Best Christmas carols and concerts in London 2023
London has a wonderful line-up of Christmas carols and concerts during the holiday season. From traditional sing-alongs to concerts with a festive twist, there's something for everyone. Whether you prefer the majestic setting of St. Paul's Cathedral, charitable fundraisers, or services that warmly welcome your furry companions, our guide will help you discover the Christmas carols and concerts to experience in London this festive season.
Christmas at Cadogan Hall
Christmas at Cadogan Hall starts from 25 November. © MTotoe.
#FLODown: Each year, Cadogan Hall presents a remarkable series of Christmas concerts to add that extra touch of magic to the festive season.This year's lineup features events such as Carols at Cadogan by the Bach Choir with special guest the London City Brass and The Snowman in Concert with the Mozart Symphony Orchestra. The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra also presents Christmas Cracker. Click here for the full programme of events.
Date: 25 November – 29 December 2023. Location: Cadogan Hall,5 Sloane Terrace, London SW1X 9DQ.
Battersea Christmas Carol
#FLODown: Celebrate the festive season with a heartwarming carol concert in support of animal rescue charity, Battersea Cats & Dogs. Enjoy music from Collegium Musicum of London Chamber Choir and West End actor Nardia Ruth, followed by mulled wine and mince pies. Your participation will contribute to re-homing London's cats and dogs.
Date: 7- 8 December 2023. Location: St Luke’s & Christ Church, Sydney Street, London, SW3 6NH. Price: from £22. Book now.
Christmas at the Barbican
Raymond Gubbay Christmas Festival will return to the Barbican. Photo by Lawrence Chismorie.
#FLODown: The Raymond Gubbay Christmas Festival will return to the Barbican with an exciting lineup of festive events. Experience an unforgettable all-Beethoven program, including the monumental Choral Symphony with its climactic Ode to Joy performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Plus, don't miss the screening of Christmas classic Love Actually alongside a live orchestra. Click here for the full programme of events.
Date:16 December 2023 - 1 Jan 2024. Location: Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London, EC2Y 8DS.
Christmas Concert at Westminster Abbey
Image: Westminster Abbey. Photo by Cameron Mourot.
#FLODown: Enjoy a festive Christmas concert at Westminster Abbey with the renowned Choir of Westminster Abbey. Their program includes festive choral works, beloved carols, and seasonal readings, with Benjamin Britten's enchanting Ceremony of Carols as the highlight. This exceptional choir, known for its diverse repertoire, has a rich history of performing at royal and state events.
Date: 20 December 2023. Location: Westminster Abbey, 20 Dean's Yard, London, SW1P 3PA. Price: £15 - £45. Book now.
Christmas at the Royal Albert Hall
Image: Royal Albert Hall. Photo by Chay Kelly.
#FLODown: Enjoy a variety of festive concerts at the Royal Albert Hall this Christmas season. The lineup includes the Royal Choral Society's Christmas show, Jamie Cullum's heartwarming performance, family-friendly events like 'Home Alone in Concert,' and the chance to introduce children to classical music with 'My Orchestral Christmas Adventure.' Don't forget the traditional 'Carols at the Royal Albert Hall' from 16 - 24 December, featuring over 5,000 carolers singing beloved classics. It's a fantastic holiday music experience that's worth attending. Click here for the full programme of events.
Date: 2 – 24 December 2023. Location: Royal Albert Hall,Kensington Gore, South Kensington, London SW7 2AP.
Carols by Candlelight at Trafalgar Square
Image: Trafalgar Square at Christmas. Photo by Igor Sporynin.
#FLODown: On the evening of the Trafalgar Square Christmas tree lighting, St Martin’s Voices and Strings will host a festive music event in the candlelit church to kick off the Christmas season. The program includes well-loved carols like It Came Upon The Midnight Clear, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, and In The Bleak Midwinter, as well as choir and string compositions by John Rutter, Lucy Walker, and Ola Gjeilo.
Date: 7 December 2023. Location: St Martin-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 4JJ. Price: £10. Book now.
The Macmillan Carol Concert
The Macmillan Carol Concert will take place at St John’s Smith Square in December. Photo by David Beale.
#FLODown: The Macmillan Carol Concert will take place at St John’s Smith Square, hosted by Victoria Derbyshire. Help raise funds to support individuals living with cancer, alongside Strictly Come Dancing star Angela Rippon, award-winning jazz and lead trumpet player Ryan Quigley, and the angelic vocals of Dame Sarah Connolly. The Macmillan Carol Concert promises to be a truly spectacular occasion.
Date: 7 December 2023.Location: St John's Smith Square, Smith Square, London SW1P 3HA. Price: from £15. Book now.
Christmas at All Souls
All Souls Christmas Carols will return this December. Image All Souls Church.
#FLODown: Take a break from shopping and join live choirs and orchestras at All Souls Langham Place. Enjoy beloved Christmas carols, festive readings, and a unique Nativity story experience. Free mince pies and Christmas punch will also be available.
Date: 16 – 24 December 2023. Location: All Souls Church, Langham Place, London W1B 3DA. Price: Free. Website: carolservice.com.
Christmas Carols at St Martin-in-the-Fields
Image: St Martin-in-the-Fields. Photo by Javier Martinez.
#FLODown: Enjoy family-friendly Christmas concerts and carols at St Martin-in-the-Fields Church in Trafalgar Square. This year, the church has planned a month-long series of Christmas concerts and carols, including magical Carols by Candlelight and Carols for Kids designed for younger guests.
Click here for the full programme of events.
Dates: 1-22 December 2023. Location: St Martin-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 4JJ.
Christmas Festival at St John's Smith Square
Image: St John's Smith Square. @stjohnssmithsquare
#FLODown: Experience Christmas cheer at St John's Smith Square with choir performances, organ recitals, and carols during the annual Christmas Festival.
Click here to discover their full programme of events.
Date: 6 - 23 December 2023.Location: St John’s Smith Square, London, SW1P 3HA.
Carols by Candlelight
Image: Surrey Brass. Landmark Arts Centre
#FLODown: Experience a festive program of words and music at Carols by Candlelight at the Landmark Arts Centre, with performances by Surrey Brass, narrator Giles Abbott, Vaughan Williams Singers, and St. George's Junior Choir (Sat only). Join in with the carols and enjoy mince pies and mulled wine, but make sure to book early as this popular event tends to sell out quickly.
Date: 16- 17 December 2023. Location: Landmark Arts Centre, Ferry Rd, Teddington TW11 9NN. Price: from £5. Book now.