As Christmas is just around the corner, more and more of us are wrapping gifts. Many of us are packing our bags and making travel plans this holiday season. And then there are those who are excited to attend the 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 running until December 25 – is considered a special time.

While the Christmas Mass is now celebrated all over the world, here is 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 activities take place. Just walking distance from the department stores and Rockefeller Center tree, St. Patrick’s is worth a visit any time of year. While several services are celebrated on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, tickets are required for Midnight Mass. All you have to do is visit the cathedral’s website and book your ticket.

Basilica of Our Lady of Peace in Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast

This church, which looks like St. Peter’s Basilica, can seat 18,000 people. It is the tallest church in the world at 516 feet high. For more information about this mass, you can visit the official website of the Basilica.

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

Here, Midnight Mass is known as “Missa del Gall”, which translates to “Mass of the Rooster”. The name originates from an ancient legend that said 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 making travel plans.

Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, Israel

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

Additionally, the church holds even greater significance for Christians of various denominations as the birthplace of Jesus. It is also the oldest church in the Holy Land. Since 2012, the Church of the Nativity has been a World Heritage Site.

St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City

The opportunity to participate in a Mass celebrated by the Pope is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. While anyone can go to St. Peter’s on any Sunday, Midnight Mass can often be difficult. However, it is important to note that a Mass given by Pope Francis is always free.

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