This year, the Sanctuary is inviting you to come and be part of Christmas in Lourdes. With ceremonies, activities, Christmas trees and cribs, lights and carols, you can get into the Christmas spirit and get ready for the coming of the Saviour.
The Sanctuary will be illuminated until the Epiphany
Come and celebrate the birth of Jesus in Lourdes, this place so loved by God, where on 25th March 1858 (the feast of the Annunciation), the Virgin Mary revealed her name to Bernadette: ‘I am the Immaculate Conception’.
Every day until 6th January, you can admire the huge Christmas tree on the esplanade of the Sanctuary and the impressive Christmas crib in front of the Rosary Basilica. Let your feet take you to the Grotto of the Apparitions, or inside the basilicas where you can admire other Christmas cribs and immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere. At dusk, from 6.30 pm to 10.30 pm, the Sanctuary will be illuminated with a festive musical background to help us get ready for Christmas.
From 20th December, the first day of the school holidays (in France), enjoy the many activities and events organised at the Sanctuary: exhibition of Christmas cribs from around the world next to the Information Centre, Christmas Village with hot chocolate next to the Bookshop, Christmas crib trail for families and children, Christmas carols, a performance by the Cenacolo community, and more.
Programme of activities from 20 December 2025 to 6 January 2026
7 a.m. – 10 p.m.: Christmas tree and large Christmas crib on the esplanade of the Rosary Basilica
9.30 a.m.: Guided Espélugues Stations of the Cross and the Jubilee Way (in French)
2 p.m.: Jubilee Way and ‘The Footsteps of Bernadette’ (in French)
3 p.m. – 5 p.m.: exhibition of Christmas cribs from around the world next to the Information Centre
3 p.m. – 4 p.m. (except 25th December and 1st January): visit for families to see the Christmas cribs, organised by the Youth Ministry
4 p.m. – 5 p.m.: entertainment in the Christmas village with hot chocolate and carols next to the Information Centre
6.30 p.m. – 10.30 p.m.: illuminations and Christmas carols in the Sanctuary
8.30 p.m.: Torchlight rosary at the Grotto
Sundays 21st and 28th December and 4th January:
3 p.m.–4 p.m.: Cenacolo performance on the steps of the Rosary Basilica
Programme of Christmas celebrations
24th December:
10 a.m.: Mass at the Grotto
3 p.m.: Rosary at the Grotto (in English)
6.30 p.m.: First Vespers of Christmas at the Rosary Basilica
9.30 p.m.: Midnight Mass at the Basilica of Saint Pius X, celebrated by Father Michel Daubanes, rector of the Sanctuary, followed by a procession to the Grotto with the Baby Jesus
25th December:
10 a.m.: Mass at the Grotto
11.15 a.m.: Christmas Day Mass at the Rosary Basilica
3 p.m.: Rosary at the Grotto (in English)
6:30 p.m.: Vespers at the Rosary Basilica
8:30 p.m.: Torchlight Rosary at the Grotto
The Information Centre will be closed on 25th December 2025 and 1st January 2026.
Illuminate Christmas Eve by lighting a candle in Lourdes
Through this light, you are invited to carry in your prayers your families, your loved ones, whether with us or gone, for those who suffer, those who need comfort.
The Virgin Mary, who appeared at Lourdes, gave birth to the Son of God. Prince of Peace, He is the Light that illuminates the world.
Light a candle in Lourdes and illuminate Christmas Eve.
Get ready for the great celebration of Christmas
From 30 November to 25 December, listen to the words of the priests who serve in the Sanctuary of Lourdes. Join the Lourdes ‘chapelains’ as they lead you on a journey from the Grotto of Massabielle to the Grotto of Bethlehem, to Jesus through Mary.
Twenty-six episodes to watch (Lourdes+, Youtube) or listen to (Apple podcast, Deezer, Google podcast, Podcast addict, Spotify) alone, with loved ones or with family, as an invitation to welcome, with Mary, the birth of the Baby Jesus.
