mont-Royal and an organ concert preceding Mass (attendance requires tickets secured ahead of time at the Information and Blessings Office, $5 donations requested)

December 24, 2017 at 11:59 p.m.: Midnight Mass conducted in French with a performance by Les Petits Chanteurs du Mont-Royal and an organ concert preceding Mass (attendance requires tickets secured ahead of time at the Information and Blessings Office, $5 donations requested)

December 25, 2017 at 11 a.m.: Christmas Mass with Les Petits Chanteurs du Mont-Royal, Boys' Choir

December 25, 2017 at 12:30 p.m.: Christmas Mass conducted in French

Montreal Christmas Mass in the Crypt Church: 2017 Schedule

December 24, 2017 at 4:30 p.m.: Christmas Mass conducted in French

December 24, 2017 at 9:15 p.m.: Christmas Mass conducted in English

December 25, 2017 at 12:15 a.m.: Midnight Mass conducted in both French and English

December 25, 2017 at 7 a.m.: Christmas Mass conducted in French

December 25, 2017 at 8 a.m.: Christmas Mass conducted in French

December 25, 2017 at 9:30 a.m.: Christmas Mass conducted in French

December 25, 2017 at 11:15 a.m.: Christmas Mass in English

December 25, 2017 at 3 p.m.: Christmas Mass conducted in Spanish

December 25, 2017 at 4:30 p.m.: Christmas Mass conducted in French

December 25, 2017 at 7:30 p.m.: Christmas Mass conducted in French

The Notre-Dame Basilica is usually a hit with visitors from out of town since it's located in Old Montreal and makes for an accessible and picturesque destination. Services are usually in French. Note that the Basilica charges admission to mass in addition to the usual requisite donation inherent with the passing of the basket during Catholic mass on a regular day.

Visitors are advised to buy tickets in advance at 424 St-Sulpice street Monday to Friday between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. as of September to ensure a seat at Christmas Mass. Note that Mass is conducted in French and some free seats are available at every service in the 2nd balcony section, which offers a limited view. To secure a free seat, arrive at least 60 minutes in advance.

Montreal Christmas Mass: 2017 Schedule

December 24, 2017 at 8 a.m.: Christmas Mass

December 24, 2017 at 9 a.m.: Christmas Mass

December 24, 2017 at 11:30 a.m.: Christmas Mass

December 24, 2017 at 7 p.m.: Christmas Family Mass with organ music, traditional hymns, and a living nativity scene (admission $6, ages 17 and under $3, arrive 30 minutes in advance to secure a good seat)

December 24, 2017 at 9:30 p.m.: Christmas Mass with organ music, traditional hymns, and a living nativity scene (admission $6, ages 17 and under $3, arrive 45 minutes in advance to secure a seat)

December 24, 2017 at 11:59 p.m.: Midnight Christmas Mass with organ music, traditional hymns, and a living nativity scene (admission $6, ages 17 and under $3, arrive 45 minutes in advance to secure a good seat)

Dec 25, 2017 at 9:30 a.m: Christmas Mass

Dec 25, 2017 at 11 a.m: Christmas Mass

Dec 25, 2017 at 5 p.m.: Christmas Mass

Mass Schedule During the Holidays

December 26 to December 31, 2017: regular schedule

January 1, 2018: 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.

January 2, 2018: back to the regular schedule

Beneath the floors of Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours chapel lay at least 2,400 years of First Nations history, and above it, the dream of a humble woman intent on educating and protecting women and girls living in poverty, the site of the oldest stone chapel erected in Montreal, circa 1675. Her body rests in the chapel.  Read her story.

For those who are comfortable in French or don't mind getting lost in translation, Christmas Mass at Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours might be just the place if you're looking for a smaller, humbler, more intimate but no less grand experience than those on offer at the city's larger basilicas. It's located in Old Montreal, adjacent Marché Bonsecours.

Montreal Christmas Mass: 2017 Schedule

December 24, 2017 at 8 p.m.: Christmas Eve Mass in French

Regular masses held at noon Tuesdays and Thursdays and Sundays at 10:30 a.m. Special English mass on Saturdays at 4 p.m.

Mary Queen of the World is a minor Basilica with major presence. It's a replica of Rome's St. Peter's Basilica. It's significantly smaller in size, but it still has an effect. Note that Mass is held in French.

Montreal Christmas Mass: 2017-2018 Schedule

December 24, 2017 at 8 p.m.: Christmas Mass

December 24, 2017 at 11:59 p.m.: Midnight Mass preceded by 11 p.m. concert featuring the Chœur polyphonique de Montréal

December 25, 2017 at 9:30 a.m.: Christmas Mass

December 25, 2017 at 11 a.m.: Christmas Mass

December 25, 2017 at 12:15 p.m.: Christmas Mass

December 25, 2017 at 5 p.m.: Christmas Mass

New Year's Mass: 2017-2018 Schedule

December 31, 2017 at 5 p.m.: Mass presided over by the Archbishop of Montreal Christian Lépine

January 1, 2018 at 9:30 a.m.

January 1, 2018 at 11 a.m.: Mass presided over by the Archbishop of Montreal Christian Lépine

January 1, 2018 at 12:15 p.m.

January 1, 2018 at 5 p.m.

Declared a minor basilica by Pope John-Paul II in 1989, Montreal's St. Patrick's Basilica is your best bet for catching a Catholic service in English on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in the heart of downtown. St. Patrick's Basilica has traditionally been a Catholic stronghold for the city's sizable Irish community.

Montreal Christmas Mass: 2017 Schedule

December 24, 2017 at 7:30 p.m.: choir begins Christmas carols at 7:30 p.m. followed by Mass at 8 p.m. (limited seating first come first serve as of 7 p.m.)

December 25, 2017 at 9 a.m.: Christmas Mass

December 25, 2017 at 11 a.m.: Christmas Mass

December 25, 2017 at 12:30 p.m.: Christmas Mass (Basilica closes at 1:30 p.m.)

New Year's Mass: 2017-2018 Schedule

December 31, 2017 at 5 p.m.: Mass of Anticipation

January 1, 2018 at 9 a.m.: New Year's Mass

January 1, 2018  at 11 a.m.: New Year's Mass

January 1, 2018  at 12:30 p.m.: New Year's Mass (Basilica closes at 1:30 p.m.

Downtown Montreal's St. James United Church is about as open-minded as churches get, embracing the city's LGBT community as well as other groups who may not always feel accepted by other Christian denominations and/or congregations. Overall, St. James United Church offers a welcoming, inclusive environment which could be interesting for English-speaking Christians of any denomination who are not sure where to attend Christmas Mass. Located near the edge of the entertainment district.

Montreal Christmas Mass: 2017 Schedule

December 24, 2017 at 7 p.m.: Christmas Mass (show up between 6:15 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. for some hot chocolate)

December 25, 2017 at 11 a.m.: Holy Eucharist

Whenever I hear "Anglican," fond memories flood back of an Anglican summer camp I went to as a child. Such a great, open-minded environment, it was. You didn't need to be Anglican to be fully embraced as a member of their community and you really could ask any question, however pointed, about the Bible's myriad contradictions without any risk of being... what's the word... smited? So I couldn't resist adding St. George's, a downtown Montreal Anglican Church, to this list of Montreal Christmas Masses, a great option regardless of Christian denomination.

Montreal Christmas Mass: 2017 Schedule

December 24, 2017 at 10:30 a.m.: Advent Candle Lighting and Holy Eucharist

December 24, 2017 at 10:30 p.m.: Christmas Eve Procession and Holy Eucharist 

December 25, 2017 at 10:30 a.m.: Christmas Day Eucharist

Yet another downtown Montreal Anglican church to consider for Christmas Mass, Christ Church Cathedral is the hub of Montreal's Anglican diocese, an easily accessible and welcoming place of worship.

Montreal Christmas Mass: 2017 Schedule

December 24, 2017 at 4 p.m.: Christmas Eve Service with Pageant

December 24, 2017 at 7 p.m.: Christmas Eve Service (In French)

December 24, 2017 at 11 p.m.: Midnight Mass 

December 25, 2017 at 10 a.m.: Christmas Day Festival Mass