CHRISTMAS for many people is a period where families get together to spend time with each other, give presents and celebrate.
For Christians, the holiday is an important time to reflect on the sacrifices made by Jesus Christ, and go to church to comemorate this.
What is midnight mass?
Midnight mass is a tradition that sees Christians gather for a service on Christmas Eve.
The service generally starts just before midnight, depending on whether the church is Roman Catholic of Protestant.
Some churches have also made the services start a little earlier to make it easier for young families to get home.
While there is nothing in the Bible to dictate that Christians need to go to mass on Christmas Eve, the tradition is believed to have started to honour Jesus' birth.
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It is believed the tradition started in the Western World from about 430AD under Pope Sixtus III in the Basilica of St Mary Major.
Midnight mass became widely popular by the twelfth century.
There are also services generally held at dawn, and during Christmas Day.
Why do people go to church on Christmas Eve?
While the Bible does not specify Jesus' date of birth, it is thought that December 25 was chosen as it is exactly nine months after the Christians believe Jesus was immaculately conceived, on March 25.
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December 25 might have also been chosen because of the winter solstice – the shortest day of the year.
By attending midnight mass, Christians dedicate the festive season to God.
Where are the most famous services?
For Catholics, the big Christmas Eve mass is traditionally celebrated at the Vatican.
People gather at St Peter's Basilica to hear the Pope's Christmas message.
It's so popular that people are advised to book no less than two months in advance.
One of the most famous landmarks in London for midnight mass is Westminster Abbey.
The First Eucharist of Christmas will be held at 11.30pm, but can only be attended by free ticket only.
The Midnight Eucharist will also be held at 11.30pm at St Paul's. The service will run until 1am.
For those looking to travel further abroad, midnight mass is also held in Bethlehem – widely believed to be the birthplace of Jesus.
While there are limited tickets, crowds also gather outside the church in Manger Square.
Notre Dame also hosts a midnight mass service, with bells pealing out to mark the occasion.
The services are generally held in French, but tourists can also appreciate the historical building's grandeur.
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