Christmas is just around the corner, and if you're looking to go caroling or ring in the festivities by attending a Mass on Christmas Day or Christmas Eve, head to these popular churches. In this quick guide, we also offer an insight into the history and architecture of these churches.
P.S. The schedule for Christmas and Christmas Eve (midnight) Masses is usually posted a week before the date, so make sure to call these churches or check their website if they have one.
Established in 1971, Infant Jesus Church is a Roman Catholic church dedicated to the Infant Jesus (as the name suggests). Located in Vivek Nagar, it is widely known for the miracles attributed to the shrine. The church holds Thursday Masses in seven different languages each week and attracts over 10,000 devotees from various religions and races. The Tamil film Kuzhanthai Yesu was also shot at this church. The church can accommodate up to 2,500 people in its renovated, fan-shaped hall, making it a must-visit for midnight Mass this Christmas.
Affiliation: Roman Catholic
Mass Timings: 5:45 AM (Kannada), 6:30 AM and 6 PM (English), and 11:15 AM (Tamil)
Located at Trinity Circle, Holy Trinity Church is one of the most famous churches in Bangalore and an important landmark in the city. It is the largest military church in South India, with a capacity of up to 700 people. Built in 1851 in the English Renaissance style, it was originally constructed for the British Regiment stationed in Bangalore at the time. The church is also known for its stunning architecture, stained-glass windows, and blue-painted panels. The Christmas celebrations here are quite grand, and if you live in the CBD area, this church should be on your list for a holy night.
Affiliation: CSI
Mass Timings: 6:30 AM, Monday to Saturday every day except first Friday of every month, Sunday mass starts at 6 AM.
St. Patrick's Church, located on Brigade Road, is one of the oldest churches in Bangalore, established in 1841. Due to its popularity with the Irish troops in the area, the church was named St. Patrick's Church. A Roman Catholic church, it underwent restoration in 2012, and its Gothic structure can now accommodate up to 500 people in the church hall. There is also an Adoration Chapel next to the church that visitors can explore. Attend the midnight Christmas Mass here and enjoy the holiday spirit.
Affiliation: Roman Catholic
Mass Timings: 6:15 AM (Tamil), 7 AM and 1:15 PM (English) and Sunday various with first mass at 6:30 AM
The cathedral of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Bangalore, St. Francis Xavier's Cathedral, was the seat of the Diocese of Mysore from 1886 to 1940. Located in Pulikeshi Nagar, it is a popular church among Catholics. It was granted the status of a cathedral in 1940. Visit St. Francis Xavier's Cathedral for the midnight Christmas Mass and enjoy the carols and festive atmosphere.
Affiliation: Roman Catholic
Mass Timings: Sunday mass starts at 6 AM
Constructed after the Church of Scotland, St. Andrew's Church located in Shivaji Nagar is a famous spot in the city. It is named after Saint Andrew, the patron saint of Scotland. The architecture of the church has a very Scottish touch to it. It is a Presbyterian church and was a place of worship for the Scottish regiment in Bangalore. The red brick church with glass-stained windows makes it a beautiful place to visit and worship. Attend the Christmas Eve candlelight service on December 24 starting at 6:30 PM at St. Andrew's Church.
Affiliation: CSI
Mass Timings: 9:30 AM
Located on MG Road, St. Mark's Cathedral was built in 1812 and was consecrated by the Bishop of Calcutta in 1816. Inspired by St. Paul's Cathedral in London, St. Mark's Cathedral has a colonial architecture with woodwork with beautiful carvings. The stained artwork on the glasses adds to the beauty of the Church. The church is over 200 years old and the lights and decor during Christmas here are quite a sight to witness. Add this to your list of churches to visit this Christmas for the midnight Mass.
Affiliation: CSI
Mass Timings: 7 AM (Sunday)
St. Mary's Basilica is the oldest church in Bangalore and is widely popular in the city. What was once a small church in the 17th century is now a minor basilica. Designed by a French architect in Gothic style, it is built in the shape of a cross. According to legend, the statue of Mother Mary with the child Jesus became immovable when they tried to remove it from the church premises. While the Christmas celebrations here may not be overly grand, it is certainly worth a visit, and you should experience the midnight Mass in all its glory.
Affiliation: Roman Catholic
Mass Timings: 6:15 AM
The third oldest Protestant church in the city, St. John's Church is known for its distinct red coloured structure. The church is dedicated to St. John, the Evangelist and is located in Cleveland Town. It was found in the year 1853.
Affiliation: CSI
Mass Timings: 6 AM onwards on Sunday
Popularly known as the Garden Church of the Garden City, All Saints' Church, located in Richmond Town, is a 150-year-old church and one of the oldest in Bangalore. Surrounded by lovely gardens, its colonial-style architecture makes it a place worth visiting. Attend the midnight Mass here during Christmas and enjoy the festive season.
Affiliation: CSIMass Timings: First service on Sunday starts at 8:30 AM
Established in the year 1935, St. Luke's is a Protestant Church that regularly holds English and Tamil masses. This was a replacement church for Fort Church which was demolished in 1932 in the pete area. One of the most prominent features of the church is the 80-foot-tall central tower and stained glass windows. The church is named after St. Luke, the Evangelist and one of the four gospel writers. The church is located close to Bangalore Fort.
Affiliation: CSI
Timings: Sunday mass starts at 8:30 AM
