Christmas Eve Church Services in Manhattan

For a lot of religious denominations all around the world, Christmas is one of the best times to celebrate faith, love, and togetherness. It is, in fact, one of the rare times in this busy crazy world that a lot of people feel both the need and want to celebrate God's love through services. In Manhattan, where people are always 'on-the-go', this Christmas Eve, here are some places you can stop by and just celebrate this joyous occasion.

St. Patrick's Cathedral
460 Madison Ave.
New York, NY 10022-6863
(212) 753 - 2261
*Catholic

Near Rockefeller Center and probably the most crowded of all Churches during Christmas Eve. On December 24, 2007, there will be a Vigil and a Children's mass at 5:30 in the afternoon. The Midnight mass is reserved seating by ticket only. The celebrant and homilist will be Edward Cardinal Egan. Services (music masses) on Christmas Day are at 7:00 am, 8:00 am, 9:00 am, 10:15am, 12:00nn, and 1:00 pm.

St. Thomas Episcopal
One West 53^rd Street
New York, NY 1119-5496
(212) 757 - 7013
*Catholic

Singing here is one of the world's great English-Cathedral style choir of men and boys. This choral ensemble has sung in England, Ireland, Canada, Washington, Florida, and D.C. On December 24, there will be a Festival of Lessons and Carols at 4 in the afternoon. At 11:00 in the evening, there will be a midnight service. As the bell rings signifying the celebration, the crowd is expected to grow in number and traffic tends to be very heavy so coming really early is highly advisable for both parking and seat (inside the Church) purposes.

Marble Collegiate Church
1 West 29th Street
New York, NY 10001-4596
(212) 686-2770
*Diverse

At 4:00 in the afternoon, they will have a "Christmas Eve Family Worship". This child-friendly service will be led by Terry O'Brien and Kenneth Dake and a reception in Bay Hall will follow right after the service. At 6:30 and another at 8:30 in the evening, there will be a Christmas Eve Worship (Christmas meditation "What Do You Know?") led by Rev. David Lewicki. Music will be provided by Kenneth Dake and the Sanctuary Choir. The reception for each service will follow at Burrell Hall. These are brief services with really inspiring sermons. It is open for everyone regardless of denomination.

St. Malachy's Roman Catholic Church
239 West 49th Street
New York, NY 10019
(212) 489 - 1340

Mostly known as the "Actor's Chapel", St. Malachy's Christmas Eve services will be at 5pm and at 11pm. However, if you happen to be in the area in the early weeks of December or if you're one of the locals, the Church will hold two evenings of holiday carols, music, and stories depicting Christmas traditions around the world. The music director will be Daniel Brondel. These events will be on December 9 (Sunday) and December 10 (Monday).

Trinity Baptist Church
250 East 61^st Street
New York, NY 10021
(212) 838 - 6844

Right around the corner from Bloomingdale's, the Christmas Eve service is at 5 in the afternoon. It has a great choir and the people are very hospitable (especially for visitors). Also, they will a Christmas concert entitled "God is Here" on December 8 (Saturday) and December 9 (Sunday) at 7 in the evening. Everyone is invited and there will be childcare for ages 5 and below.