Holy Name Cathedral (also known as Wodehouse Church), Colaba
The opulent Holy Name Cathedral was built to replace the older one in nearby Bhuleshwar, and is decorated with an array of artwork. It opened its doors for worship in 1905. A full ceremonial Christmas mass is held for around 3,000 people and it's broadcast live all over the state. The Cathedral Choir starts singing carols at 9.30 p.m., and the mass gets underway at 10 p.m. and finishes around 11.30 p.m.
Address: 19 Nathalal Parekh Marg/Wodehouse Road (opposite the YMCA), Colaba.
Phone: (22) 2202 0121.
Saint Thomas's Cathedral, Fort
This towering white church, renowned for its award winning stained glass work, was the first Anglican one in Mumbai. It opened its doors on Christmas Day, 1718, for the benefit of the Britishers. Carol singing starts at 10 p.m., followed by mass at 10.30 p.m.
Address: Veer Nariman Road (near Horniman Circle Gardens and Flora Fountain), Fort.
Phone: (22) 2202 4482.
Gloria Church, Byculla
Built in Gothic style along the design of Canterbury Cathedral in England, Gloria Church dates back to 1572. However, it was shifted to its current location in 1910. Construction was finished in 1913. The four towers are amongst the tallest church towers in Mumbai and the windows here also have beautiful stained glass. Carol singing starts at 11.30 p.m., before the mass at midnight.
Address: Sant Savata Marg, Byculla.
Phone: (22) 2372 6630.
Saint Michael's Church, Mahim
Saint Michael's is one of the oldest Catholic churches in India. Although its present building was constructed in 1973, the church is believed to have been formed way back in the 16th century. The Christmas mass is hugely popular and gets underway with carol singing at 11 p.m. If you can't make it to the mass but still want to get into the festive spirit, definitely try to visit on preceding Wednesdays when the Novena takes place. You'll find the church attractively decorated and a market occupying the pavement out the front.
Address: Corner of Lady Jamshedji Road Road and Mahim Causeway (opposite Mahim Bus Depot), Mahim.
Phone: (22) 2445 4483.
Mount Mary's Basilica, Bandra
Mount Mary's holds the most popular midnight mass in Bandra -- and it is a midnight one, getting underway with carols at 11.30 p.m., as it's held indoors. As the name suggests, the church sits atop a small hill overlooking the ocean, close to Bandra Bandstand. Its current building is around 100 years old, although its statue of the mother Mary dates back to the 16th century.
Address: Mount Mary Road, Near Bandstand, Bandra West.
Phone: (22) 2642 3152.
Saint Peter's Church, Bandra
Saint Peter's, a Jesuit Catholic church, holds another very popular Christmas mass. It's a charming church, built in Romanesque style, with ornate interiors. The service commences at 10.30 p.m. with carols.
Address: Hill Road, Bandra West.
Phone: (22) 2642 3098, 2645 9474.
Saint Andrew's Church, Bandra
Quaint Saint Andrew's Church has a distinctive Portuguese-style facade, incorporating two bell towers. It's a quieter option for those who can't get seats at Saint Mary's or Saint Peter's, or for those who prefer it that way. Built near the sea shore in 1575, it was the first church in Bandra until 1620. The Christmas mass starts at 10.30 p.m. here as well.
Address: 115 Hill Road (near Holy Family Hospital), Bandra West.
Phone: (22) 2642 7840, 2642 3680.
Lady of Immaculate Conception, Borivali
For those in the outer suburbs of Mumbai at Christmas, another of Mumbai's old churches, the The Lady of Immaculate Conception, holds an extremely popular Christmas mass on its grounds. The attendance has grown to 12,000 people in recent years! It starts at 10 p.m, after carols at 9.30 p.m.
Address: IC Colony (off Laxman Mhatre Rd), Borivali West.
Phone: (22) 2893 1360, 2892 1846.
