Photo credit: Royal Albert Hall
As the holiday season approaches, London transforms into a hub of festive cheer with its array of Christmas Carol events. The city, renowned for its vibrant Christmas celebrations, hosts a variety of concerts and carol services to book in London. We gathered together the best Christmas carol concert in London with Christmas carol ticket prices and sessions. This year, the Royal Albert Hall, an iconic venue in Kensington, is set to enchant audiences with a diverse range of performances from December 16th to 24th. With tickets ranging from £32 for Gallery Standing to £250 for premium hospitality packages, these concerts are a must-visit for anyone seeking the quintessential Christmas experience in London.
Just like Royal Albert Hall, Westminster Abbey too invites guests to partake in their festive and spiritual celebrations from December 3rd to 25th, 2023. Admission is free, offering everyone the opportunity to join in the festivities. The Abbey’s Christmas program is rich with services, concerts, and family events, making it a focal point for ‘Christmas Carols London’. For those seeking a classic ‘A Christmas Carol London’ experience, the Abbey provides a series of carol services that capture the essence of the season.
Curious for more? This comprehensive guide to ‘Christmas Carol London’ showcases the best of what the city has to offer during the festive season. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, these events provide a perfect way to celebrate Christmas in one of the world’s most dynamic cities. So, mark your calendars, book your tickets, and get ready to enjoy the festive spirit of Christmas with our ultimate guide.
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Christmas Concerts at the Royal Albert Hall
16th, 17th and 21 – 24 December
Tickets: from £32 for Gallery (Standing) to £125 for Grand Tier or £250 for hospitality tickets including dining.
Christmas concerts at the Royal Albert Hall in Kensington are a quintessential London experience, offering a diverse range of festive performances from December 16th to 24th. Ticket prices range from £32 for Gallery (Standing) to £125 for Grand Tier seats, with hospitality tickets that include dining available for £250. The Hall will host various carol sessions on different dates, with performances scheduled for 11 am, 3 pm, and 7:30 pm. The experience of joining over 5,000 carolers for a rousing rendition of ‘Oh Come All Ye Faithful’ at this iconic venue is a must-do for a complete Christmas experience in London.
Christmas at Westminster Abbey
3 Dec – 25 Dec 2023
Tickets: Free
Westminster Abbey opens its doors for a festive and spiritual celebration from December 3rd to 25th, 2023, with free admission. The Abbey welcomes everyone to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ during this Christmas season. The program includes a variety of services, concerts, and family events. Visitors can also enjoy Christmas reflections and explore the surprises in the Abbey’s Advent Calendar. Among these events, attendees will be treated to a series of carol services, adding to the festive spirit in one of London’s most historic and revered venues.
Here are some of the carols to be hosted at the Abbey:
- First Eucharist of Christmas night
24th December 2023
11.00 pm – 12:30 am
- Christmas Day Holy Communion
25th December 2023
8.00 am – 8.40 am - Christmas Day Sung Eucharist
25th December 2023
10:30 am – 11:30 am
- Christmas Day Evensong
25th December 2023
3:00 pm – 4:00pm
Carols by Candlelight
9 Dec, 16 Dec, 19 Dec, 23 Dec 2023
Tickets: from £10 student tickets to £35 full priced tickets
The Carols by Candlelight concerts at St Martin-in-the-Fields Church offer a captivating evening of music, carol singing, and festive readings. This year, St Martin’s Voices and St Martin’s Brass will present stunning performances, conducted by Andrew Earis.
Attendees can look forward to classic songs like ‘The Holly and the Ivy’ and ‘O Holy Night’, along with audience favorites such as ‘Hark! The Herald Angels Sing’ and ‘In the Bleak Midwinter’. Set in the picturesque backdrop of the church, these concerts are set to provide a truly enchanting and memorable start to the Christmas season.
Christmas Carols at St Paul’s
Until 24 Dec 2023
Tickets: £25 to £200
Immerse yourself in the festive spirit with an evening of carols at St Paul’s Cathedral, a masterpiece by Sir Christopher Wren. This iconic London venue hosts mostly free, unticketed carol concerts throughout December, including some ticketed charity events supporting causes like The Princes Trust.
Highlights include family-friendly services, performances of Handel’s Messiah, and traditional carols. Key events to note are ‘A Celebration of Christmas’ on December 14 and the Christmas Carol Service on December 23 and 24. These popular events are free, but arrive early to secure a spot. Check the cathedral’s website for detailed timings and full event information.
Here are some of the carols to be hosted at the Cathedral:
- Maggie’s Carol Concert
07 December 2023
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
- Sankta Lucia Carol Concert
08 December 2023
7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
- The Prince’s Trust Carol Concert in partnership with Cunard
12 December 2023
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
- Family Carols (free and unticketed)
16 December 2023
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
- JDRF & The Royal Osteoporosis Society Carol Concert
19 December 2023
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
- Christmas Carol Service (free with a ticket)
23, 24 December 2023
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Carols by Candlelight at the Freemason’s Hall
10 Dec – 23 Dec 2023
Tickets: £15 – £35
The Belmont Ensemble and the Trafalgar Sinfonia Singers will grace the Freemason’s Hall in Covent Garden this winter with a series of candlelit concerts. These events promise a rich program featuring beloved carols like ‘Hark the Herald Angels Sing’ and ‘Jingle Bells’, performed by skilled musicians. Audiences will also have the chance to join in for singalongs, making for an interactive and festive experience in the hall’s mystic and awe-inspiring setting.
Here are some of the carols to be hosted at the Hall, please note that each session will last 60 minutes:
- Christmas Carols
10 December 2023
3:00 pm and 5:00 pm sessions
- Christmas Carols + Vivaldi “The Four Seasons”
16 December 2023
5:00 pm and 7:30 pm sessions
- Christmas Carols
17 December 2023
3:00 pm and 5:00 pm sessions
- Christmas Carols
21 December 2023
5:00 pm and 7:30 pm sessions
- Dickensian Christmas Carols
22 December 2023
5:00 pm and 7:30 pm sessions
- Christmas Carols
23 December 2023
1:00 pm, 5:00 pm and 7:30 pm sessions
The Macmillan Carol Concert
7 Dec 2023
Tickets: from £15 for Gallery view to £80 for Gold tickets
The Macmillan Carol Concert, a splendid annual Christmas fundraiser, is set to take place at St John’s Smith Square in London on Thursday, 7 December. This enchanting event, in its 35th year, will feature world-renowned musicians and celebrities, providing an evening of exceptional music while supporting individuals living with cancer. Hosted by Victoria Derbyshire, the concert will include appearances by Nick Knowles, Angela Rippon, Dame Sarah Connolly, Ryan Quigley, and the Northern Lights Symphony Orchestra, ensuring a night of festive celebration and philanthropy.
Raymond Gubbay Christmas Festival
16 Dec 2023 – 1 Jan 2024
Tickets: from £20 to £50
From December 16th to New Year’s Day, the venue will host a festive festival curated by Raymond Gubbay, showcasing a selection of seasonal music. This includes a Christmas carol singalong on December 17th, a special presentation of ‘Love Actually’ with live orchestra accompaniment on December 21st, a performance of Beethoven’s Ninth on December 28th, and the New Year’s Day Proms. These events will take place in the Barbican’s elegant hall, providing a sophisticated and festive atmosphere for enjoying the holiday season.
All Souls Christmas Carols and Orchestra
16 Dec – 24 Dec 2023
Tickets: Free
Situated near Regent Street, All Souls Langham Place is a haven of festive cheer with its lineup of Christmas carol events. Throughout December, the church will feature live choirs and orchestras, bringing to life a selection of cherished Christmas carols. On Saturdays and Sundays starting from December 16th, attendees can enjoy musical renditions of the Nativity story. Additionally, a special lunchtime service is scheduled for Thursday, December 21st. Following these services, guests are invited to indulge in complimentary mince pies and Christmas punch. The church has scheduled multiple sessions, with three on December 16th, four on the 17th, one on the 21st, three on the 23rd, and four on the 24th, offering ample opportunities for those who haven’t secured their tickets yet.
As we conclude our journey through London’s festive landscape of Christmas carols and concerts, it’s clear that the city offers an unparalleled festive experience. From the grandeur of the Royal Albert Hall to the historic solemnity of Westminster Abbey, each venue brings its unique charm to the holiday season. These events not only celebrate the joy and spirit of Christmas but also connect us with the rich cultural tapestry of London. We hope this guide helps you find the perfect carol concert to make your holiday season even more special. May your Christmas in London be filled with the melody of carols and the warmth of shared experiences. Happy holidays!
