Christmas in London is a magical time of year filled with festive things to see and do, from enchanting light trails and festive shows to winter markets and Christmas festivals all over the city.
Sing along to the best Christmas songs and popular Christmas carols in London, enjoy music recitals with a seasonal twist and be entertained by performers at festive concerts this winter. Check back later in the year for more confirmed details of London's top Christmas carol services for 2025.
To learn more about the Christmas story, head to one of London's iconic cathedrals and churches, such as Westminster Abbey or St Paul's Cathedral, for a special advent service or winter concert during Christmas in London.
Christmas at the Royal Albert Hall
Bag tickets to one of the Royal Albert Hall's annual carols, shows and concerts that take place to celebrate the festive season. Last year's jam-packed calendar featured a whopping 15 singalong carol shows presented by Jess Gillam and Greg Beardsell. 3-31 Dec
Christmas carols and concerts at St Martin-in-the-Fields
Keep an eye out for the lineup of Christmas concerts and carols that take place at the atmospheric St Martin-in-the-Fields Church in Trafalgar Square each year. Bring the whole family along to festive family carols and enjoy special candlelit performances, Handel’s Messiah and contemporary gospel songs in this elegant setting. 3 Dec-2 Jan
Battersea Dogs & Cats Home Christmas Carol Concert at St Luke's Church
Support the mission of the Battersea Dogs & Cats Home by attending its annual Christmas Carol Concert in London. The charity, which looks after and rehomes lost and abandoned animals, is set to bring along some of its four-legged residents for three evenings of festive fun at St Luke’s Church in Chelsea. 4, 5 and 12 Dec
Save the Children's Carol Concert at St Paul's Cathedral
Spend the evening singing along to Christmas carols, watching musical performances and listening to festive readings for the Save the Children's Carol Concert at St Paul's Cathedral. Set inside the iconic building decorated with candles, twinkling lights and its famous Christmas tree, you can expect a roster of celebrity guests to host the evening in support of a great cause. 5 Dec
Christmas Festival at St John's Smith Square
Become filled with Christmas cheer amid the baroque features of St John's Smith Square. You can find choir performances, listen to organ recitals and enjoy carol performances during the annual Christmas Festival at the Westminster concert venue, where Benjamin Britten once sang with his school choir. 6-23 Dec
Carols by Candlelight concert at Grosvenor Chapel
Prepare for a joyous night of Carols by Candlelight at Grosvenor Chapel in Mayfair. Held by the National Churches Trust, the annual event raises money for struggling churches, and this year is set to feature music from singer Joe Stilgoe and hosts Katie Derham and Bill Bryson. 11 Dec
Christmas carols at St John's Church
Celebrate the festive season at St John's Church during its Christmas carols concert in aid of spinal research. Just a short stroll from South Bank's Christmas markets, embrace the community spirit at this neighbourhood church as you spend the evening singing along to carols and Christmas songs before warming up with a hot tipple. 16 Dec
Christmas at the Barbican
Discover the Barbican’s exciting series of festive concerts, carols and singalongs for Christmas. One of Europe’s largest arts centres, expect a world-class lineup of wintertime performances, including the annual Raymond Gubbay Christmas Festival featuring the London Concert Choir and London Concert Orchestra. 20 Dec-1 Jan
Carols in the Courtyard at Fulham Palace
Head to Fulham Palace for Carols in the Courtyard, an annual Christmas event that usually takes place in the beautifully restored Tudor courtyard. Keep the cold at bay with a warming mulled wine and tuck into some traditional Christmas fare, including mince pies. Nov TBC
Carol concert at Up at The O2
Embark on a thrilling journey 52 metres (170 ft) above ground and be serenaded by carol singers at Up at The O2. With a backdrop of the city at night, you can enjoy festive tunes during a Twilight Climb at London's highest outdoor carol concert. Dec TBC
Free Christmas carol services and concerts in London
Discover free Christmas carol services in London that you can enjoy throughout the festive period.
Advent and Christmas at St Paul's Cathedral
Visit London’s iconic St Paul's Cathedral for its annual programme of Advent and Christmas services in the lead-up to Christmas. Look out for traditional carol performances, Handel's Messiah, charity concerts and a midnight Eucharist on Christmas Eve. Nov TBC
Christmas at Westminster Abbey
Join a series of concerts, recitals and Christmas services that usually feature in the beautiful surroundings of Westminster Abbey. The abbey is known to play host to a popular annual Christmas concert, where young choristers and musicians lead an evening of carols, readings and choral works. Dec TBC
Christmas carols in Trafalgar Square
Head to the famous Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square, where choirs often perform carol concerts in the run-up to Christmas. Hum along to the festive classics sung by the groups in a traditional style without microphones or amps. Dec TBC
Carols by Candlelight at Union Chapel
Make your way to the Grade I- and II-listed Union Chapel in Islington which usually features a special night of performances as the chapel is lit by candles. Sing along to well-known carols and listen to the story of the birth of Jesus as it's told in spoken word, prayer and music. Dec TBC
Find the best Christmas trees in London, shop for gifts at the top Christmas markets in London or discover what else is on during Christmas in London.
