Christmas carol concerts: London, 2022

Does it get more magical than Westminster Abbey at Christmas? Choirs, cloisters and poets' ghosts make for a breathtaking backdrop to the ever-popular Christmas carol services. Booking opens at at 9:30am and 2:30pm on 15 & 16 November. Click here for tickets.

When: Thursday 23 December, 6pm - 7pm; Friday 24 December, 4pm - 5pm
Where: Westminster Abbey, 20 Deans Yard, Westminster, London SW1P 3PA
Cost: Free

The Christmas schedule at St Paul’s Cathedral is full of concerts and events, culminating in the cathedral’s world-famous carol services on 23 and 24 December. First time? Expect a great atmosphere on both afternoons, as keen carollers queue around the building, warming up their vocal cords with flasks of tea while mince-pie sellers make their way up and down the line. Entry is free and unticketed, so no need to plan too far in advance.

When: Thursday 23 & Friday 24 December, 4pm - 5:00pm
Where: St Paul's Cathedral, London EC4M 8AD
Cost: Free and unticketed

In the candlelit Southwark Cathedral, hear from Mayor of London Sadiq Khan and chant out some of your favourite festive hits. The Dean of Southwark is leading the service.

When: Wednesday 14 December, 7pm
Where: Southwark Cathedral, London Bridge, London SE1 9DA
Cost: Free but ticketed, click here to register

The largest Christmas carol concert (or series of concerts) to go ahead this year in London is taking place over six nights and 15 performances at The Royal Albert Hall. Book to join the Royal Choral Society and the National Youth Choirs of Great Britain in singing world-famous carols, accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, presented by Greg Beardsell.

When: Saturday 17 - Saturday 24 December, 11am, 3pm & 7:30pm
Where: Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, South Kensington, London SW7 2AP
Cost: £32 - £93

St Martin-in-the-Fields' hour-long carol services are a great option for young children with short attention spans. The atmospheric church, which has hosted classical concerts for over 250 years, offers carols by candlelight and a side of child-friendly entertainment. Look forward to a multiple concerts including Carols by Candlelight, Festive Family Carols by Candlelight and A Soulful Christmas, each of which features Christmas classics led by the church's vocal ensemble, St Martin’s Voices.

When: Thursday 1 - Monday 19 December, performances at various times
Where: St Martin-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar Square, Charing Cross, London WC2N 4JJ
Cost: £5+ (depending on event)

Head to St Luke's church for the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home Christmas Carol Concert. Guests will also be treated to a very special guard of honour by some of the home’s beloved dogs. Don’t leave without enjoying a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie, and remember to take home a goodie bag for your own furry friends, who must be left at home.

When: Friday 2 & Friday 9 December, 7pm
Where: St Luke's Church, Sydney Street, Chelsea, London SW3 6NH
Cost: £22 - £34

Belt out carols in Chelsea's majestic St Luke's Church then mingle over mulled wine and mince pies. The service will be peppered by readings from patients, hospital staff and 2022's celebrity guest readers: space scientist Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock and broadcaster Angela Rippon. This year, proceedings are going towards the Next Generation Genetics Appeal, providing life-changing equipment for DNA sequencing.

When: Wednesday 30 November, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Where: St Luke's Church, Sydney Street, London SW3 6NH
Cost: £10 - £20

The NSPCC is hosting its annual Christmas concert in the grand setting of Cadogan Hall this year, with all proceeds going towards children’s counselling service Childline. Look forward to a star-studded line up with performances from children's choirs and celebrity readers including Michael Ball and Julian Fellowes.

When: Tuesday 13 December, 7pm
Where: Cadogan Hall, 5 Sloane Terrace, London SW1X 9DQ
Cost: £40 - £130

Now in its 22nd year, the annual Kids for Kids Candlelit Christmas Concert is once again being hosted by the enigmatic Joanna Lumley OBE, with celebrity guest readings from Miriam Margolyes, Timothy West, Lord Cope of Berkeley and other special guests. A further highlight comes in the form of a performance from the Queen's Gate School Choirs led by singer Natalie Rushdie. Mulled wine and mince pies are included in your ticket price.

When: Thursday 2 December, 7pm - 10:30pm
Where: St Peter’s Eaton Square, 119 Eaton Square, London SW1W 9AL
Cost: £17.50 - £35

There are several charity concerts being held at St Paul's Church in Covent Garden this festive season. A highlight has got to be the Musical Theatre Christmas concert, featuring a glittering cast of West End performers who between them have done stints on Wicked, Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables, Hairspray and more. Proceeds are going towards the Actors’ Church Benevolent Fund.

When: Sunday 4 December, 7:30pm
Where: St Paul's Church, Bedford Street, London WC2E 9ED
Cost: £30 - £65

Beloved presenter Angela Rippon is stepping up to the podium to host the Alzheimer’s Society Christmas carol concert this year. Join the charity’s choir in singing along to a selection of the season’s best-loved carols, and listen out for readings from other special guests including The Crown's Sir Jonathan Pryce.

When: Thursday 1 December, 7pm
Where: St Marylebone Parish Church, 17 Marylebone Road, London NW1 5LT
Cost: Free, but donations welcome

Among the highlights to catch from the Royal Albert Hall's 2022 Christmas season is a one-night-only performance from the London Community Gospel Choir, whose astonishing, soulful harmonies promise to bring down the house once more following sell-out concerts in 2018, 2019 and 2021.

When: Tuesday 20 December, 7:30pm - 10pm
Where: Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, South Kensington, London SW7 2AP
Cost: £25+