St. James Church in Delhi
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Delhi has many famous churches you can visit during Christmas. In fact, you can visit these churches all year round, but they are especially beautiful at Christmas time.

Most of these churches offer English services as well as Hindi. But don’t expect things to be exactly as they are in your home parish. For instance, many Indians remove their shoes before entering church. I have also found the music selection to be very different sometimes! But that’s part of the experience of attending a service in a foreign country.

Famous Churches in Delhi to Visit at Christmas

Unlike temples and mosques, churches in Delhi are not usually open all day, even the most famous ones. Many open for services only, and the hours can vary from what is noted. If you arrive at a closed church, you can always look for the caretaker who may let you in.

Services are mostly in Hindi or other Indian dialects, but there are usually one or two English services a week.

Here’s a handy map to help you find Delhi’s famous churches!

1. Sacred Heart Cathedral

exterior full view of the famous Delhi church, Sacred Heart Cathedral, flanked by palm trees
Sacred Heart Cathedral is the most prominent Catholic church in Delhi

The largest Catholic church in Delhi was built in the 1930s by the British Raj. It’s a beautiful, Italian style church. Pope John Paul II visited the cathedral twice on two separate visits to India. The cathedral is still active today with daily mass heavily attended by Delhi’s Catholic community. This is the church I usually go to for mass.

Originally the plan was to build a grand Westminster Abbey style church full of glass windows. This idea was wisely discouraged by Edwin Lutyens (he designed and built much of New Delhi for the British), as glass windows would turn the cathedral into an oven during Delhi summers. This is why the cathedral does not have many windows.

2. St. James Church

exterior view from across a garden with statue of cross to the most famous church in Delhi, St. James Church
St. James Church is often called Skinner’s Church

St. James Presbyterian Church is the oldest and possibly most famous church in Delhi. It’s an important site from the British Raj period, who were predominantly based in this part of the Delhi at the time.

The church was commissioned by James Skinner and built in 1836. Skinner was Anglo-Indian and embraced his Indian heritage while maintaining a long career with the British army. Skinner is buried in the church.

I’ve been told the church has a lovely Florentine style dome and stained glass windows. I always seem to time my visits to this part of Delhi poorly, and the church is closed every time I come here. Definitely make a stop if you area in the area on a Sunday morning.

3. St Mary’s Catholic Church

St. Mary’s Catholic Church was built in 1867 by the British

This famous church is the oldest Catholic church in Delhi. It was built in 1867 by the British and served the army who were garrisoned at the Red Fort. It’s a major historic Catholic landmark in the city.

Even though it’s located in one of the busiest areas of Delhi, the grounds are over 4 acres and it feels like it’s in its own world.

Built in classic Romanesque style, it’s a beautiful church. It’s usually only open during mass, but well worth seeing.

4. Cathedral Church of the Redemption

A close up of the brick church with red dome, Cathedral Church of the Redemption in Delhi
Cathedral Church of the Redemption is close to the parliament buildings in New Delhi

This is another grand Anglican church built by the British in the 1930s. It’s often referred to as Viceroy’s Church, because Lord Irvin who was Viceroy of India at the time, laid the foundation stone in 1927.

The exterior is very typical of Lutyens’ Delhi, but the interior is very British with high domed ceilings and elegant arches – you’ll almost forget you are in India.

This is a grand church, and in an equally grand neighbourhood, Raisina Hill, beside Rashtrapti Bhavan and many parliament buildings.

5. St. Stephen’s Church

exterior view of red church with bell tower, St Stephen's Church in Delhi
St. Stephen’s Church has the only stained glass rose window in Delhi

St. Stephen’s belongs to the Church of North India, and is tucked away in the back lanes of Chandni Chowk, in bustling Old Delhi. Built in 1862, it is a heritage building with a lovely stained glass rose window, the only one in Delhi.

The Church of North India was formed in 1970 by unifying 6 churches, including Baptist, Methodist and United. They all fall under the High Anglican Church.

The church is open around service times, so I wouldn’t make a special trip to Old Delhi solely for the church (in case you can’t get in), but I recommend you see it while exploring Chandni Chowk. It’s just around the corner from the famous spice market (Khari Baoli).

6. Holy Trinity Church

exterior full view of Holy Trinity Church with blue sky and woman in Indian suite standing in front
Holy Trinity Church is one of the loveliest churches in Delhi (image credit Diocese of Delhi, the Church of North India)

Another member of the Church of North India, Holy Trinity Church is located in busy old Delhi, near Turkman Gate. It’s at the end of a little lane, but there’s a sign so you’ll be able to find it. The church is a peaceful oasis in what I consider the least attractive part of Delhi.

It was built in 1905 by the widow of Alexander Maitland, a missionary who left most of his wealth to the church. The church is well worth seeing, it’s lovely and famous because it has services in Urdu, very unusual for a church in Delhi. Even the bible is in Urdu.

Make sure you remove your shoes before entering, it is customary here.

7. St. Thomas Church

red brick exterior of St. Thomas Church in South Delhi
St. Thomas Church is a good place to attend English mass in South Delhi

St. Thomas Church is an important pillar in the local Catholic community. It’s famous because it’s one of the few Catholic churches in South Delhi and has more masses in English than Hindi.

If you’re looking for English mass in South Delhi, this is a very good choice, but I wouldn’t come here strictly to admire the architecture. The church was built in 1972 and has a plain, geometric exterior with an interesting honeycomb ceiling inside.

Last year the Mozart Choir (affiliated with the famed Vienna Boys’ Choir) sang at the Christmas Eve mass.

8. Central Baptist Church

interior of Central Baptist Church with dark wood pews and light walls, a famous church in Chandni Chowk, Delhi
Central Baptist Church is right on Chandni Chowk, Delhi’s most famous street

Located right on Chandni Chowk, this historic church looks a little out of place with its European design. It’s the oldest and most famous Baptist church in Delhi, built in 1860 after the Indian Rebellion. There are plaques inside the church dedicated to some who died during the Rebellion.

It’s a simple, but historically significant church and absolutely worth seeing while you are exploring Chandni Chowk. Plus there’s a nice, shady courtyard.

9. Centenary Methodist Church

interior of Centenary Methodist Church in Delhi, famous for its Christmas Mela, with white walls and dark wood pews
The Centenary Methodist Church on Lodhi Road is famous for its annual Christmas festival

This small but quaint Methodist church is famous for hosting various community events in Delhi, including an annual Christmas fair.

Delhi never ceases to surprise me, so I guess I should almost expect to see a Methodist church next to a 15th century Lodhi era tomb, the Gol Gumbad. It’s a plain tomb, but still worth seeing if you’re next door at the church.

Services are in English and Hindi, so if you’re staying in the area, this is good church to come to.

10. Church of St. Teresa of Child Jesus

exterior of red brick church with statue of Mother of God in Delhi
This statue of the Blessed Mother is almost unrecognizable at Christmas, it’s so full of colourful lights and flowers

One of the newer Catholic churches in Delhi, this is good one if you’re staying in Saket or Malviya Nagar (South Delhi). It’s an important church to the local Catholic community and has a loyal congregation. At Christmas time they go all out, and the church is very colourfully decorated.

11. St. Martin’s Church

entrance gate with red arch with view of St. Martin's Church in back, one of the famous churches in Delhi
St. Martin’s Church is built of solid brick, and is unchanged from when it was built in 1929

Architecturally, this is a very interesting Protestant church. The exterior is utilitarian, almost resembling a fort with buttresses and parapets. In fact, it’s often referred to as the Fort Church. The interior is a complete contrast, with high arches and lofty domed ceilings.

It was built in 1929 beside the army cantonment under the direction of Edwin Lutyens (the lead architect responsible for the design of New Delhi). The church served the spiritual needs of the British army and their families who lived in the area.

Due to its solid brick construction, the church stands today as it did then. Services are in English and Hindi.

  • Hours: 6:00 am – 6:00 pm, Sunday
  • Nearest metro station: Delhi Cantt. (Pink line)
  • What to see nearby: Indian Air Force Museum

12. St. Peter’s Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Cathedral

Interior of St. Peter's Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Cathedral with colourful painting of St. Thomas
The church has painted images depicting when St. Thomas arrived in India (image credit St. Peter’s Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Cathedral)

This is a really pretty church that decorates to the max at Christmas. Services are only in Malayalam (a South Indian language), so don’t come here for English mass, but do come to see the church. It’s very centrally located, just around the corner from Sacred Heart Cathedral so you can easily see both.

This is the main place of worship for Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Christians in Delhi. The land was famously delegated to this Delhi church by former prime minister Indira Gandhi.

13. St. Dominic Church

Interior of the famous St. Dominic Church in Delhi with wooden benches and bright white walls and large crucifix in the front
The bright, open interior of St. Dominic Church is in stark contrast to its all red brick exterior

When I lived in Vasant Vihar this was the Catholic church I went to. It has a beautiful interior with large stained glass windows.

It’s really a lovely church, and because a lot of expats and embassy personnel live in the area, there’s a lot of foreigners in the congregation. It’s a great place to come for daily mass if you’re staying in the neighbourhood.

  • Hours: 7:00 am – 6:30 pm, Sunday, 6:30 am – 7:30 am & 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm, Monday to Friday
  • Nearest metro station: Vasant Vihar (Magenta line)
  • What to see nearby: Priya Park, Wazirpur Gumbad Complex, Basant Lok (excellent shopping, restaurant and entertainment hub)

14. Christ Methodist Church

exterior long view of Christ Methodist Church with brown and white brick work and bell tower, it's famous church in Delhi
Christ Methodist Church is one of the most traditional looking churches in Delhi

It almost feels like this church doesn’t belong in Delhi – it’s very English looking, inside and out. This is one of the more famous British built churches in Delhi.

The interior has large vaulted ceilings, dark wood pews, and lovely stained glass windows. You’d never guess you were in Delhi if you suddenly found yourself here. At Christmas time the entire church is covered in hanging outdoor lights – it’s really pretty.

15. Chapel of the Apostolic Nunciature (Vatican Chapel)

chapel at Apostolic Nunciature in Delhi with 3 bright panels depicting bible stories
The Vatican Chapel in Delhi (image credit Apostolic Nunciature)

The Embassy of the Holy See Vatican holds mass in their chapel every Sunday. Mass is in English and open to diplomats, expats and their guests.

If you are looking for weekly mass, especially around Christmas, this is a special place. If you aren’t interested in mass, and just want to look at the chapel, don’t come here. Make sure you bring ID.

FAQs

What is the most famous church in Delhi?

Sacred Heart Cathedral is probably the most famous church in Delhi. It’s one of the oldest and grandest churches built during the British Raj, and has a prominent location in New Delhi.

How many churches are in Delhi?

There are over 125 churches in Delhi.

What religion is Delhi?

Delhi is predominantly Hindu (about 80%), but over 10% of the population are Muslim, and 4% are Sikh. There are also Jains, Buddhists and Christians.

The Wrap-up on Famous Churches to Visit in Delhi this Christmas 2024

Delhi has a surprising number of churches of all denominations. There’s more, but I only included the most well known and beautiful ones. All of these churches will do something special for Christmas, and be colourfully decorated. Remember, Indians love colour – there will nothing subtle about the Christmas decorations!

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Don’t forget travel insurance! It’s always a good idea to carry travel insurance just in case something goes wrong. I really like and use SafetyWing

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Suzanne Hooker

Suzanne Hooker is the owner and author of Suzanne Wanders Delhi, a blog that helps travellers explore Delhi, India. Suzanne lives in Delhi and is passionate about changing negative misconceptions about the city. When she isn't exploring and writing about Delhi, she is slow travelling through other parts of the world with her dog.

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