Where to Find the Best Carol Concerts in London

Grab a candle, warm up your vocal cords and head to these London carol concerts

Yes, there may be food, presents, movies, time spent with family, etc., but one of the best things about Christmas has to be the music. Alright, not all of it, but sometimes there’s nothing better to lift the (Christmas) spirits than watching a carol concert. And there are plenty of opportunities for that in London this winter, whether at one of the city’s award-winning music halls or historic cathedrals.

Some concerts stick strictly to the classics, some mix in the pop hits and most invite the audience to get involved with a sing-a-long. Here’s where to find the best carol concerts in London – whether you’re more into the traditional stuff, or you have Mariah on repeat starting November 1st.


Royal Albert Hall Christmas carol concert in London

Royal Albert Hall

The Royal Albert Hall’s annual sing-a-long carol concert is a London favourite which features all the classics performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Royal Choral Society and The National Youth Choir. There are various shows set for the run-up to Christmas and each will see a different presenter and soloist take to the stage. This year’s presenters will include Jess Gillam and Greg Beardsell, among others, and there’ll also be a soloist for each performance.

Sat 14th – Tues 24th December 2024
Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, London SW7 2AP
royalalberthall.com


Barbican Christmas carol concert in London

Barbican

The Christmas Carol Singalong is coming to the Barbican this festive season. Pianist Jonathan Cohen will be joined by West End star Louise Dearman to perform a selection of the very best seasonal classics. Expect the likes of Let it Snow, Sleigh Ride, Merry Christmas Everyone, Santa Claus is Coming to Town and many more to be on the setlist.

Sun 22nd December 2024, 2pm & 5.15pm
Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London EC2Y 8DS
barbican.org.uk


Union Chapel

Carols by Candlelight is back at Union Chapel the weekend before Christmas. Head to the candlelit chapel to sing well known Christmas carols and hear spoken word, prayer and music from Union Chapel Voices, Union Chapel Singers, instrumentalists, and actors. Best of all, tickets are free, so just get down there early to make sure you get in.

Sun 22nd December 2024, 6pm
19b Compton Terrace, London N1 2UN
unionchapel.org.uk


St Martin-in-the-Fields

St Martin-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar Square’s 18th-century church and landmark, will be putting on a series of different carol concerts throughout the Christmas period – they’ve got something for everyone. There’ll be family and kid-friendly services, traditional carol concerts, choral performances and more, so you can have a proper browse. Tickets start at a tenner, grab yours below.

Sun 1st – Tues 24th December 2023
Trafalgar Sq, London WC2N 4JJ
stmartin-in-the-fields.org


Abbey Road Studios

Head to Abbey Road where the iconic Studio Two will be opening to the public for a rare chance to explore a space in which legendary artists have recorded over the years. A Christmas quartet will be performing a curated selection of carols and classic Christmas movie soundtracks on the night, plus, guests will be able to see Studio Two up close and personal.

Sat 21st & Sun 22nd December 2024
3 Abbey Road, London NW8 9AY
abbeyroad.com


St Paul's Cathedral Christmas carol concert in London

St Paul’s Cathedral

If you feel like listening to carols under the striking roof of a centuries-old cathedral, St Paul’s is your spot. They hold various carol services throughout December, starting as early as Sun 1st, which St Paul’s describes as some of “the year’s most dramatic services” (if they do say so themselves). Most of these are free and unticketed, but tickets to the paid events such as the Age UK or Blood Cancer UK carol concerts can be bought below.

Sun 1st – Sat 21st December 2024
St. Paul’s Cathedral, London EC4M 8AD
stpauls.co.uk


The Ned Christmas carol concert in London

The Ned

Choirmaster Gareth Malone will be taking to The Ned’s The Nickel Stage for a few Sundays in December, performing all the Christmas classics from ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’ to Mariah Carey’s ‘All I Want for Christmas is You’. Seated tickets at Millie’s Lounge or Cecconi’s are £175 per person and include a three-course set menu. Or, take a seat at The Nickel Bar with a £175 minimum spend. Don’t mind standing? Those tickets are just £60, with entry starting at 8pm.

Sun 1st, 8th, 15th & 22nd December 2024, from 7pm
The Ned, 27 Poultry, London EC2R 8AJ
thened.com


Christmas by Candelight

Head to the Adelphi Theatre to see West End stars Joel Harper-Jackson, Rachel John, Oliver Tompsett and Rachael Wooding and a live band perform all the Christmas hits, including ‘White Christmas’, ‘Winter Wonderland’, ‘O Holy Night’ and “Holly Jolly Christmas’ – and singing along is encouraged.

Tues 17th December 2024
Adelphi Theatre, Strand, London, WC2R 0NS
concertsbycandlelight.com


Christmas Pub Singalong for London Nightline

The Royal Star in Old Street is hosting a pub singalong in aid of mental health and suicide prevention charity London Nightline. Don your Santa hats and gather around the piano to singalong to all your fave festive tunes. All the money raised on the night goes to supporting London Nightline’s overnight helpline and instant messaging service.

Fri 20th December 2024
220 City Road, London, EC1V 2PN
theroyalstar.co.uk

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