The Christmas season is a spiritual time for many, and what better way to celebrate than by visiting some of the world’s most awe-inspiring cathedrals? These remarkable places of worship, built with incredible skill and dedication, stand as testaments to human creativity and devotion. Many of these architectural marvels are still works in progress, adding to their mystique and charm.
Christmas is the perfect time to explore these iconic cathedrals, as they often host enchanting Christmas markets, midnight masses, and festive concerts.
Just remember to give yourself an early gift before you travel and consider travel insurance to ensure your holidays stay merry and bright.
Westminster Abbey
Feel like royalty this Christmas by heading to Westminster Abbey this Christmas. It is of course here where Prince William and Princess Kate were married and where the coronation of British monarchs takes place.
Westminster Abbey hosts a range of special Christmas events including Christmas carol concerts, Christmas storytelling and ornament-making days, the First Eucharist of Christmas, and the Christmas Midnight Mass. Don’t expect to see the Queen or any other members of the Royal Family in attendance, however, as they spend their Christmas at the Queen’s country estate Sandringham House in Norfolk.
Hagia Sophia
Why not spend Christmas in the country where Santa Claus was born, and no we’re not talking about some northern Scandinavian country. Good old Saint Nicholas, which of course gave rise to Santa Claus, was actually born in Patara, Turkey and went on to live most of his life in Myra (present-day Demre).
Lying to the north you have Istanbul, home to the Hagia Sophia which has stood for nearly 1,500 years. This once Eastern Orthodox cathedral would later become an Ottoman imperial mosque and now stands as a museum frequented by nearly every traveller passing through Istanbul. Visitors can also witness the equally impressive Blue Mosque nearby.
You will find several Catholic and Orthodox churches that offer Christmas masses including St. Anthony of Padua Cathedral and St. Helena’s Chapel.
La Sagrada Família
No visit to Barcelona is complete without seeing the iconic, yet unfinished, Roman Catholic Church, La Sagrada Família. Although not technically a cathedral, this masterpiece by Antoni Gaudí is a must-visit.
La Sagrada Família is set to become the world’s tallest church upon completion. Currently, it is about 70% finished, with construction having started back in 1882. The estimated completion date is now around 2026.
Starting from the end of November each year, a Christmas market is held in front of the church. This market features hundreds of stalls selling everything from Christmas trees to handmade gifts, and even offers the chance to meet Santa. The church is open on Christmas Day and showcases stunning colourful lights cast from its many stained glass windows, rivalling any Christmas light display.
Notre Dame de Paris
This famous medieval Catholic cathedral is the most visited monument in Paris, even managing to beat out the Eiffel Tower. The cathedral, however, hasn’t always been so well-kept and fell into disrepair several times throughout its history.
Thanks to Victor Hugo’s novel, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, restoration works were carried out in the mid-19th century, roughly 600 years after its initial completion. An underground crypt, sensational stained glass windows, and the Crown of Thrones relic are just some of the highlights to take in.
During the holiday season, you’ll find a Christmas Market at the cathedral where you can find Parisian-made goods and culinary delights as well as an extravagant nativity scene.
Milan Cathedral
Italy’s largest church knows how to shine with its beautiful altars, paintings, and numerous statues. Tourists can purchase tickets to gain access to the roof where you can pass by the cathedral’s main spire and the golden statue of the Virgin Mary. On a clear day, you be able to see the snow-capped peaks of the Alps.
Look for the red light bulb above the altar which is where a nail used in the crucifixion of Jesus is said to be placed. See the gorgeous Christmas tree that is erected each season in Piazza Duomo and attend the Christmas Vigil and Night Eucharist in the church that is dedicated to St Mary, mother of Jesus.