Celebrate Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with Catholic and Protestant Services Around Beijing

Christians of all denominations and others just looking for a bit more Christmas spirit may participate in a host of services around Beijing both Thursday evening and Friday. Beijing has a host of both cathedrals and newer churches to celebrate, so whether you're a true believer or just someone wanting to be in the company of others wishing tidings of great joy to each other, here are places in Beijing holding Masses or services.

Please note that some churches charge admission for services to discourage the large number of non-Christians who would like to participate.
 

For foreign passport holders only

The two organizations' services listed below are open only to foreign passport or permanent residency holders, due to anti-missionary regulations enforced by China's Foreign Ministry.

Congregation of the Good Shepherd
Congregation of the Good Shepherd describes itself as "an English-speaking international congregation with members from a variety of denominations." It is offering a Christmas Eve Carols and Candlelight Service at 7pm on Thursday at Capital Mansions. Click here for more information. 

Beijing International Christian Fellowship (BICF)
BICF "has 19 congregations in 11 languages meeting at three locations across the city." Their bilingual Christmas Eve service will be held Thursday from 6.30-8pm at the 21st Century Theater. Click here for more information.

For both Chinese citizens and foreigners

St. Joseph's Church, Wangfujing
One of Beijing's best known Catholic churches due to its location in the middle of Wangfujing. It will hold Midnight Mass on Thursday beginning at 11.30pm in Chinese (admission required). On Christmas Day, St. Joseph's will host Masses at 7am, 8am, and 10am in Chinese, and at 11.30am and 4pm in English.
74 Wangfujing Dajie
东城区王府井街74号

Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Xuanwumen
Beijing's oldest Catholic cathedral, the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, also known as South Cathedral, dates back to 1605. They will  host Masses in Chinese on Christmas Eve at 6pm, 8-10pm, and 11pm (admission required). On Christmas Day, there will be a Latin Mass at 6am; Chinese at 7am and 8.30am; English at 10.30am and 7pm; and Italian at 12.30pm.
Xuanwumen Dong Jie
东城区宣武门东街

Church of the Savior, Xicheng
Also known as Beitang or the Northern Cathedral, this church will offer Masses only Chinese on Christmas Eve at 5pm, 7pm, and 11pm (admission required), and on Christmas Day at 6am, 7am, 8am, and 10am.
Xishiku Jie
西城区西什库街

Xizhimen Catholic Church, Xizhimen
This standalone church will offer Masses in Chinese on Christmas Eve at 7pm and 11pm (admission required); and Christmas Day at 7am (Chinese), 8am (Chinese), 11am (French), and 6.30pm (Chinese).
Xizhimennei Dajie
西城区西直门内大街

Gangwaishi Church, Xisi
The earliest Protestant church in Beijing, Gangwashi will offer services in Chinese only on Christmas Eve at 6pm, 6.30pm, and 8.30pm; and on Christmas Day at 8.30am, 6pm, 6.30pm, and 8.30pm.
57 Xisi Nan Dajie
西城区西四南大街57号

Chongwenmen Church, Chongwenmen
This Anglican church will offer services in Chinese only on Christmas Eve at 5pm and 7pm, and on Christmas Day at 9.30am, 5pm, 7pm, and 9pm.
2 Chongwenmennei Hougou Hutong
崇文门内后沟胡同丁2号

Haidian Church, Haidian
This Protestant church featuring contemporary architecture will offer services on Christmas Eve at 3.30pm, 5pm, 6.30pm, 8pm, 9.30pm, and 11pm; and on Christmas Day at 9am, 2pm, 6.30pm, and 8pm.
9 Caihefang Lu, Haidian District
海淀区彩和坊路9号

Zhushikou Church, Zhushikou
South of Qianmen, this small Protestant church will offer one service on Christmas Eve in Chinese at 6pm, and one on Christmas Day at 9am.
ntersection of Anda Jie and Qianmenwai Dajie
安大街和前门外大街

Nangangzi Catholic Church, Chongwenmen
Another Chongwenmen Catholic Church, there will be Masses in Chinese at 6pm and 8pm on Christmas Eve and 8am on Christmas Day.
6 Yongsheng Xiang, Xingfu Dajie, Chongwen District
崇文区幸福大街永生巷6号.

Shengmieer Catholic Church
The smallest Catholic church in Beijing, they will offer Masses on Christmas Eve at 6pm and 11pm, and on Christmas Day at 7am and 8am, all in Chinese.
Dongjiaomin Xiang, Dongcheng District
东城区东交民巷.

Photo: mountainx.com