With holiday lights illuminating our neighborhoods and Christmas trees adorning many homes, it is evident there is an overwhelming feeling of holiday cheer. And just as the people that make up the city of Boston are diverse, so are what the holidays mean to each of us. To some, it is a celebration of presents and family, to others, goodwill. And for some, the holidays are a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
From Catholic to non-denominational, there is no shortage of Boston-area Christmas worship services. If you are looking for a special Christmas Eve parish pageant, a candlelight service, or a midnight mass, there’s a place near you. From living nativities to singalongs, here are some Christmas Eve services in the Boston area that go beyond your average worship.
Acton
Acton Congregational Church :: Family Christmas Service and Candlelight Service
Sunday, December 24
5 p.m. :: Children’s service with Christmas pageant
7:30 p.m. :: Concert — prelude ahead of the 8 p.m. candlelight service
12 Concord Road, Acton
978-263-2728 | actonc.org
Boston
Trinity Church Boston :: Candlelight Carols
Sunday, December 10, 2 p.m. :: Concert of Handel’s Messiah
Saturday, December 16, 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. :: Candlelight Carols
Sunday, December 17, 2 p.m. :: Candlelight Carols
617-536-0944 | trinitychurchboston.org
Old North Church :: Christmas Eve Family Service
Sunday, December 24, 4 p.m.
193 Salem St., Boston (North End)
617-523-6676 | oldnorth.com
Cathedral of the Holy Cross :: Christmas Eve Midnight Mass
Monday, December 25, 12 a.m.
1400 Washington St., Boston (South End)
617-542-5682 | holycrossboston.com
Burlington
Presbyterian Church in Burlington :: Children’s Christmas Pageant
Sunday, December 17, 10:30 a.m., during the Sunday worship service
335 Cambridge St., Burlington
781-272-9190 | burlingtonpres.org
Chelmsford
Grace Community Church :: Christmas Eve Candlelight Services
Sunday, December 24, 4:30 p.m. and 6 p.m.
275 Billerica Rd., Chelmsford
978-256-2626 | grace-community.org
Haverhill
West Congregational Church :: Christmas Eve Kids’ Service
Sunday, December 24
10:30 a.m. :: Morning Worship & WestKids
4 p.m. and 6 p.m. :: Christmas Eve Service
767 Broadway, Haverhill
978-373-3034 | westchurch.org
Hopkinton
Faith Community Church of Hopkinton :: Christmas Eve Services
Friday, December 22, 7 p.m., online and in person
Saturday, December 23, 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.
146 E. Main St., Hopkinton
508-435-5900 | fcch.org
Lexington/Foxboro/Watertown/Wilmington
Grace Chapel (Various Locations) :: Christmas Eve Services
Saturday, December 23, 7:00 p.m., in Lexington
Sunday, December 24
3 p.m. in Foxboro
3 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. in Wilmington
2 p.m., 4 p.m., and 6 p.m. in Lexington
781-862-6499 | grace.org
Needham
Christ Church :: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
Sunday, December 24, 4 p.m., followed by carol singing and candlelight Eucharist at 7:30 p.m.
Monday, December 25, 9 a.m., carols followed by Eucharist in the Chapel
1132 Highland Ave., Needham
781-444-1469 | ccneedham.org
Weston
Westgate Church :: Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
Sunday, December 24, 6:30–7:30 p.m.
100 Winter St., Weston
(781) 237-2633 | westgate-church.org
Wellesley
St. John — St. Paul Catholic Collaborative
Sunday, December 24, 3:30 p.m., youth choir prelude and carols, 4 p.m. and 10 p.m., Mass
9 Glen Road, Wellesley
781-235-0045 | sjspwellesley.org
Westborough
St. Luke the Evangelist :: Children’s Mass, Spanish Mass, and Midnight Mass
Sunday, December 24
6 p.m. :: Family Mass with Parish Pageant
70 W. Main St., Westborough
508-366-5502 | stlukes-parish.org
As schedules change from time to time, please double check websites for service times and possible weather-related updates.
