Christmas Mass in Montreal 2018

Montreal is awash with beautiful, ornate, eye-popping churches. The buildings are remnants of a time not long ago when the Catholic Church was so influential in Quebec that it matched (if not superseded) the power of the state.

Nowhere in the rest of Canada was the Catholic Church's grasp so firm and all-encompassing as it was in Quebec. As tithing was legally sanctioned and mandatory at one point, it helped pave the way for budgets that funded the construction of these elaborate and stunning structures.

Attending a Christmas Mass in Montreal is an experience that can appeal to both the devout and those seeking to merely enjoy a service and soak in the historical setting.

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St. Joseph's Oratory

Montreal Christmas Mass 2017-2018 churches include Saint Joseph's Oratory. — Nicolas Kipourax Paquet / Getty Images

Christmas Mass at St. Joesph's Oratory is about as grand as it gets for Catholic assemblies in the Montreal area, especially in the Oratory's Basilica church. Get there early to find a spot as the Mass is extremely popular. 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. Unless it is specified otherwise, it's safe to assume Mass is in French.

Call (514) 733-8211 ext 2790 to find out if you need to reserve tickets for the Mass of your choice.

Basilica Church: 2018 Schedule

December 24th at 6 p.m.: Family Mass

December 24th 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, $5.00 donations requested.

December 24th 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 and $5.00 donations are requested.

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

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

Crypt Church: 2018 Schedule

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Notre-Dame Basilica

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. The Basilica charges admission to Christmas Mass, in addition to the usual requisite donation inherent with the passing of the basket during the ceremony.

The Mass is conducted in French, and some free seats are available at every service in the second balcony section, which offers a limited view. To secure a spot, arrive at least 60 minutes in advance.

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. to ensure a seat.

2018 Schedule

December 24th at 8 a.m.: Christmas Mass

December 24th at 9 a.m.: Christmas Mass

December 24th at 11:30 a.m.: Christmas Mass

December 24th at 7 p.m.: Christmas Family Mass with organ music, traditional hymns, and a living nativity scene. Admission is $6.00 for ages 17 and under admission is $3.00.

December 24th at 9:30 p.m.: Christmas Mass with organ music, traditional hymns, and a living nativity scene. Admission is $6.00 for ages 17 and under admission is $3.00.

December 24th at 11:59 p.m.: Midnight Christmas Mass with organ music, traditional hymns, and a living nativity scene. Admission is $6.00 for ages 17 and under admission is $3.00.

December 25th at 9:30 a.m.: Christmas Mass

December 25th at 11 a.m.: Christmas Mass

December 25th at 5 p.m.: Christmas Mass

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Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours

Beneath the floors of Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours chapel lay at least 2,400 years of First Nations history, and above it is the tomb of Canada's first woman saint, Sainte Marguerite Bourgeoys.

For those who are comfortable with French or don't mind getting lost in translation, Christmas Mass at Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours might be perfect. The mass is a more humble and intimate (but no less grand) experience than those at the city's larger basilicas. As a bonus, the church is located in Old Montreal, adjacent Marché Bonsecours, so finding a meal before or after the service is easy with a multitude of delicious options.

2018 Schedule

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

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Mary Queen of the World

Mary Queen of the Worlds is a minor Basilica with a 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. The Mass is held in French.

2018 Schedule

December 24th at 8 p.m.: Christmas Mass

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

December 25th at 9:30 a.m.: Christmas Mass

December 25th at 11 a.m.: Christmas Mass

December 25th at 12:15 p.m.: Christmas Mass

December 25th at 5 p.m.: Christmas Mass

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St. Patrick's Basilica

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

2018 Schedule

December 24th at 7:30 p.m.: The 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 25th at 9 a.m.: Christmas Mass

December 25th at 11 a.m.: Christmas Mass

December 25th at 12:30 p.m.: Christmas Mass. Basilica closes at 1:30 p.m.

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St. James United

Located near the edge of the entertainment district in the downtown area, St. James United Church offers an inclusive environment and has embraced the city's LGBT community. The welcoming nature of the services should appeal to English-speaking parishioners of any denomination that are unsure where to attend Christmas Mass.

2018 Schedule

December 24th at 7 p.m.: Christmas Mass. Show up between 6:15 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. for hot chocolate.

December 25th at 11 a.m.: Holy Eucharist

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Christ Church Cathedral

A downtown Anglican church, Christ Church Cathedral is the hub of Montreal's Anglican diocese and an easily accessible and welcoming place of worship.