CHRISTMAS CAROLLING IN LONDON
London at Christmas is a city alive with light, music, and tradition, and few experiences capture the season quite like Christmas carolling. From historic churches to iconic concert halls, the capital offers a range of opportunities to enjoy festive music in unforgettable settings.
Royal Albert Hall
Carols at the Royal Albert Hall is one of London’s most beloved festive traditions, bringing audiences together to enjoy a series of joyous carolling concerts in the city’s iconic concert hall. In 2025, the event runs across several days from 14 December to 24 December, with multiple performances throughout the season featuring a mix of traditional and contemporary Christmas favourites sung alongside orchestra, choir and soloists. It’s a wonderful way to soak up the holiday spirit and join in singing seasonal classics in one of London’s most spectacular settings.
St Paul’s Cathedral
At the heart of London’s festive season, St Paul’s Cathedral offers some of the city’s most moving Christmas carolling experiences, combining its world‑famous choir with traditional music and readings in a stunning architectural setting. In December 2025, the Cathedral’s schedule includes a Family Carols service on 20 December, welcoming all ages to join in seasonal favourites, followed by the Christmas Carol Services on 23 and 24 December at 4 pm, where the story of the Nativity is celebrated through music, scripture and choral performance. These popular services are free with tickets distributed via a ballot, and they provide an unforgettable way to enjoy carolling in one of London’s most iconic venues.
Westminster Abbey
At the festive heart of London, Westminster Abbey hosts one of the capital’s most treasured Christmas carolling experiences, blending its historic setting with rich choral tradition. In December 2025, the Abbey’s Service of Lessons and Carols will take place on 23 December at 6.00 pm and 24 December at 4.00 pm, featuring beloved carols and readings sung by the world‑renowned Abbey choir — all free with booking required. Additionally, the Abbey presents its annual “Together at Christmas” carol service on 5 December, a special celebration of community and connection supported by The Princess of Wales and the Royal Foundation, bringing people together through music and festive spirit.
St Martin-in-the-Fields
At the historic St Martin‑in‑the‑Fields church in Trafalgar Square, Christmas comes with a rich programme of festive music and carolling, offering something for every taste and age. Throughout December 2025, audiences can enjoy events like The Spirit of Christmas by Candlelight, Carols for Christmas with the Academy of St Martin in the Fields, A Christmas Celebration by Candlelight on 20–23 December, and more, each featuring choir, orchestra and beloved seasonal carols and readings in an atmospheric candlelit setting. There are also family carol sessions, afternoon performances and traditional services that help bring the festive spirit to life amid one of London’s most beautiful musical venues.
Gareth Malone at The Ned
For a more contemporary festive celebration in London, Gareth Malone’s Christmas Carols at The Ned bring seasonal music to life in the grand setting of this luxury City venue. Choir performances led by choirmaster and broadcaster Gareth Malone invite audiences to enjoy beloved Christmas classics alongside food, drinks and sing‑along moments, creating a warm and lively atmosphere. In December 2025, these carolling evenings take place on Sunday 21 December, each starting around 7 pm on the Nickel Stage at The Ned.
Whether in grand halls, historic cathedrals, or intimate spaces, Christmas carolling in London is a celebration of music, community, and seasonal spirit. These performances offer the perfect way to soak in the magic of the capital during the holidays, leaving visitors with memories that last long after the last note has faded.