Come and experience Christmas in Lourdes

Event

Celebrate Christmas at the Sanctuary

As December draws to a close, various celebrations and activities will brighten up life at the Sanctuary in preparation for Christmas and the coming of the Saviour. Come and experience the birth of Jesus in Lourdes, in this place so loved by God.

Programme of Christmas celebrations

24th December:
10 a.m.: Mass at the Grotto
3 p.m.: Rosary at the Grotto
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
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.

Programme of activities

20th December 2025 to 6th 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
3.30 p.m.: Jubilee Way (Friday and Saturday)
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 p.m.: illuminations and Christmas carols in the Sanctuary

Sundays 21st and 28th December and 4th January:
4 p.m.– 5 p.m.: Cenacolo performance on the steps of the Rosary Basilica