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A New Year’s Eve midnight watch service, also known as a Watch Night service, is a Christian church service that takes place late on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day.

The service is a time to reflect on the past year as well as to anticipate and prepare for the new year through prayer and resolution.

Watch Night services are held in many Christian denominations, including Methodist, Catholic, Lutheran, Anglican, Baptist, Adventist, and Reformed Christian. Many include prayers, scripture readings, singing of hymns, holy communion and preaching a message.

Below are a few activities we know are taking place in the Miss Lou. Be sure to check with your home church about any special service taking place for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

Greater St. James and Bright Morning Star Baptist Churches will host a joint Watch Night Service on Tuesday, Dec. 31, beginning at 10:30 p.m. at the Greater St. James Baptist Church at 549 Lower Woodville Road in Natchez.

Assumption Catholic Church will host a New Year’s Eve mass starting at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 31.

St. Mary Basilica will host its regularly scheduled mass service at 12:05 p.m. on New Year’s Day, Jan. 1, 2025.

New Beginnings Missionary Baptist Church at 35 Triumph Lane in Natchez will host a Watch Night from 10 p.m. through midnight.

Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church at 117 Pilgrim Blvd. will host an evening Watch Service starting at 8 p.m. until 10 p.m.

King Solomon Baptist Church at 6 Spring St. will host an afternoon Watch Service starting at 4 p.m. at the church. The service is a combined service for Macedonia Baptist Church, King Solomon Baptist Church, Beulah Baptist Church, and St.  Peters Baptist Church. Members from  all the churches will participate.

Bethel Baptist Church at 204 Airport Road in Vidalia, Louisiana will have a Watch Service starting at 10:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 31.