Whoa! It’s that time of the year again when you can sing “jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle all the way”! Go ahead, miss a note or two. You can sing completely flat or even try your hand at the highest notes. Bet the whole world too will join in! Want a perfect spot to join the chorus at these famous churches in India? Check out this exclusive list with our season’s greetings in advance:
Christ Church, Shimla
Built in the 18th century, this church is a brilliant example of Gothic architecture. With impeccable glasswork and an organ to its credit, the Christ Church is one of the few places where you can request the Presbyter for a special carol to be sung on Christmas. Overlooking the vibrant Mall Road, this perfectly located church is a symbol of the hill station of Shimla for many.
Address: The Mall, Near Municipal Library, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India
Mass Timings: Christmas Eve: 12:00 AM
Carol Timings: Christmas Eve: 12:00 AM
St Michael Cathedral, Shimla
This majestic piece of architecture was built in the 19th CE and is one of the very few catholic churches in Shimla. Depicting various details of the French Gothic style, this church isn’t the most famous in Shimla but take our word, it is remarkably beautiful.
Address: Rippon Place, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India
Telephone: +91-177-2804249
Mass Timings: 11:30 PM onwards
Carol Timings: 10:30 PM onwards
St. James Church, Delhi
Experience Delhi’s tryst with the colonial era at this landmark Protestant church. Being the oldest in Delhi, it sees some heart-warming Christmas festivities (especially on Christmas eve) that add to its beauty and charm.
Address: Church Road, Mori Gate, New Delhi, India
Mass Timings: Christmas Eve: 11:00 PM onwards
Carol Timings: Christmas Eve: 10:30 PM onwards
Sacred Heart Cathedral, Delhi
One of the most popular churches in Delhi, this one is thronged by visitors from across religions on the Christmas eve. A central Delhi delight, this magnificent building and its welcoming aura will sweep you away. Enjoy the true spirit of Christmas as you light candles and sing along at the carol service at night.
Address: 1 Ashok Place, Near Gole Dak Khana, New Delhi, India
Telephone: +91-11-23363593
Mass Timings: Christmas Eve: 11:00 PM onwards
Carol Timings: Christmas Eve: 11:30 PM onwards
Mount Mary Church, Mumbai
Perched on a hillock, overlooking the Arabian Sea, is the Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount, a Roman Catholic church located in Bandra. With Christmas, the church comes alive as devotees unite in celebration of this festival of peace and goodwill.
Address: Mount Mary Road, Bandra West, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Telephone: +91-22-2642-3152
Mass Timings: Christmas Eve: 12:00 AM onwards
Carol Timings: Christmas Eve: 11:30 PM onwards
Santa Cruz Basilica, Cochin
This is the oldest church in the whole of India, built by the Portuguese in 1505. It happens to be one of the eight Basilicas in India and is considered to be a heritage site from Kerala. This church, apart from being a place of devotion, is truly a work of art.
Address: Fort Kochi, Cochin, Kerala, India
Telephone: +91-484-2215791
Mass Timings: Christmas Eve: 11:45 PM onwards
Carol Singing Timings: Follows the Service
Convent & Church of St. Francis of Assisi, Goa
The Convent & Church of St. Francis of Assisi is among the most prominent features of Old Goa’s skyline. The structure is crammed full of amazing curios that include 16th century family coats of arms, the portrayal of quite a few defining moments from the life of St. Francis through murals, and the elaborately done up screen or reredos. There is a floor here, which has been made from carved gravestones. Plan a trip to Goa this festive season to enjoy your experience to the hilt.
Address: North Goa, Goa, India
Telephone: +91-832-2438749
Mass Timings: Christmas Eve: 10:30 onwards
Carol Singing Timings: Follows the service
Basilica of Bom Jesus, Goa
Home to the remains of St. Francis Xavier, an iconic figure in the Roman Catholic world, the Basilica of Bom Jesus is a hot draw for many curious tourists. St. Francis Xavier’s marbled three-tiered tomb is the top attraction here. The church’s interiors are startlingly simplistic and create a stark contrast against the sumptuously gilded altars.
Address: Old Goa Road, World Heritage Center, Old Goa, Goa, 403402
Telephone: +91-832-2285790
Mass Timings: Christmas Eve: 7:30 PM onwards
Carol Singing Timings: Follows the Service
All Saints Cathedral, Shillong
The All Saints Church in Shillong is a serene and quaint place in the pine city, Shillong. The cathedral is built in typical English style that gives the setting a colonial look. During Christmas the church is beautifully decorated and people from all across the region gather here for the Midnight Mass.
Address: Shillong IGP point, Kacheri Road, Shillong, Meghalaya, India
Mass Timings: Christmas Eve: 9:30 PM onwards
Carol Singing Timings: Follows the Service
Our Lady of Immaculate Conception, Pondicherry
Around 300 years old, the Immaculate Conception Cathedral is not only the mother church for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Pondicherry and Cuddalore, but also one of the oldest tourist sites of Pondicherry. Also called Samba Kovil, the cathedral has a white facade which is a stunning symphony of tranquility, more so with the Christmas midnight mass giving it a soulful rendition. The beautiful churches may be one of your reasons to visit Pondicherry.
Address: Mission Street, Pondicherry, India
Telephone: +91-413-2332857
Mass Timings: Christmas Eve: 5:30 PM onwards
Carol Timings: Christmas Eve: 11:30 PM onwards
Now that you know where to be during the festivities, your celebrations are definitely going to be just more awesome with the Christmas carolling at these famous churches in India!
Merry Christmas!
Photo credits: flickr user montztermash, wikipedia users- Marshmir, Aaron C, albany_tim, Rakesh Krishna Kumar and .
