Midnight Mass at St. Stephen's Cathedral
Mitternachtsmette im Stephansdom48°13′ N 16°22′ EChurch serviceDec 24, 2026Dates projectedSeasonal
Vienna's Midnight Mass (Mitternachtsmette) is celebrated in St. Stephen's Cathedral at midnight on 24 December, and it is a Catholic Mass and worship first, open to anyone who comes to take part quietly. The cathedral parish publishes the 2026 times in December; in 2025 Vespers came first at 16:30.
This is the main answer to where Midnight Mass is held in Vienna. The cathedral on Stephansplatz hosts the Mass at midnight, and in 2025 the cathedral's parish priest, Toni Faber, celebrated it. The Christmas Eve Vespers earlier that afternoon was led by Josef Grünwidl, who was installed as Archbishop of Vienna in the cathedral on 24 January 2026.
Come as a worshipper, or at least as a respectful guest. The service is in German. If you'd rather watch than take part, Radio klassik Stephansdom has broadcast the cathedral's Christmas services in past years.
Worth knowing
- Enter through the Riesentor, the main west door facing the U-Bahn exit, which is step-free. After services there's also a ramp out through the Primtor.
- The Stephansplatz Christmas market closes at 16:00 on 24 December, so eat before you come.
- On Christmas Day the cathedral's regular holiday schedule includes a high Mass (Hochamt) at 10:15.
Quick answers about Midnight Mass at St. Stephen's Cathedral
Where is Midnight Mass in Vienna?
Vienna's best-known Midnight Mass is held in St. Stephen's Cathedral (Stephansdom) on Stephansplatz, starting at midnight on 24 December. It is a Catholic Mass celebrated in German.
What time is Midnight Mass at St. Stephen's Cathedral in 2026?
Midnight Mass at St. Stephen's Cathedral starts at midnight on the night of 24 December. The cathedral parish hadn't published its 2026 Christmas timetable by 10 October 2026; in 2025 Vespers was at 16:30 and the Mass at midnight.
Is there a dress code for Midnight Mass in Vienna?
St. Stephen's Cathedral asks all visitors to dress in keeping with the dignity of the church, and men to remove their hats.
When is Midnight Mass at St. Stephen's Cathedral?
Midnight Mass at St. Stephen's Cathedral takes place midnight Mass begins at midnight on the night of 24 December. In 2025 Christmas Eve Vespers came first at 16:30, sung to Mozart's Vesperae solennes de Confessore. The next dates we have are December 24, 2026, projected from past years.
What are the opening hours of Midnight Mass at St. Stephen's Cathedral?
Midnight Mass at St. Stephen's Cathedral is open in 2025 the cathedral held Vespers at 16:30 on 24 December, Midnight Mass at midnight, and a high Mass (Hochamt) at 10:15 on Christmas Day. The 2026 times aren't published yet.
In the journal and guides
