Christmas carol concerts: London, 2023
From majestic performances in stunning settings to little known gems in aid of a good cause, we round up the best Christmas carol concerts London has to offer
BREATHTAKING: A Service of Lessons and Carols
Does it get more magical than Westminster Abbey at Christmas? Choirs, cloisters and poets' ghosts make for a breathtaking backdrop to the ever-popular Christmas carol services, which usually features readings from a surprise line up of famous faces. Booking opens at 9:30am and 2:30pm on Tuesday 14 & Wednesday 15 November. Click here for tickets.
When: Saturday 23 December, 4pm–5pm; Sunday 24 December, 4pm–5pm
Where: Westminster Abbey, 20 Deans Yard, Westminster, London SW1P 3PA
Cost: Free, but booking essential
CLASSIC: Advent Season at St Paul’s Cathedral
When: Saturday 23 & Sunday 24 December, 4pm–5pm
Where: St Paul's Cathedral, London EC4M 8AD
Cost: Free, but booking essential
RIVERSIDE RENDITIONS: Cathedral Carol Service
When: Sunday 17 and Tuesday 19 December, 6pm
Where: Southwark Cathedral, London Bridge, London SE1 9DA
Cost: Free but ticketed, click here to register
ON A GRAND SCALE: Carols at the Royal Albert Hall
The largest Christmas carol concert (or series of concerts) in London is again taking place at The Royal Albert Hall, over six nights and 15 performances. Book to join the Royal Choral Society and the National Youth Choirs of Great Britain in singing world-famous carols, accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, presented by Greg Beardsell.
When: Saturday 16 – Sunday 24 December, 11am, 3pm & 7:30pm
Where: Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, South Kensington, London SW7 2AP
Cost: £20 – £117.50
EVOCATIVE: Candlelit Carols at the Barbican
It's all about atmosphere at the Barbican's candlelit carol concert. More of a formal performance than a singalong (although who knows, they might get you on your feet for the well-known favourites at the end), the concert is being performed by the Mozart Festival Orchestra under conductor Steven Devine, with soprano Harriet Eyley providing solos and Mark Williams acting as reader.
When: 22 December, 7:30pm
Where: Barbican Hall
Cost: £17.50 – £45
FAMILY FESTIVITIES: Christmas at St Martin-in-the-Fields
St Martin-in-the-Fields' hour-long carol services are a great option for young children with short attention spans. The atmospheric church, which has hosted classical concerts for over 250 years, offers carols by candlelight and a side of child-friendly entertainment. Look forward to a multiple concerts including Carols for Kids, Festive Family Carols and Carols by Candlelight, each of which features Christmas classics led by the church's vocal ensemble, St Martin’s Voices.
When: Thursday 2 – Monday 23 December, performances at various times
Where: St Martin-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar Square, Charing Cross, London WC2N 4JJ
Cost: £10+ (depending on event)
ANIMAL LOVERS: Battersea Dogs and Cats Home Christmas Carol Concert
Head to St Luke's church for the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home Christmas Carol Concert. Guests will also be treated to a very special guard of honour by some of the home’s beloved dogs. Don’t leave without enjoying a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie, and remember to take home a goodie bag for your own furry friends, who must be left at home.
When: Thursday 7 & Friday 8 December, 7pm
Where: St Luke's Church, Sydney Street, Chelsea, London SW3 6NH
Cost: £22 – £36
CELEBRITY SPECIAL: Royal Brompton Carols by Candlelight
Belt out carols in Chelsea's majestic St Luke's Church then mingle over mulled wine and mince pies. The service will be peppered by readings from patients and hospital staff, and singing from the London Oratory Schola. This year, proceedings are going towards the hospital's gamma camera appeal, a high-quality camera which will help with faster diagnoses.
When: Tuesday 5 December, 6:30pm–8:30pm
Where: St Luke's Church, Sydney Street, London SW3 6NH
Cost: £10 – £20
FOR THE KIDS: Childline’s Merry Little Christmas Concert
When: Monday 27 November, 7pm
Where: Cadogan Hall, 5 Sloane Terrace, London SW1X 9DQ
Cost: £40 – £130
FEATURING JOANNA LUMLEY: Kids for Kids, Candlelit Christmas Concert
Now in its 23rd year, the annual Kids for Kids Candlelit Christmas Concert is once again being hosted by the enigmatic Joanna Lumley OBE, with celebrity guest appearances from Timothy West, Lord Cope of Berkeley, Bibi Heal and Stephen Barlow. Further highlights come in the form of performances from Thames Fanfare Brass and the Queen's Gate School Choirs, with harp music from Lesley Magee. Mulled wine and mince pies are included in the ticket price.
When: Wednesday 6 December, 7pm–10:30pm
Where: St Peter’s Eaton Square, 119 Eaton Square, London SW1W 9AL
Cost: £17.50 – £35
ACTORS FOR CHARITY: A Musical Theatre Christmas
When: Sunday 3 December, 7:30pm
Where: St Paul's Church, Bedford Street, London WC2E 9ED
Cost: £30 – £65
PICCADILLY POMP: Christmas Carols by Candlelight
Ideal for those looking to catch some carols after a day in the office, this concert is being performed by The Piccadilly Sinfonietta in the candlelit setting of St Mary le Strand. It features a solo performance from Susan Parkes, with further acts still to be announced at the time of writing.
When: 1 & 15 December, 6pm & 8pm
Where: St Mary le Strand Church, Strand, London WC2R 1ES
Cost: £25 – £45
GOSPEL: London Community Gospel Choir at Christmas
Among the highlights to catch from the Royal Albert Hall's 2023 Christmas season is a one-night-only performance from the London Community Gospel Choir, whose astonishing, soulful harmonies promise to bring down the house once more following sell-out concerts every year since 2018.
When: Tuesday 19 December, 7:30pm–10pm
Where: Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, South Kensington, London SW7 2AP
Cost: £35+