DNAinfo/Jennifer Glickel
By Jennifer Glickel
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
MIDTOWN EAST — Tourists and worshippers alike poured into St. Patrick's Cathedral on Saturday to celebrate Christmas.
With masses scheduled throughout the day, 25,000 people were expected to visit the famous Fifth Avenue basilica between Christmas Eve and Day, according to the New York Times.
"It's really special to be able to be here on Christmas," said Lorainne Whitehalling, who was visiting New York from the United Kingdom.
"St. Patrick's is really beautiful, and it kind of has that Christmas magical spirit inside," she added.
Church workers began preparing for the Christmas rush as early as Wednesday, the Times reported.
The final Christmas mass is scheduled for 6 p.m. Saturday.