After years of reconstruction following a destructive fire, Paris' Notre Dame Cathedral is reopened to the public, boasting a restored interior and new roof.

Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris hosted its first Christmas mass since it was reopened. Five and a half years after a catastrophic fire nearly destroyed the historic landmark, Notre Dame celebrating Christmas.

The Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris is now preparing to celebrate Christmas Mass since recently reopened after years of renovations to fix the damage caused by a devastating fire. NBC’s Keir Simmons reports for TODAY.

Notre Dame’s resurrection rejects the timid and self-effacing psychosis that has long strangled the West. It is a physical reminder that the principles that make the West great, like human rights, open inquiry, individual liberty, and rule of and by the people, grew out of a civilization that worshipped God.

Of course, Paris is a major tourist destination year-round, and Notre Dame is among its most popular attractions. Don’t expect to get the place to yourself no matter when you visit; the cathedral has a capacity of 2,500 people at a time.

Thousands of worshippers are expected to celebrate Christmas Day masses at Notre Dame cathedral in Paris as part of the celebrations hailing its restoration just over five years after fire nearly destroyed the 12th century monument.