Christmas Mass for the Masses

My family is going to be in NYC for Christmas, and I would like to take them to a church service on Christmas Eve, which is tradition in my family (we're Lutheran). Is it insane to try to go to St. Patricks? Any idea where I can find a schedule of Christmas Eve services?
- Christina

We must admit we're not churchgoers here at Ask Gothamist HQ, but Gothamist's Tien Mao informed us that you need tickets to go to St. Patrick's and that it is sold out already. But he pointed us to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in American (ELCA) website, where you can search for Lutheran churches by zip code.

Also, The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine, in Morningside Heights, has numerous lovely festivities at this time of year. It's an Episcopal church, but has all sorts of events, like a Winter Solstice Concert on Dec. 16th and 17th. They also have services on Christmas eve. At any rate, we think it's worth a visit just to see the beautiful architecture of this cathedral.

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By Janine Annett in Miscellaneous on December 16, 2004 1:30 PM

Comments [rss]

Mara

As of a few years ago, you needed tickets to get into Midnight Mass at St. Pat's. There are usually dignitaries there and I'm sure security is now even crazier than the late 1990's.

christina

Thanks everyone for all your suggestions!

tien

how about we keep this on topic? if not, i can just delete the comments. thanks.

brooke

http://www.stjohndivine.org/ChristmasattheCathedral.html

Christmas at the Cathedral

Friday, 24 December

at 4 pm

A Festival of Lessons and Carols. Music of William Mathias, Peter Warlock & John Joubert, sung by The Cathedral Choristers.

at 10:30 pm

The Christ Mass. Solemn Festal Eucharist, The Right Reverend Mark S. Sisk, Bishop of New York will be celebrant and preacher. Music for strings, brass and organ. 'Missa brevis Sancti Joannis de Deo' by Franz Joseph Haydn and carols by William Mathias & Peter Warlock, sung by The Cathedral Chorsiters.

Saturday, 25 December

at 10:30 am

The Holy Eucharist in The Great Choir

at 3 pm

Early Music New York: 'A Colonial Christmas'

"Christmastide in 18th century America"

Sunday, 26 December

The First Sunday of Christmas

Celebrations of The Holy Eucharist at 8, 9, 9:30 & 11 am.

at 3 pm

Early Music New York: 'A Colonial Christmas'

"Christmastide in 18th century America"

Choral Evensong at 6 pm

tien

i'm not a churchgoer either...

anyway, i think most major churches have websites where you can find a congregation near you.

anon

also you can try Fifth Avenue Presbyterian, right up the street at 55th and 5th -- they have beautiful traditional services, an amazing choir, and a historic, gorgeous sanctuary.