Vatican Christmas Eve midnight mass

Would you mind telling us how you requested the tickets for the Christmas Eve Mass? Email address, website, etc. I tried to do this once before but couldn't find how to make a request. Thanks.

I just sent email to: [email protected]

It's in the Rick Steve's Italy 2009 book.

Mitch, if you don't get your reservation to the Vatican Christmas Eve a lovely alternative is Santa Maria Maggiori near the Termini. It is a Vatican church, not in Vatican City. I was there last Christmas. I am not a Roman Catholic, but I found the service very moving. Just go early to get a seat. I think the doors opened at 11pm.

Hi Mitch,

I've also requested ticket (by mail) and got a confirmation by fax. My letter is slightly different to yours which read "In reply to your letter in which you requested tickets to participate in the mass... I wish to inform you that tickets will be reserved in your name. Due to limited number of seats available in St Peter's Basilica there is no guarantee that you will be able to enter the Basilica. Hence you may have to follow the Mass by watching in on the video screens in St Peter's Square. Please be advised Mass will begin at 10pm so I would advise you to be at the Basilica by 7pm. Presenting this letter, you will be able to come to the Bronze Door on Xmas Eve or 2days before to collect your two invitations which will indicate the relevant time, place and access".

I read from other forum that there will be queues everywhere - some to collect tickets, some to present their already collected tickets and some without the ticket to obtain free tickets from the swiss guard, so be careful where you're actually lining up.

I'm arriving Rome at just before 6pm on xmas eve, I need to RUN to collect my ticket!!!

Thanks for the tip. We'll definitely get there early. We were thinking about visiting the Vatican Museum right before the midnight mass and pre-booking tickets. We were thinking buying tickets for 2pm would give us plenty of time even if we have to wait in line. Does that sound right to others?

I read from the newspaper that, the "mid-night" mass, for the very first time in history, will be held 10pm, so that the Pope won't be too tired. So please keep that in mind - it's not starting at mid-night, it's 2hrs early at 10pm. Now, I'm truely worried I won't be able to go collect the ticket and get inside on time given that my plane only arrive at 17:50 that day!

Wow, three hours early! I hope it's not too cold out there that night.

What are people's feelings about midnight mass starting at 10:00 instead of 12:00....Pope says it is to lessen holiday fatigue, but do we think he means his own or ours?! Just curious :)

I would personally be thrilled if our "midnight Mass" was at 10! It's always so hard to stay up after a big Christmas Eve dinner, even if we eat late, then the big clean up, it's still too early to head to church. I'm all for battling the holiday fatigue! Maybe the Pope will start a new trend.

I contacted the Bishops office for United States Vistors to the Vatican North American college-Casa Santa [email protected]. I was told to pick up my tickets at this office and they will give us a orientation when we pick the tickets up. I guess on what time to arrive and where to present the tickets. I was told to pick the tickets up no later than Dec. 24 at 2:00pm because after that they clear out the tickets not picked up. I was also told to be prepared to walk home after Christmas Eve Mass because most public transportation shuts down at 1am. Does anyone know what transportation is available after the Midnight Mass? How do all the people attending mass get home or to there hotels? Are taxi cab available or is safe to walk home. Our hotel is 1.8 miles from the vatican - Park Hotel dei Massimi?

Your responses will be much appreciated. Thank You.

Karyn
Vienna, VA USA

Karyn, the 2pm deadline to pick up the tickets are only for tickets giving out from Vatican North American college-Casa Santa Maria??? I'm collecting mine at the office near St Peter's Square, and it didn't mention a deadline to pick it up, but was said to be available 2 days before the 24th and on the day of 24th.

Yes, there will be no public transport. If you're in a group, you may want to book a taxi to be picked up (best ask your hotel to book for you), or, you will be like the rest of the people to walk home.