Basilica Information
Christmas Mass Information
What time are the masses?
There are three masses from December 24th to 25th, 2024 - 7 PM, 9:30 PM and midnight.
Are masses free?
The 7 PM family mass is free. Masses at 9:30 PM and midnight are priced.
Is the Basilica accessible to people with reduced mobility?
The nave (first floor) of the Basilica is accessible to all. However, to reach the upper floor (the roof-screen), there is no elevator, only twenty steps.
Notre-Dame Basilica has been assessed as partially accessible by Kéroul. The main entrance is equipped with a wheelchair ramp. For further information, please consult our data sheet on the Kéroul website.
Is it possible to take photos and videos during mass?
In order to respect the ceremony, it is forbidden to take photos or videos during the mass.
Can I hear the organ during the mass/will there be a musical program during Christmas Masses?
Yes, there will be a musical program at all three masses, featuring the Casavant organ. The Basilica's animation team, including the talents of Caroline Bleau, soprano, Sasha Djihanian, soprano, Éric Thériault, tenor and Philippe Bolduc, bass-baritone, will perform Christmas carols twenty minutes before the start of the celebration, and provide musical entertainment during the 9:30 PM and midnight masses.
Will it be possible to buy food and drink on site?
No, no food or drink will be allowed inside the building, and no beverages will be offered for sale.
Can I bring my pets?
Pets are not allowed, except for service animals. If you're bringing a service animal, don't forget to bring proof.
Does the Basilica have a gift store?
The Basilica gift store will be closed on the evening of December 24th and December 25th .
Site Information
Where is the Basilica located?
110 Notre-Dame Street West
Montreal, Quebec
H2Y 1T1 Canada
Will there be toilets on site?
Yes, toilets are available on site.
Does the facility have a parking lot?
Old Montreal has both on-street paid parking spaces and parking lots.
Access
When can you arrive for the ceremony?
You can arrive one hour before mass.
Tickets
What are the admission conditions for younger visitors?
Admission is free for children aged 5 and under, and there's no need to ask for a ticket.
Where can you get your tickets?
You can find your tickets in the "Tickets" section of the Fever app (you can download it from the Apple App Store or Google Play). Don't forget to log in with the same email address you used to buy the tickets.
The QR code you'll need to present on the day of the event will also be included in the confirmation email.
Can you buy tickets on site?
It is possible to buy tickets on site between now and December 24th. As of 4 PM on December 24th, tickets can only be purchased online via Fever.
Where can you get tickets?
Can you reserve a ticket for your companion?
If you need assistance during mass, your companion may enter free of charge.
Is it possible to get a refund?
Tickets are generally non-refundable. The general conditions for non-refundable tickets are agreed prior to purchase. However, for any special situation, please contact us and our customer relations team will deal with your request. Don't forget to quote your ticket ID number.
Can you change the date/time of your tickets or change the type of ticket?
We can help you change the time of your ticket or exchange it for another celebration (subject to availability) if you make the request at least 48 hours before December 24th. Contact us for more information. Don't forget to quote your ticket ID number.
Can you transfer your tickets to another person?
Yes, you can transfer your tickets for free to anyone with a Fever account. Just go to the Fever application, in the "Tickets" section, click on your ticket and then on "Transfer your tickets". If you need any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us. Don't forget to include your ticket ID number.
Do I need to print my ticket?
No, your electronic tickets will be validated directly from the Fever application.
What are the official ticket offices for Christmas masses?
Official tickets can only be purchased on Fever. Tickets are not available on any other website or online ticketing service.
I can't find my ticket. What can I do?
You can find your ticket with the QR code in the Fever application, in the "Tickets" section. If you don't have it installed, you can download it from the Apple Store or Google Play. Don't forget to log in using the same account you used to purchase your tickets. If you still can't find your tickets, please contact us.
Fever takes your safety very seriously. You can read more about our security measures here.
Further Information
What year was the Basilica built?
Notre-Dame Basilica was built between 1824 and 1829. Its towers were later completed in 1841 (west tower, named Perseverance) and 1843 (east tower, named
Temperance).
Who owns the Basilica?
Notre-Dame de Montréal Basilica is owned by La Fabrique de la paroisse. Notre-Dame de Montréal, a non-profit organization that also manages the Notre-Dame-des-Neiges cemetery.
Why do I have to pay to enter the Basilica during the day?
Notre-Dame Basilica is managed by the Fabrique de la paroisse Notre-Dame de Montréal, a non-profit organization that assumes full responsibility for its upkeep and restoration. Thanks to ticket sales, maintenance work on the monument is made possible, enabling future generations to visit this heritage site. The organization is grateful for any donation made to the Basilica. Thank you for your support!
Is Notre-Dame de Montréal a replica of Notre-Dame de Paris?
No. Critics associated the style of Notre-Dame de Montréal with that of Notre-Dame de Paris when it was built. This was a mistake. Notre-Dame de Montréal is in the English Gothic Revival style: its towers are very slender in relation to its central core, its volume is vertical and its façade is sparsely ornamented.
During a trip to France, Pastor Rousselot was impressed by the style and symbolism of the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris. He therefore suggested that the architect Victor Bourgeau, who designed the interior of Notre-Dame de Montréal, take inspiration from it. The Basilica's interior design is reminiscent of the French Gothic Revival style: the blue vaulted ceiling adorned with gold stars and the decorative motifs on the columns are reminiscent of the interior of the Sainte-Chapelle's lower chapel.
What's the difference between a cathedral and a basilica?
A cathedral is a church managed by a bishop or archbishop responsible for the administration of a diocese. A basilica is a title given to a church in recognition of its religious, historical, architectural and artistic value. Pope John Paul II elevated Notre-Dame to the rank of basilica in 1982.