What Are Christmas Chasubles?
An embroidered Christmas chasuble is the outermost liturgical vestment worn by priests for Masses of the Christmas season. In the Roman Rite, this season — Christmastide — runs from the Vigil of Christmas through the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. The liturgical color for Christmas is white or gold. This collection includes 22 items — 21 chasubles and 1 Christmas belt — decorated with Holy Family and Nativity motifs. Chasubles range from $206 to $1,089. Most chasubles come with a matching inner stole; the product description of each model lists the exact contents.
Christmas Chasuble Colors and Symbolism
White and gold are the liturgical colors of Christmas. White signifies purity, joy, and the light of Christ; gold signifies royalty and the solemnity of the Nativity. Several models in this collection are made in gold and ecru shades, including a gold brocade and gold rosette patterns. According to its product description, the Holy Family chasuble is also available in all liturgical colors and in three collar styles: a visible collar, a golf collar, or without a collar. For a full guide to vestment colors from Advent through Epiphany, see our article on Christmas vestment colors.
Design Motifs: The Holy Family and the Nativity
The product descriptions of the Christmas chasubles in this collection mention embroidered Holy Family images and a crib (manger) motif. Several designs set the embroidery on a central belt finished with gold and satin trim, and the gold brocade chasuble uses gold-metalized thread in its liturgical embroidery. An embroidered Christmas belt for the chasuble is available separately.
Holy Family Chasuble: The Most Common Christmas Motif
A Holy Family chasuble shows Jesus, Mary, and Joseph together — the family at Bethlehem. It is one of the most common Christmas vestments because the feast celebrates the Incarnation and the domestic life of the Holy Family. In this collection, the motif appears on several models, from ecru and gold brocade to the Satinowool and Honeycomb-Favi designs. The image is usually embroidered on the front band or the central orphrey, where it remains visible during the entrance procession and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. If you are choosing a first Christmas chasuble for a parish, a Holy Family model is the safest traditional choice; for a larger set, pair it with the matching Christmas stoles.
Star of Bethlehem, the Magi, and the Manger
Christmas vestments often carry three related symbols. The Star of Bethlehem is the star that, according to the Gospel of Matthew, guided the Magi to Jesus; it represents divine guidance and the light of Christ. The Magi — the Wise Men from the East — represent the adoration of Christ by all nations and the gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The manger is the crib in which the newborn Jesus was laid; it speaks of humility and the Incarnation. In this collection, the embroidered motifs center on the Holy Family and the Nativity, including a crib (manger) motif; the Star of Bethlehem and the Magi are common in Christmas vestment art more broadly. For a guide to setting up a Christmas crib in church or at home, see Setting Up the Christmas Crib.
White or Gold? Choosing the Color
White and gold are both permitted for Christmas, and the choice is usually practical. White is the default solemn color and reads clearly in daylight and on camera; gold is more festive and works well for Midnight Mass and a dark sanctuary. Many parishes use white for the Mass at Dawn and during the day, and gold for the Vigil or Midnight Mass. The Church also permits gold or silver on solemn occasions in place of white, so a gold chasuble is not a deviation from the season. If you need one vestment for the whole Christmas cycle, white is the safer choice; if you already own white, gold adds solemnity. Browse the white chasubles and gold chasubles for the full range, or read the Christmas vestment colors guide.
Materials and Sizes
The collection includes several fabric families. Older models are described as lightweight 100% PE (polyester); the gold brocade chasuble is described as airy, crease-resistant, and suitable for standard washing and ironing. The newer models add Italian tropical, Honeycomb-Favi, Papal Gold, Satinowool, and a viscose/linen/silk blend. Exact fabric and care instructions are listed in each product description. Sizes across the collection: lengths of 125–130 cm (49.2–51.2 in) and widths of 158–160 cm (62.2–63 in); the newer Urbanowicz models are 128 cm (50.4 in) from shoulder to hem. Use the tables below as a quick reference, then confirm the exact measurements on the product page.
| Size | Length | Width |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | 125–130 cm (49.2–51.2 in) | 158–160 cm (62.2–63 in) |
| Urbanowicz (3U–12U) | 128 cm (50.4 in) | 160 cm (63 in) |
| Fabric | Models / notes | Care |
|---|---|---|
| 100% PE (polyester) | selected older models; lightweight | follow the product description |
| Gold brocade | gold brocade chasuble (4484); airy, crease-resistant | standard washing and ironing where stated |
| Italian tropical | 3U (5648) | follow the product description |
| Honeycomb-Favi | 5U, 6U, 8U, 9U (5649, 5650, 5653, 5654) | soft, lustrous; follow the product description |
| Papal Gold | 7U (5651); ecru with a gold shimmer | follow the product description |
| Satinowool | 10U, 12U (5655, 5657) | follow the product description; dry cleaning is safest for embroidery |
| Viscose/linen/silk blend | 11U (5656) | follow the product description |
Feast Days and When to Wear a Christmas Chasuble
Christmas chasubles are worn for all the Masses of Christmastide — the Vigil Mass, Midnight Mass, the Mass at Dawn, and the Mass during the Day — through the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. They may also be worn for the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God (January 1) and the Epiphany (January 6) when white or gold is prescribed. They are not worn during Advent, when violet is the norm, or in Ordinary Time, when green is used. For the full calendar of colors, see Christmas vestment colors.
How Much Do Christmas Chasubles Cost?
The collection includes 22 items (21 chasubles and one matching belt) priced from $206 to $1,089. Most chasubles come with a matching inner stole; the belt is an accessory sold without a chasuble. The entry point is the ecru Holy Family model at $206; the gold brocade and Satinowool models sit in the middle and upper range. For a broader comparison of vestment prices, see How Much Does a Chasuble Cost?.
Caring for a Christmas Chasuble
Treat an embroidered Christmas chasuble like a sacred textile. Spot-clean promptly with a soft cloth and cool water; do not rub. Dry cleaning is the safest option for brocade, gold thread, and dense embroidery. Store the vestment on a padded hanger in a breathable garment bag, away from direct sunlight and damp; avoid folding embroidered panels. Check the product description for the specific fabric, because the polyester models and the brocade models do not have the same care requirements. For a full storage guide, see How to Store Liturgical Vestments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Color Is a Christmas Chasuble?
The liturgical color for Christmas is white or gold. White signifies purity and the light of Christ; gold signifies royalty and solemnity. Several models in this collection are made in gold and ecru shades; according to its product description, the Holy Family design is also available in all liturgical colors.
When Is a Christmas Chasuble Worn?
Christmas chasubles are worn for Masses from the Vigil of Christmas through the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, including Midnight Mass, the Mass at Dawn, and the Mass during the Day. They may also be worn on January 1 (Mary, Mother of God) and January 6 (Epiphany) when white or gold is prescribed.
Do Christmas Chasubles Come With a Stole?
Most chasubles (19 of 21) list a matching inner stole in their product description; the two Satinowool models (10U and 12U) are described without one. The Christmas belt is an accessory sold without a chasuble.
What Sizes Are the Christmas Chasubles?
The chasubles measure 125–130 cm (49.2–51.2 in) in length and 158–160 cm (62.2–63 in) in width; the newer Urbanowicz models are 128 cm (50.4 in) from shoulder to hem. Exact dimensions are listed in each product description.
What Fabrics and Embroidery Do the Christmas Chasubles Use?
The collection includes lightweight 100% PE (polyester), gold brocade, Italian tropical, Honeycomb-Favi, Papal Gold, Satinowool, and a viscose/linen/silk blend. Embroidery includes computer-embroidered Holy Family and Nativity motifs, with gold-metalized thread on the gold brocade chasuble.
How Should a Christmas Chasuble Be Cared For?
Spot-clean promptly with a soft cloth and cool water; do not rub. Dry cleaning is the safest option for brocade, gold thread, and dense embroidery. Store on a padded hanger in a breathable bag, away from sunlight and damp, and avoid folding embroidered panels. Follow the care note in each product description.
Where Are the Christmas Chasubles Made?
The gold Nativity of the Lord chasuble (5376) is made in Poland and packed in a display box, according to its product description. Check the individual product page for the country of origin of each model.
How Long Does Shipping Take?
In-stock items are shipped within 72 hours; if a vestment is not in stock, it takes an additional 3–14 business days to make before shipping. FedEx delivery normally takes 2–5 business days. See our shipping information for details.
What Is a Holy Family Chasuble?
A Holy Family chasuble is a Christmas vestment embroidered with Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. It is one of the most common Christmas motifs because the feast celebrates the Incarnation and the family life of Jesus. Several models in this collection use the Holy Family image.
What Is the Star of Bethlehem?
The Star of Bethlehem is the star that, according to the Gospel of Matthew, guided the Magi to Jesus. In Christian art it symbolizes divine guidance, hope, and the light of Christ. It is a common motif on Christmas vestments and altar furnishings.
Who Were the Magi?
The Magi, also called the Wise Men, were visitors from the East who came to adore the newborn Jesus and offered gold, frankincense, and myrrh. In Christian art they represent the recognition of Christ by all nations.
Why Is There a Manger on a Christmas Chasuble?
The manger is the crib in which the newborn Jesus was laid. On a Christmas chasuble it recalls the humility of the Incarnation and the poverty of Bethlehem. In this collection, the product descriptions mention a crib (manger) motif on several designs.
How Much Does a Chasuble Cost?
Chasuble prices vary with fabric, embroidery, and construction. In this collection, Christmas chasubles range from $206 to $1,089. For a broader comparison, see our guide to chasuble prices.
Can a Priest Celebrate Mass Without a Stole?
In the Roman Rite, the priest wears an alb, stole, and chasuble for Mass. The stole is the vestment proper to the priest and is worn under the chasuble; a chasuble is not a substitute for the stole. Sacristy practice should follow the General Instruction of the Roman Missal and diocesan norms.
What Should I Wear to a Christmas Mass?
There is no universal dress code for Mass. Dress modestly and respectfully; many parishioners choose smart casual or festive clothing for Christmas. The priest's vestments, not the congregation's clothing, carry the liturgical color of the season.
Related Reading
Related: And for the Marian feasts around the year, see our Marian chasubles — 92 hand-embroidered models from $139.
Related reading: Holy Family chasuble guide · Nativity chasuble symbols · White vs gold Christmas vestments · History of the chasuble · How much does a chasuble cost? · How to store liturgical vestments.
Christmas vestments in the traditional fitted Roman cut are part of our Roman chasubles collection.
Related: For a Nuptial Mass, see our wedding chasubles in white, cream and gold.
Related: for saint chasubles outside the Christmas season — 142 models from $192.
