Get into the festive spirit with our pick of the best Christmas carol concerts taking place across the UK this December.
Family Christmas Concert with Audience Carols, St Martin-in-the-Fields, London
30th November 2019
The venerable church on the corner of Trafalgar Square is a peaceful haven from busy Christmas shoppers, especially if you pop in to their relaxed candlelit carol service. www.stmartin-in-the-fields.org
Peak Cavern Carols, Castleton
Weekends from the 7th - 24th December 2019
The good folk of fortress-crowned Castleton, at the head of the Peak District’s Hope Valley, like to celebrate the Christmas period underground. And with an abundance of show caverns honeycombing the limestone in and around the village, there’s plenty of opportunity to do just that. Step into the darkness of Peak Cavern this December for mince pies, wine and music. Find out more information on peakcavern.co.uk
More festive content:
Carols by Candlelight, Fountains Abbey, North Yorkshire
8th, 15th December 2019
The flickering glow of 1,000 candles lights up the vaulted arches of Fountain Abbey’s celebrated cellarium during the annual carol concert, held this year on both the 8th and the 15th December. Pick up a candle and a mulled wine or hot chocolate on your way in, before enjoying a sing-a-long to all your favourite carols. More information is available on nationaltrust.org.uk/events
York Minster Carol Concerts, York
12th and 13th December 2019
A festive mix of classical and popular carols led by the Yorkshire Volunteers Band in the Minster’s nave. The songs tell the Christmas story from Advent to Christmas day. www.yorkminster.org
Carols in the Courtyard, Ightham Mote, Kent
13th, 20th December 2019
Have a glass of mulled wine on arrival at this medieval courtyard, and listen to the choir perform traditional carols. The 14th century moated manor house is the perfect setting for Christmas festivities, and the audience of the event are encouraged to sing along. Find out more via the National Trust website.
Christmas Carol Concert, for Clandon Park, Holy Trinity Church, Guildford
In this festive event, which is due to be held in Guilford's Holy Trinity Church, the Oxford Singers will perform a mixture of festive songs in order to raise money. Donations on the day will all go towards the new developments of Clandon Park - built in 1720, the grand mansion is termed a 'modern ruin' after a fire tore off the palladium roof in 2015. Find out more on nationaltrust.org.uk/events
Christmas Concert National Waterways Museum, Ellesmere Port
14th December 2019
Join the Wirral Singers and Ringers as they take us through some classic carols and favourite Christmas songs. This annual event takes place at the National Waterways Museum at Ellesmere Port on 14th December, 7.30-10pm. To book or for further information visit www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/nwm
Carols by Candlelight, National Memorial Arboretum, Staffordshire
21st December 2019
Heroes’ Square in the National Memorial Arboretum is illuminated by hundreds of candles and thousands of tree lights for the annual Christmas carol concert. This traditional carol service, suitable for all ages, features a variety of festive music, with carol books, candles and refreshments provided. Learn more about the event on the National Memorial Arboretum website.
Cathedral Choir Service with Wells Cathedral Choir, Somerset
22nd and 23rd December
The famed and frilly-collared boys and girls of the Wells Cathedral Choir sing their hearts out in the medieval cathedral, beautifully lit by thousands of flickering candles. www.wellscathedral.org.uk
Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, King’s College Chapel, Cambridge
24th December 2019
Perhaps the most famous carol concert of them all – broadcast around the world on BBC Radio 4 – is the Christmas Eve Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols from King’s College Chapel, Cambridge. About 600 members of the public can attend the event, but beware, you’ll need to get there early – the queue to get in starts to form a day or so before the service. Find out more on kings.cam.ac.uk/events/chapel-services
