Classical music for Christmas: concerts to book ahead
The festive season is upon us, and we know pantomimes aren't for everyone. So from opera and carols to midnight mass, here's how to celebrate in song this winter
31st Christmas Festival, St John's Smith Square
It wouldn’t be Christmas without carols, and Christmas music in London means two weeks of ethereal song at St John's Smith Square.
Availability: Varies according to performance, check each individual show for details.
Spitalfields Winter Festival, Spitalfields
The music of JS Bach, a clutch of London premieres, and a glimpse of Christmas feature in this year's Spitalfields Winter Festival, a bumper edition for its 40th anniversary.
Availability: Availability varies according to performance. Gothic Voices is sold out, last few tickets for Shakespeare in Love.
Der Rosenkavalier, Royal Opera House
The sumptuous orchestration of Richard Strauss is one of the wonders of the evergreen opera Der Rosenkavalier which gets a brand new production at Covent Garden.
Availability: Pre-Christmas tickets are selling out fast, late January tickets still available.
Handel's Messiah, Royal Albert Hall
Four superb soloists join together with Goldsmiths Choral Union, the English Concert Chorus and the Highgate Choral Society for this performance of the yuletide perennial
Availability: Last few boxes remaining on the 15th, other seats widely available.
Christmas Classics, Royal Festival Hall
A truly festive selection of carols and classics from the Philharmonia Orchestra and The Bach Choir with Hansel and Gretel, O Holy Night and Joy to the World
Availability: Tickets still widely available.
Handel's Messiah, The Barbican
Seeing Handel's Messiah at Christmastime is more than a British tradition, it's a necessity. This year, Les Arts Florissants and an impressive international cast of singers and musicians take on the classical favourite at the Barbican.
Availability: Limited availabiity in the stalls, tickets selling fast.