Christmas is the best time of year for countless reasons. However, the absolute tunes that play consistently on the radio and in our heads for the whole season is definitely one of the top ones. If you fancy something a bit more traditional than Mariah and Wham this December, we’ve got you covered. Here are a list of the best Christmas carols and concerts in London this season, for you to belt out your festive favourites with bellies full of mulled wine and mince pies.
1. Christmas Festival at the Royal Albert Hall
The Royal Albert Hall has been filling Londoners with Christmassy cheer for 150 years. This year is no exception, with the beautiful venue holding a whole host of festive celebrations. If you fancy yourself as a bit of a pro, they have a number of singalong Carol services. Or if you simply want to sit back and bask in some orchestral classics, there’s something for everyone.
2. Christmas by Candlelight at the Freemason’s Hall
The Freemason’s Hall in Covent Garden clearly know how to do carol services right. This year, you can head there for carols amongst the warm glow of candles. Carollers will be treated to all the classics, such as O Come all Ye Faithful, Hark the Herald Angels Sing and even the crowd pleaser, Jingle Bells. If you’re lucky, you might also get a chance to see some snow fall in Covent Garden!
3. Christmas Carol Singalong at the Barbican Centre
Another chance to put your vocals to the test! Sing your heart out with an orchestral AND choral accompaniment at the Barbican Centre, while being led by the conductor, Jonathan Cohen.
4. Christmas Carols in Trafalgar Square
There couldn’t be a more picture-perfect setting for carol singing than in front of Trafalgar Square’s beloved Christmas tree! In this completely free to visit event, 40 different choirs sing to raise funds for different organisations. Listen to the beautiful harmonies of the choirs beneath Nelson’s Column and watch Norway’s gift to Britain being switched on for the 74th time!
5. Christmas at Cadogan Hall
Another beautiful South West London spot holding a whole host of festivities throughout December. If you want to sing some carols with the Ghost of Christmas’ past, there’s the Dickensian Christmas concert where you can delight in some Victorian carols. Or for something a little less in the past, there’s a film screening of the Snowman with an orchestral accompaniment.
6. Christmas at Westminster Abbey
It doesn’t get more regal and traditional than carols at Westminster Abbey itself! This iconic London landmark has a range of different family and musical events throughout the month. To listen to the angelic choir tell the story of the Nativity through song, you can attend their Christmas concert, or if you want to give your visit to Midnight Mass a glow up, the Abbey hold these on the 23rd, 24th and 25th.
Whether you want to ding dong merrily on high or hark in the herald angels, London is filled with different carol services and concerts for you to make the most out of the festive mood this Christmas. Most of them are completely free to visit and are guaranteed to give you that warm, cosy feeling that Christmas is all about as you bask in your favourite wintery anthems.
