Mumbai, the city of dreams, boasts of several magnificent churches that have stood the test of time. As the air gets chilly and the city settles into a comfortable Christmas season, these architectural places of worship reflect faith and hope this festive season. From Gothic cathedrals to neoclassical basilicas, the churches in this city are where you can experience the most of Christmas celebrations with choirs, midnight masses and loads of goodwill. We have rounded up 14 churches in Mumbai for you to spend your Christmas and foster hope this celebratory month.
14 Churches In Mumbai To Get Into The Christmas Spirit
Overview
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Here's A List Of Churches In Mumbai
- 3. Saint John's Church, Colaba
- 4. Cathedral Of The Holy Name, Colaba
- 5. Saint Thomas's Cathedral, Fort
- 6. Gloria Church, Byculla
- 7. St. Andrews, Bandra
- 8. Basilica Of Our Lady Of The Mount, Bandra
- 9. St. Peters, Bandra
- 10. Church Of Our Lady Of Victories, Mahim
- 11. St John The Evangelist, Marol
- 12. Holy Trinity Church, Powai
- 13. Church of Immaculate Conception, Borivali
- 14. Orlem Church, Malad
- 15. Sacred Heart Church, Andheri
- 16. Church Of Our Lady Of The Rosary, Goregaon
Here's A List Of Churches In Mumbai
Saint John's Church, Colaba
Fondly known to the locals as the Afghan Church, this beautiful Colaba Church that was built by the British has a really charming Christmas Eve mass with hundreds of people flocking to it dressed in their best attire. The mass begins at 10.30 PM with a performance by the Wild Voices Choir singing their classic Christmas carols. Get there early to experience the beauty and magic of Christmas.
Affiliation: Anglican
Prayer Meet Timings: 7:30 AM onwards
Cathedral Of The Holy Name, Colaba
Cathedral of the Holy Name is another famous church in Mumbai that you can visit for a Christmas midnight mass. It opened to the public way back in 1905 and has some fantastic and intriguing artwork displayed inside. Be a part of the 3,000-plus crowd that gathers here for the mass, which is also broadcast live. The cathedral choir will begin carol singing at 9.30 pm, and the mass will begin around 10 PM or 10.30 PM.
Affiliation: Roman Catholic
Prayer Meet Timings: 6:30 AM onwards
Saint Thomas's Cathedral, Fort
Though it’s a pretty church with a simple mass, it’s definitely a favourite among the SoBo community during Christmas time. Situated near Horniman Circle and Flora Fountain, this church was the first Anglican church in Mumbai. Carol singing starts around 9.30 PM, which will be followed by mass at 10.30 PM. Wear your finest and ring in Christmas Day at this old, charming British church.
Affiliation: Anglican
Prayer Meet Timings: 7 AM onwards
Gloria Church, Byculla
This beautiful, tall, Gothic-style church was inspired by the Canterbury Cathedral of England. Present at its current location since 1910, Gloria Church is as magical as it gets on Christmas Eve. Its towers are among the tallest in the city, and this is among the best churches in Mumbai that makes for a splendid setting to ring in the Christmas festivities. At least 1,000 people from the area join in for the midnight mass, irrespective of faith.
Affiliation: Roman Catholic
Prayer Meet Timings: 7 AM onwards
St. Andrews, Bandra
Possibly one of the prettiest, wittiest, and one of the best churches in Mumbai (the board outside puts out some very sassy quotes), St. Andrews is a popular one to hit up during Christmas Eve. Nestled on the outskirts of Chimbai village, this 400-year-old church goes all-out with bright lights and red and white buntings put up nicely around the church and in the grounds. If you can’t make it on Christmas Eve, don’t fret. Head there on Christmas Day, when the masses will be held at 7 AM, 8 AM and 9.30 AM.
Affiliation: Roman Catholic
Prayer Meet Timings: 7 AM onwards
Basilica Of Our Lady Of The Mount, Bandra
This iconic Bandra landmark (also known as Mount Mary Church) overlooking the sea from atop a hill is not to be missed this year, or any year. Go here on the eve of Christmas, where the crowd gathers here until late. Wait for the wonderful chiming of the Northern Tower bells and sing along all the classics with your fellow attendees. The service begins at 11 PM, with carol singing beginning immediately.
Affiliation: Roman Catholic
Prayer Meet Timings: 6:30 AM onwards
St. Peters, Bandra
One of the most beautiful churches in the city, this church is possibly the most festive one. With a tall Christmas tree out in the front resplendent with lights, decorations, and more, it’s a sight to behold. Although it isn't as popular as Mount Mary, we think you should head here while you're in Bandra for Christmas Eve!
Affiliation: Roman Catholic
Prayer Meet Timings: 6 AM onwards
Church Of Our Lady Of Victories, Mahim
From the nativity play setting to the big Christmas tree and the ever-so-delightful midnight mass on the eve of Christmas, Church Of Our Lady Of Victories has a history of almost 450 years hidden inside its beautiful interiors. This year, catch the choir of Church Of Our Lady Of Victories, which will be singing carols at the midnight mass for everyone. This year, expect classics like "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" and the not-so-popular "While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks By Night." The carols will be sung in English and at least one regional language, that is, Konkani, Hindi, or Marathi.
Affiliation: Roman Catholic
Prayer Meet Timings: 8 AM onwards
St John The Evangelist, Marol
St. John the Evangelist in Marol is one of the few simpler churches in Mumbai to have the "Late Baroque"-style altar, with nearly 7,000 parishioners attending every Christmas Eve. Built in the Portuguese style, this church will house a big Christmas tree and organise the midnight mass on Christmas eve. Out in the front stands a four-foot-long statue of Our Lady of Amparo. Before this church came into existence in 1840, another church, the Condita, held midnight mass. Midnight mass on the church grounds will begin for you to enjoy Christmas Eve. However, if you’d rather go in for an early mass in the morning on Christmas day, the masses will be held at 7 AM, 8 AM and 9 AM.
Affiliation: Roman Catholic
Prayer Meet Timings: 7 AM onwards
Holy Trinity Church, Powai
The Holy Trinity Church in Powai is a small and not-so-large church from the outside. Set atop a hillock near the sprawling IIT Mumbai campus, this famous church in Mumbai has a gorgeous view. It’s a simple affair on Christmas Eve, but magical nonetheless. Head here if you live close by!
Affiliation: Roman Catholic
Prayer Meet Timings: 8 AM onwards
Church of Immaculate Conception, Borivali
For the people living in and around Borivali, the IC Church is a popular one to go to for their famous midnight mass every Christmas eve. This church dates back to almost 1547 and adds to this city’s ancient history. This year, the midnight mass will be held on the church grounds to accommodate the large crowd that’ll be pouring in to join in the merriment. The carols are expected to begin at 9.30 AM, followed by the mass and the celebrations that run late into the night. For Christmas Day, they have masses in three languages, Marathi mass at 6 AM, Konkani mass at 7 AM and the English mass that’ll happen at 8 AM, 9 AM and 11 AM in the church.
Affiliation: Roman Catholic
Prayer Meet Timings: 6:30 AM onwards
Orlem Church, Malad
The Orlem community in Malad West is a close-knit community. During Christmas, we are told, they all come together and join in the merriness that Christmas spreads. A regular churchgoer tells us Orlem is one of the most popular churches in and around Malad, with more than 15,000 people turning up for the midnight mass around 11 PM.
Prayer Meet Timings: 6 AM onwards
Sacred Heart Church, Andheri
Sacred Heart Church has its presence all over Mumbai, from Borivali to Colaba and even in Vashi. The church holds regular Masses, offers confession, and runs programs that get people involved in their faith and community work. A caring pastoral team creates an atmosphere of love and support at Sacred Heart Church. You can see this in their engaging parish newsletter and community events.
Affiliation: Roman Catholic
Prayer Meet Timings: 6 AM onwards
Church Of Our Lady Of The Rosary, Goregaon
For local catholics, Church of Our Lady of the Rosary in Goregaon is a key spiritual centre. The church came into being in 1968, while the parish got its official start and finished its church building in 1984, with Archbishop Simon Pimenta dedicating the structure. This church shows what can happen when a community and its religious leaders work together. It has a big role to play in helping people grow and reach out to others. When Christmas comes around, the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary holds several Masses to mark Jesus' birth. For Christmas 2024, people can expect a 7 PM Mass on Christmas Eve followed by one at midnight.
Affiliation: Roman Catholic
Prayer Meet Timings: 7 AM onwards
Contact: +918928312670
LBB Tip
If you're interested in attending Christmas Mass in one of these churches this year, we recommend you stay updated on the church's official website, social media page, or contact them directly for the most accurate and updated service timings, as these are typically announced closer to the holiday.
