Christmas carol concerts: London sing-alongs to book in 2021

By CW Contributor on 25/11/2021

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

Image by Graham Lacdao, St Paul’s Cathedral

Whether you’re an aspiring chorister or someone who rarely warbles outside the shower, there’s no better place than London to welcome the festive season with song. The capital offers an enormous array of carol services throughout December – here’s our pick of the best.

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.

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

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 - 5:10pm
Where: St Paul's Cathedral, London EC4M 8AD
Cost: Free and unticketed

RIVERSIDE RENDITIONS: Southwark Cathedral Carol Service

Stretched to two nights in order to house a keen audience of carol singers, Southwark Cathedral's candlelit carol concert is a chance to listen to perennially popular carols sung by the cathedral's Great Choir. Don't worry, there will be a chance to belt out your favourites too.

When: Sunday 19 - Tuesday 21 December, 6pm - 7pm (audiences must be seated by 5:30pm)
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 18 - Friday 24 December, 11am, 3pm & 7:30pm
Where: Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, South Kensington, London SW7 2AP
Cost: £22.49 - £82.50

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 Festive Family Carols, a Sleigh Ride by Candlelight and a Christmas Celebration by Candlelight, each of which features Christmas classics led by the church's vocal ensemble, St Martin’s Voices.

When: Tuesday 21 - Thursday 23 December, performances at various times
Where: St Martin-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar Square, Charing Cross, London WC2N 4JJ
Cost: £9 - £26

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: Thursday 2 & Friday 3 December, 7pm
Where: St Luke's Church, Sydney Street, Chelsea, London SW3 6NH
Cost: £22 - £32

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 celebrity guests. Proceeds go towards the hospital's Road to Recovery: Post Covid Mental Health Programme.

When: Wednesday 1 December, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Where: Online
Cost: £10 - £20

VIRTUAL AND IRL: Childline’s Merry Little Christmas Concert

The NSPCC is hosting its annual Christmas concert both in person and online 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.

When: Thursday 9 December, 7pm
Where: Online / Holy Trinity Church, Sloane Street, London SW1X 9BZ
Cost: £20 - £110

FEATURING JOANNA LUMLEY: Kids for Kids, Candlelit Christmas Concert

Now in its 21st year, the annual Kids for Kids Candlelit Christmas Concert is once again being hosted by the enigmatic Joanna Lumley OBE. The concert also features celebrity guest readings from Julia Etchingham, Timothy West and Lord Cope of Berkeley, plus a performance from the choirs of Queen's Gate School and special guest appearance from celebrated international cellist Jiaxin Cheng. Founded in 2001, Kids for Kids provides aid to children in the rural villages of Darfur, Sudan.

When: Thursday 2 December, 7pm - 8:30pm
Where: St Peter’s Eaton Square, 119 Eaton Square, London SW1W 9AL
Cost: £17.50 - £35

ACTORS FOR CHARITY: A Musical Theatre Christmas

At St Paul's Church in Covent Garden (aka the Actors' Church), a host of charity carol concerts are spreading festive cheer this year. 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 as well as The Royal Theatrical Fund.

When: Sunday 5 December, 7:30pm
Where: St Paul's Church, Bedford Street, London WC2E 9ED
Cost: £30 - £60

HOSTED BY GRACE DENT: Alzheimer’s Society’s Carols at Christmas

Wickedly humoured restaurant critic Grace Dent 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 Ed Balls and Lesley Manville CBE.

When: Wednesday 15 December, 7:45pm
Where: Southwark Cathedral, London Bridge, London SE1 9DA
Cost: Free, but donations welcome

GOSPEL: London Community Gospel Choir at Christmas

Among the highlights to catch from the Royal Albert Hall's 2021 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 and 2019.

When: Friday 17 December, 7:30pm - 10pm
Where: Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, South Kensington, London SW7 2AP
Cost: £25+

NAUTICAL: Christmas Concerts at the Old Royal Naval College

The Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich is hosting two Christmas concerts this season. On Friday 3 December, follow a torch-lit procession in belting out the lyrics to your favourite carols in aid of the Greenwich & Bexley Community Hospice. Then on Sunday 5, take your seats for a breathtaking performance of Handel’s Messiah by the Trinity Laban Chapel Choir.

When: Friday 3 & Sunday 5 December, 7pm - 8:30pm
Where: Old Royal Naval College, King William Walk, Greenwich, London SE10 9NN
Cost: £20

SOMETHING A BIT DIFFERENT: Gospel Carol Concert

Embrace the festive spirit singing upbeat takes on your favourite carols with help from the IDMC Gospel Choir, who bring their soulful sounds to South Woodfood this Christmas. With sing-alongs, a brass band quartet and vibrant gospel solos, audience members are in for a magical and uplifting evening.

When: Sunday 12 December, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Where: Woodford Baptist Church, 32 George Lane, London E18 1LW
Cost: £5 - £12