blh

I just spoke with someone at St. Patricks and was told you must have a ticket to attend the midnight mass at St. Pat's on Christmas Eve. I had read something about having a ticket, but had no idea the tickets have to be requested by mail and are given out the day after Labor Day. I am so disappointed! Does anyone have suggestions of other Christmas Eve services that might be a possibility? St. Pat's was really close to our hotel and would have been ideal. Guess we will have to try another - hoping for some good suggestions here! Thanks!

Leona

Call the concierge of the hotel where you are staying. They might be able to secure tickets for you.

Scarlett

You can also go to Riverside Church, Riverside and 120th street,
The Cathedral of St John the Divine, 110 & Amsterdam,
All Souls Church at Lexington & 80th.

mclaurie

Found this website (from last year) about Xmas eve services

http://www.ny.com/holiday/december/eve.html

The St Thomas (5th & 53rd) choir is famous. There's also a beautiful church (I think it's presbyterian) on 5th & 55th that's got great music. St Bart's is on Park & 50? right near the Waldorf.

lisettemac

Do you specifically want a Catholic mass? If so, I suggest you contact your concierge.

All Souls is a beautiful church with a beautiful boys choir. It is right in the neighborhood, but is Episcopalian.

The other church Mclaurie mentioned is Fifth Avenue Presbyterian at 5th and around 55. I noticed when I passed it yesterday that they are under construction and all services are currently held at Central Synagogue, which is on Lexington.

lisettemac

Sorry -- not All Souls. The one I'm thinking of that is right near St. Patrick's Cathedral (actually, it's at 53rd & 5th Avenue) is St. Thomas. It is Episcopalian. All Souls is at Lex & 80th, but is Unitarian (a big difference from Catholic).

mclaurie

Wow, a Christmas service at the Central Synagogue would be interesting. It's a landmark building recently renovated after a serious fire in '98.

Found at the Fifth ave pres. website http://www.fapc.org/calendar/events.html

December 24, Wednesday
Christmas Eve
3:30 pm Music
4:00 pm Family Worship
7:00 pm Music
7:30 pm Worship Service
10:30 pm Music
11:00 pm Worship Service
Central Synagogue, Lexington Avenue and 55th Street

blh

Thanks for all the good suggestions! Some good possiblities here. Does not have to be a Catholic mass - just looking for a good Christmas Eve service. Thanks!!!

wantsomesun

If you want a nice caroling service, then a must would be "The Little Church Around the Corner", Episcopal, and it's on 29th just east of 5th Ave. It is high church and the music there is wonderful, the music director is a friend of mine and she is amazing on the pipe organ there, and there is usually a full chorus/choir and lots of carols.

Enjoy your trip to NYC.

blh

Thanks, wantsomesun. The Little Church Around the Corner sounds like a wonderful church - I found a website in case anyone else is interested - www.littlechurch.org.
There is a 10:30 pm service on Christmas Eve - actually the Music service is 10:00pm. Now there are so many choices I may have to go to more than one!!!!