Treat your ears to carols both trad and modern at these festive songfests
Whether you’re a regular in church or only step into one occasionally to admire the architecture, we can all agree that hearing ‘O Come All Ye Faithful’ or ‘Hark! The Herald Angels Sing’ reverberating around the spires during Yuletide just hits different. Christmas isn’t Christmas without carol concerts. In between all the of the chaos and hubbub of the festive season, from gift shopping to light displays, festivals and big events, most of the carol services offer welcome moments of respite and reflection.
London plays host to a huge variety of Christmas concerts (many of the free) in the run-up to the day. And there’s enough to suit all styles and moods, from the iconic splendour of St Paul’s annual concerts to glam charity bashes and events that highlight cultural traditions. Here’s the best of them.
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Classical music impresario Raymond Gubbay presents his annual handpicked selection of music for the festive season. Highlights include the Christmas carol singalong (Dec 20), Gustav Holsts’s The Planets (Dec 27), Beethoven's Ninth (Dec 29), the music of Zimmer vs Williams (Dec 31), and the New Year's Day Proms. All set to take place in the Barbican's lovely hall, these musical picks are a classy, Christmassy way to spend an evening.
When? Sat Dec 20 - Thur Jan 1
Price: From £18.50
Central London’s beautiful St Martin’s in the Field church is right next to Trafalgar Square which means every Christmas it’s in the shadow of one of London’s most impressive Christmas trees, so you can bet its programme of festive carols and services is a special one. Throughout December the church holds a wealth of events led by the famous and well-loved St Martin's Voices. Make a beeline for the Blessing of the Crib Service, which involves carols, drama and a real-life donkey, or head to one of the special ticketed concerts which range from performances from groups like the Gay Men’s Chorus to candle-lit celebrations.
When? December 2-January 3
Price: Free
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