Christmas church services London: Where to celebrate Eucharist on the big day itself

London's most beautiful churches and cathedrals are celebrating Christmas with a host of special services and celebrations in the run up to December 25 — and on the day itself.

While there are many places taking church services this year, details of some of the capital's most impressive venues can be found below — make sure to check our guide to London's Christmas carol services too.

All of the places listed here are hosting midnight mass on December 24. For a comprehensive guide to midnight masses in London, head here.

Westminster Abbey

One of the most beautiful ecclesiastical spaces in London is welcoming worshippers with an extensive programme of services over the festive period. Although all services are free to attend and everyone is welcome, some are expected to be well attended and guests are sometimes required to book tickets to attend. On December 25, there are three services at the Abbey. Holy communion takes place at 8am, followed by the main service — a sung Eucharist featuring music from the Abbey Choir starting at 10.30am — and evensong at 3pm.

20 Deans Yd, Westminster, SW1P 3PA, westminster-abbey.org

St Paul’s cathedral

St Paul’s Cathedral is hosting a family carol service on Saturday December 22, helping younger members of the congregation celebrate this year. There are also Christmas carol services taking place from 4pm – 5.10pm on December 23 and 24, filling the cathedral’s beautiful interiors with festive song. The Christmas day services begin with holy communion at 8am, followed by morning prayer at 8.45am, sung Eucharist at 11am and festal evensong at 3.15pm.

St. Paul's Churchyard, EC4M 8AD, stpauls.co.uk

Westminster Cathedral

Westminster Cathedral, the second largest church building behind St Paul’s, is another beautiful spot for a service this year. The First Mass of Christmas takes place at 6pm on Christmas Eve. Mass on Christmas Day begins at 8am, with 9am and 10.30am services also on, while morning prayer starts at 10am. A carol service starts at noon on Christmas Day, too.

42 Francis St, Westminster, SW1P 1QW, westminstercathedral.org.uk

St Martins in the Fields

St Martins in the Fields, the stunning church found adjacent to Trafalgar Square, is hosting a crib family service at 1.30pm on Christmas Eve, with festive celebrations suited to younger attendees. Later, the church hosts a candlelit carol service at 7pm. On Christmas Day, the main Eucharist service takes place at 10.30am, welcoming English and Chinese congregations.

Trafalgar Square, WC2N 4JJ, stmartin-in-the-fields.org

Southwark Cathedral

A crib service begins at 4pm on Christmas Eve at Southwark Cathedral — a cavernous setting with incredible stained glass in the nave, found by Borough Market. The next morning, prayer services begin at 8.30am, before a Eucharist with carols at 9am. The services continue later on Christmas morning, with a second choral Eucharist beginning at 11am. It's one of the most impressive buildings south of the river, and a beautiful space to spend a little time in this Christmas.

London Bridge, SE1 9DA, cathedral.southwark.anglican.org