Sacré-Coeur de Montmartre, Saint-Sulpice, Saint-Eustache, la Madeleine... Between the nativity scenes and the masses, the churches are going into Christmas mode at the end of 2024. Discover the programme!
Displayed in the heart of Parisian churches, the Christmas nativity scenes highlight the characters of the Nativity. Figures range from small to life-size and these figurative and poetic scenes may be animated, inspired by local life, and are even given a new look by contemporary artists. Every year, many churches welcome new Nativity scenes. Whether they be traditional, baroque or modern, these veritable works of art welcome a large number of visitors.
Basilica of Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre - Parvis du Sacré-Coeur - 35 rue du Chevalier de la Barre, Paris 18th.
Madeleine Church - Place de la Madeleine, Paris 8th
Saint-Eustache Church - 146 rue Rambuteau, Paris 1st
Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois Church - 2 place du Louvre, Paris 1st
Notre-Dame de Bonne Nouvelle Church - 25 rue de la Lune, Paris 2nd
Saint-François-Xavier Church - 12 place du Président Mithouard, Paris 7th
Notre-Dame de Nazareth Church - 351 rue Lecourbe, Paris 15th
Sainte-Marie des Batignolles Church - 77 place du docteur Félix Lobligeois, Paris 17th
From 21 December 2024 to 5 January 2025 at the Bergerie Nationale - Parc du château - 78120 Rambouillet
To celebrate Christmas in a traditional way, don’t hesitate to go into churches in Paris. Worshippers can engage in private prayer there and take part in various vigils and masses. The Basilica of Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre and the Madeleine church, organize prestigious celebrations on 24 and 25 December with exceptional choirs and concerts.
Some of them, particularly the most famous or those steeped in history, such as the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre, the Madeleine church and the Saint-Eustache church welcome worshippers from all over the world for the occasion.
For the first time since Christmas 2018, Christmas Mass will once again be celebrated at Notre-Dame de Paris in December 2024!
Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral - 6 parvis Notre-Dame - Place Jean-Paul II - Paris 4th
Basilique du Sacré-Coeur de Montmartre - Parvis du Sacré-Coeur - 35 rue du Chevalier de la Barre, Paris 18th
Saint-Germain-des-Prés Church - 3 place Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Paris 6th
Saint-Eustache Church - 146 rue Rambuteau, Paris 1st
Notre-Dame des Blancs-Manteaux Church - 1 rue de l'Abbé Migné, Paris 4th
Église Saint-Louis-en-l'Île - 19 bis rue Saint-Louis-en-l'Île, Paris 4th arrondissement
Saint-Jean-Baptiste de Belleville Church - 139 rue de Belleville, Paris 19th
Église Saint-Augustin - 1 avenue César Caire, Paris 8th
Chapelle Notre-Dame de la Médaille Miraculeuse - 140 rue du Bac, Paris 7th
The celebration of the Nativity deserves elegant and respectful attire. A sober, refined style is the natural choice for this special occasion. Women will prefer a mid-length dress or a trouser suit. For men, a suit is not obligatory,
Bear in mind the temperature in churches in winter: an elegant coat or warm stole is essential for comfort during the celebration.
Nativity Masses traditionally take place over two days. The vigil begins on the evening of 24 December, with family-friendly celebrations starting at 5pm in most Paris parishes.
The legendary midnight mass remains a special highlight, beginning at around 11pm with a vigil of carols. For early risers, the 25 December celebrations offer several time slots, generally between 9am and 11.30am.
The Diocese of Paris provides an online service to find the precise times in each church in your area. Advance booking may be advisable for larger churches that are very busy during the festive season.
The festive vigil lasts about 45 minutes before the main mass. The latter lasts between 1 and 1? hours, depending on the musical programme and the processions.
Family Masses on the afternoon of 24 December are slightly shorter, lasting between 45 minutes and 1 hour. On the following day, the services adopt a more relaxed rhythm, lasting an average of 1 hour 15 minutes.
To fully enjoy the unique atmosphere of these services, plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before they start. This allows you to find a comfortable seat and soak up the special atmosphere in the churches during this magical time.
