Festival of Lessons & Carols, Westminster Abbey 2023

As Londoners, we’re lucky to share a city with Westminster Abbey, which has stood on its site since the 11th century. Martyrdoms, coronations and monarchical burials have all taken place in this ancient building, yet for some of us, the Abbey is merely part of a jostling skyline. If there is a time to reclaim our most notable religious house from the tourists, it is the Christmas Service of Lessons and Carols.

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Not to be confused with the smaller concert in St Margaret's Church, the full Christmas Services on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 December are the pinnacle of festivities. It is free to attend, but tickets must be reserved in advance (and they're always snapped up faster than hot mince pies).

The concert is candlelit and the service is conducted with all the pomp and majesty that you would expect. For the All Stand and Sing sections, brush up on old favourites. The choir will introduce you to lesser-known carols.

It’s worth getting there at least half an hour early, as the queue of ticket-holders often snakes right up to the Houses of Parliament. Sit in the nave for the best view, although all proceedings are transmitted to television screens throughout the Abbey.

Don’t forget to explore afterwards: Edward the Confessor, Elizabeth I, Geoffrey Chaucer, Henry Purcell, William Blake, Charles Darwin and The Unknown Warrior are all buried here.

Booking Essential: Westminster Abbey carol concert tickets are free but must be reserved. Tickets will be released at 9:30am and 2:30pm on Tuesday 14 and Wednesday 15 November.

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