Christmas carol concerts: London, 2022
From majestic performances in stunning settings to little known gems in aid of a good cause, we round up the best Christmas carol concerts London has to offer

BREATHTAKING: A Service of Lessons and Carols
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
CLASSIC: Advent Season at St Paul’s Cathedral
When: Thursday 23 & Friday 24 December, 4pm - 5:00pm
Where: St Paul's Cathedral, London EC4M 8AD
Cost: Free and unticketed
RIVERSIDE RENDITIONS: The Mayor of London's Christmas Carol Service
When: Wednesday 14 December, 7pm
Where: Southwark Cathedral, London Bridge, London SE1 9DA
Cost: Free but ticketed, click here to register
ON A GRAND SCALE: Carols at the Royal Albert Hall
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
FAMILY FESTIVITIES: Christmas at St Martin-in-the-Fields

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)
ANIMAL LOVERS: Battersea Dogs and Cats Home Christmas Carol Concert
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
CELEBRITY SPECIAL: Royal Brompton Carols by Candlelight
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
FOR THE KIDS: Childline’s Merry Little Christmas Concert
When: Tuesday 13 December, 7pm
Where: Cadogan Hall, 5 Sloane Terrace, London SW1X 9DQ
Cost: £40 - £130
FEATURING JOANNA LUMLEY: Kids for Kids, Candlelit Christmas Concert

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
ACTORS FOR CHARITY: A Musical Theatre Christmas
When: Sunday 4 December, 7:30pm
Where: St Paul's Church, Bedford Street, London WC2E 9ED
Cost: £30 - £65
HOSTED BY ANGELA RIPPON: Alzheimer’s Society’s Carols at Christmas
When: Thursday 1 December, 7pm
Where: St Marylebone Parish Church, 17 Marylebone Road, London NW1 5LT
Cost: Free, but donations welcome
GOSPEL: London Community Gospel Choir at Christmas
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+