As holiday lights illuminate neighborhoods and Christmas trees brighten homes, there is an overwhelming feeling of holiday cheer. The holiday season means something different to each of us — to some, it is a celebration of presents and family, to others, goodwill. And for many, 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 parish pageant, a candlelight concert, or a midnight mass, these Christmas Eve services in the Boston area go beyond your average worship.
Acton
Acton Congregational Church :: Children’s Christmas Pageant, Family Christmas Service, and Evening Concert and Service
12 Concord Road, Acton
Sunday, December 15, 9:30 a.m. :: Children’s Christmas pageant
Sunday, December 24, 5 p.m. :: Christmas Eve family service
Sunday, December 24, 7:30 p.m. :: Christmas concert prelude
Sunday, December 24, 8 p.m. :: Evening service
Faith Evangelical Free Church :: Journey to Bethlehem
54 Hosmer Street, Acton
Friday, December 6, 7-9 p.m. :: Journey to Bethlehem
Saturday, December 7, 5-8 p.m. :: Journey to Bethlehem
Sunday, December 8, 5-8 p.m. :: Journey to Bethlehem
Boston
Trinity Church Boston :: Candlelight Carols
206 Clarendon Street, Boston (Back Bay)
Sunday, December 8, 2 p.m. :: Concert of Handel’s Messiah
Saturday, December 14, 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. :: Candlelight Carols
Sunday, December 15, 2 p.m. :: Candlelight Carols
Old North Church :: Christmas Eve Family Service
193 Salem Street, Boston (North End)
Tuesday, December 24, 4 p.m. :: Family nativity service
Tuesday, December 24, 9:30 p.m. :: Music preludes
Tuesday, December 24, 10 p.m. :: Festival choral Eucharist
Wednesday, December 25, 11 a.m. :: Holy Eucharist with carols
Cathedral of the Holy Cross :: Christmas Eve Midnight Mass
1400 Washington Street, Boston (South End)
Tuesday, December 24, 11:30 p.m. :: Christmas concert
Wednesday, December 25, 12 a.m. :: Midnight mass
Burlington
Presbyterian Church in Burlington :: Christmas Eve Service
335 Cambridge Street, Burlington
Tuesday, December 24, 7 p.m. :: Christmas Eve service with lessons, carols, and tableau
Chelmsford
Grace Community Church :: Christmas Eve Candlelight Services
275 Billerica Road, Chelmsford
Tuesday, December 24, 4:30 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Foxborough
Grace Chapel :: Christmas Eve Services
115 Mechanic Street, Foxborough
Tuesday, December 24, 4 and 5:30 p.m :: Christmas Eve service
Framingham
Faith Community Church of Hopkinton :: Christmas Eve Services
50 Pamela Road, Framingham
Tuesday, December 24, 5:30 p.m. :: Christmas Eve service
Haverhill
West Congregational Church :: Christmas Eve Kids’ Service
767 Broadway, Haverhill
Saturday and Sunday, December 21-22, 3 p.m. :: Christmas concert
Tuesday, December 24, 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. :: Christmas Eve service
Hopkinton
Faith Community Church of Hopkinton :: Christmas by Candlelight Concert, Blue Christmas Service, and Christmas Eve Services
146 E. Main Street, Hopkinton
Friday, December 13, 7 p.m., and Saturday, December 14, 5 and 7 p.m. :: Christmas by candlelight holiday concert
Monday, December 16, 7 p.m. :: Blue Christmas service (for those feeling grief, loss, or loneliness)
Tuesday, December 24, 2:30 p.m., 4 p.m., and 5 p.m. :: Christmas Eve service
Lexington
Grace Chapel :: Blue Christmas Service and Christmas Eve Services
3 Militia Drive, Lexington
Thursday, December 12, 7 p.m. :: Blue Christmas service
Monday, December 23, 7 p.m. :: Christmas Eve service
Tuesday, December 24, 2 p.m., 4 p.m, 6 p.m. :: Christmas Eve service
Needham
Christ Church :: Pop-Up Christmas Pageant, Christmas Eve Services
1132 Highland Ave., Needham
Tuesday, December 24, 4 p.m. :: Pop-up Christmas pageant
Tuesday, December 24, 7:30 p.m. :: Carol singing and candlelight Eucharist
Wednesday, December 25, 9 a.m. :: Carols followed by Eucharist in the chapel
Watertown
Grace Chapel :: Christmas Eve Services
525 Main Street, Watertown
Tuesday, December 24, 3 and 4:30 p.m :: Christmas Eve service
Weston
Westgate Church :: Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
100 Winter Street, Weston
Tuesday, December 24, 6:30 p.m. :: Candlelight Christmas Eve service
Wednesday, December 25, 10 a.m. :: Christmas Day service
Wellesley
St. John — St. Paul Catholic Collaborative
9 Glen Road, Wellesley
Tuesday, December 24, 3:30 p.m. :: Youth choir prelude and carols
Tuesday, December 24, 4 and 10 p.m. :: Mass
Westborough
St. Luke the Evangelist :: Children’s Pageant and Mass
70 West Main Street, Westborough
Tuesday, December 24, 6 p.m. :: Children’s Christmas pageant and mass
Wilmington
Grace Chapel :: Christmas Eve Services
128 West Street, Wilmington
Tuesday, December 24, 3 and 4:30 p.m :: Christmas Eve service
As schedules change from time to time, please double check websites for service times and possible weather-related updates.
