11 Christmas Church Services in Melbourne 2024
Melbourne’s churches are the heart of the festive season, offering a variety of meaningful Christmas church services to suit all preferences.
Whether you’re drawn to traditional liturgies, candlelit gatherings, or family-friendly events, this guide will help you plan for both Christmas Eve services and Christmas Day services across Melbourne.
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Related reading: Christmas in Melbourne: Festive Fun for Everyone
Where to Attend Christmas Eve Church in Melbourne
1. St Paul’s Cathedral, Anglican Church, Melbourne
With an Anglican congregation, St Paul’s is an iconic location for Christmas church worship. Their lineup includes:
- Christmas Eve Church Service:
- 3:00 PM: Children’s Christmas Service
- 6:00 PM: Christmas Carols Service
- 9:00 PM: The First Eucharist of Christmas
- Christmas Day Service:
- 8:00 AM: Holy Communion with Carols
- 10:00 AM: Christmas Choral Eucharist
- 1:00 PM: Chinese Christmas Day Services
Services are also broadcast online, ensuring everyone can join this cherished Melbourne tradition
Visit St Paul’s Cathedral Melbourne, Flinders Street, Melbourne
Royal Melbourne Philharmonic presents Carols in the Cathedral
- Fri 20 Dec • 8.30pm
- Sat 21 Dec • 2.00pm
- Sat 21 Dec • 7.00pm
St Paul’s Cathedral Melbourne
Read about our visit to St Paul’s Cathedral Melbourne: Victoria’s Most Visited Sacred Site
2. Scots’ Church, Presbyterian, Collins Street
Scots’ Church celebrates the season with an inspiring mix of music and tradition:
- Handel’s Messiah Performance:
- Friday, 20th December, 7:30 PM
- Christmas Church Service of Nine Lessons and Carols:
- Sunday, 22nd December, 11:00 AM
- Christmas Eve Church Service:
- 11:30 PM: Candlelit Evening Service
- Christmas Day Church Service:
- 10:00 AM: Morning Worship celebrating the birth of Christ
The church is open for public visits on weekdays from 10 am to 2 pm.
Visit SCOTS CHURCH, Corner of Collins Street & Russell Street, Melbourne
3. St Michael’s Uniting Church, Collins St
St Michael’s Uniting Church offers a festive and welcoming approach to the holiday season:
- Christmas Reimagined:
- Thurs 19 December, 7:30PM: Carols & Readings service with the St Michael’s Singers & Brass Ensemble conducted by Rhy Boak
- Christmas Day Church Services:
- 9:00 AM: Christmas Day worship
Visit St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne
Related reading: Grand Organ Lunchtime Concerts In A Historic Melbourne Church
4. St Patrick’s Cathedral, Catholic, East Melbourne
This stunning cathedral is the perfect setting for a traditional Christmas church service:
- Christmas Eve Service:
- 6:00 PM (with Carols from 5:30 PM)
- 8:00 PM (with Carols from 7:30 PM)
- Midnight Pontifical Mass (with Carols from 11:30 PM)
- Christmas Day Services:
- 8:00 AM
- 9:30 AM
- 11:00 AM (Solemn Pontifical Mass)
All Masses will be live-streamed and televised. Visitors are encouraged to see the nativity scene inside the Cathedral.
Visit St Patrick’s Cathedral at Christmas, 1 Cathedral Pl, East Melbourne
5. St Francis, Roman Catholic, Lonsdale Street
St. Francis’ Church is hosting its annual festival of prayers, readings, and carols. The event invites the community to engage in this celebration of the Christmas season.
Christmas Church times:
- Monday Mass:
- Mon 23 Dec at 7:30AM, 11:00AM, 12:30PM and 5:30PM
- Morning Prayer at 8:00AM
- Christmas Eve Mass:
- 7:30AM, 11:00AM, 12:30PM
- Morning Prayer at 8:00AM
- 6:00PM Christmas Vigil Mass
- Christmas Day Mass:
- Midnight Mass with carols from 11:00PM
- 8:00AM, 9:30AM, 11:00AM, 1:00PM and 4:30PM
- Evening Prayer at 5:30PM, church closes at 6:00PM
Visit St. Francis’ Church, 326 Lonsdale St, Melbourne
6. Wesley Uniting Church, Melbourne
Wesley Church offers a welcoming and festive atmosphere in the heart of the city:
- Sunday 15th December: 6:00 PM: Worship and Carols Service
- Christmas Eve Service: 9:00 PM: Carols, Candles, and Communion
- Christmas Day Service: 10:00 AM: Celebrating the Incarnation!
Visit Wesley Uniting Church, 130 Lonsdale Street, between Russell and Exhibition Streets
7. Collins Street Baptist Church, Melbourne
Collins Street Baptist Church invites you to celebrate the season with thoughtful reflections and beautiful music:
- Sunday, 1st December:10:30 AM: The First Sunday of Advent – Reflections on Hope
- Sunday, 8th December:10:30 AM: The Second Sunday of Advent – Reflections on Peace
- Sunday, 15th December:10:30 AM: The Third Sunday of Advent – Reflections on Joy
- Sunday, 22nd December:10:30 AM: The Fourth Sunday of Advent – Service of Carols and Readings
- Christmas Day, 25th December: 9:30 AM: Service of Celebration
Visit Collins Street Baptist Church, 174 Collins Street, Melbourne
8. CrossCulture Church, Melbourne
With services available in English, Mandarin, and online, CrossCulture Church offers something for everyone this Christmas. Don’t miss the Christmas lunch on Christmas Day, a wonderful opportunity to share the festive spirit!
- Sunday, 15th December:
- 10:00 AM: Christmas Carol Service (Auditorium & Online)
- 10:45 AM: Chinese Congregation Worship Service
- 5:30 PM: Chapel Service
- Sunday, 22nd December:
- 10:00 AM: Christmas Advent Service (Auditorium & Online)
- 10:45 AM: Chinese Congregation Worship Service
- 5:30 PM: Chapel Service
- Christmas Eve, Tuesday 24th December:
- 7:00 PM: Christmas Eve Service (Chapel & Online)
- Christmas Day, Wednesday 25th December:
- 10:00 AM: Christmas Day Service (Auditorium & Online)
- 12:00 PM: Christmas Lunch (Chapel Hall)
- Sunday, 29th December:
- 10:00 AM: End-of-Year Service (Auditorium & Online)
- 10:45 AM: Chinese Congregation Worship Service
- 5:30 PM: Chapel Service
Visit CorssCulture Church, 333 Swanston Street, on the corner of Swanston and Little Lonsdale Streets, with disabled access available from both streets.
9. St Augustine’s Parish, Melbourne
St Augustine’s Parish invites you to join them in celebrating the birth of the Saviour this Christmas with two special Masses:
- Christmas Eve, Tuesday 24th December:
- 7:30 PM: Christmas Eve Mass
- Christmas Day, Wednesday 25th December:
- 10:30 AM: Christmas Day Mass
Visit St Augustine’s Parish, 635-653 Bourke Street
10. Crossway Baptist Church, Burwood East
Crossway offers a festive and welcoming approach to the holiday season. Church services are held throughout the week leading up to Christmas, featuring carols and uplifting messages. Visit their website for more details on times and themes.
- Christmas Festival:
- 13th-15th December 2024: Includes family-friendly activities like kids’ crafts, food trucks, and live music.
- Christmas Church Services:
- Christmas Eve 24 December – 6:;00PM
- Christmas Day 25 December – 9:00AM
Visit Crossway Baptist Church, 2 Vision Drive, Burwood East
11. Local Parish Churches
It’s worth checking with your local parish, even if you don’t visit throughout the year. Across Melbourne, many parish churches offer welcoming Christmas Eve services and joyful Christmas Day services. These often include carols and reflections for the community to enjoy.
I hope this post has inspired you to get out and explore Melbourne! Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter to find out more ways to discover (or rediscover) the joy of exploring Melbourne.
