One of the oldest festive traditions, Christmas carols are thought to date back to the 13th century, popularised by St. Francis of Assisi - though they became much more widespread during the Victorian period. And London Christmas carols have been beloved for centuries too, with services and concerts to be found all over the city.
Wondering where to find them? We've rounded up our favourite places to listen to carols, whether you fancy a low-key event in a bar, or heading to an iconic British landmark for a breathtakingly beautiful performance. Discover your next seasonal outing below.
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Best Places For Christmas Carols In London 2026
1. Carols At The Royal Albert Hall
Possibly the best-known Christmas carol concert in London, the Carols At The Royal Albert Hall series brings you 15 sensational performances across six days. Expect to see the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, National Youth Choir, Royal Choral Society and the British Imperial Military Band, alongside striking soloists.
This uplifting show features a mix of traditional and modern carols, to be enjoyed surrounded by twinkling lights and Christmas trees in this grand theatre.
- Why we recommend: it doesn't get much more splendid than this - Royal Albert Hall is a gorgeous destination that goes all-out with the decorations, and some of the UK's best performers will be in attendance across these shows
- Location: Kensington Gore, Knightsbridge, SW7 2AP
- When: 19th - 24th December 2026, 11am, 3pm and 7pm
- Price: from £22 per person
See some iconic orchestras perform modern and classic carols.
2. St Paul's Cathedral
Retelling the nativity story with words and music, St Paul's Cathedral hosts a traditional service of Lessons and Carols. Singing comes courtesy of the St Paul's Cathedral Choir, accompanied by readings from representatives of London life and the St Paul's Cathedral Community.
Soak up the atmosphere inside this historic building as you enjoy the free performance, with BSL interpretation available too. Be quick getting tickets to this oe though, as it's incredibly popular.
- Why we recommend: where better for a Christmas carol service in London than at its most iconic cathedral? Free to attend and promising a stunning setting for the show, this is one of the capital's best festive events
- Location: St Paul's Churchyard, City of London, EC4M 8AD
- When: 23rd December 2026, 4-5pm
- Price: free (ticket required)
This famous London landmark hosts a free carol concert in December.
3. A Dickensian Christmas By Candlelight
Returning to the West End for its fifth year in a row, Covent Garden Concerts is hosting A Dickensian Christmas By Candlelight at Bloomsbury Central Baptist Church. The music will be from the Victorian period, from Once in Royal David’s City to Hark the Herald Angels Sing.
The Covent Garden Carollers Vocal Quartet will be performing the carols, while acting legend Don Gallagher will be providing readings from Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol.
- Why we recommend: right in the heart of London, this atmospheric church is the perfect setting for a carol service that transports you back in time, all with a decidedly Dickensian feel to it
- Location: 235 Shaftesbury Avenue, Covent Garden, WC2H 8EP
- When: 19th and 23rd December 2026, 5 and 7.30pm
- Price: from £19.80 per person
This service celebrates the season through carols and words.
4. All Souls Carols
Looking for free Christmas carols in London? All Souls Carols host a number of hour-long services at their Oxford Circus church. These are family-friendly events that are full of joy, featuring stunning solos and nativity readings among the live choir and orchestra.
Sing along to all your favourites, and if you don't manage to get a seat, they're even promising a giant projection screen outside so you can still get involved - complete with complimentary mince pies and hot punch.
- Why we recommend: right in the heart of the action, these welcoming carol services are filled with joy, and they're completely free of charge too
- Location: Langham Place, Oxford Circus, W1B 3DA
- When: multiple dates between 12th and 23rd December 2026, 3.30, 5.30 and 7.30pm
- Price: free
This magical church is holding a number of free carol services in December.
5. Christmas Carols at Archer Street Soho
If you're after something lively and laid-back, then check out Christmas Carols at Archer Street Soho. This buzzing bar will have singing staff leading the carols, encouraging you to don your festive jumpers and sing along.
Your ticket includes a Christmas cocktail, and there'll be complimentary mince pies on the night.
- Why we recommend: a vibrant event where singing along is encouraged, Archer Street Soho's carol evenings are bound to fill you with seasonal cheer
- Location: 3-4 Archer Street, Soho, W1D 7AP
- When: 30th November, 14 and 21st December 2026, 7-11pm
- Price: £11 per person (includes a cocktail)
This fun, festive singalong is bound to get you in the Christmas spirit.
6. Carols At Cadogan
Promising 100 voices singing both traditional and modern carols, The Bach Choir is performing at Carols at Cadogan. They'll be conducted by David Hill, accompanied by a fantastic brass ensemble.
Expect a lovely setting with festive decorations, and plenty of seating space around the large hall. You'll even get to hear the winning entry in the annual Sir David Willcocks Carol Competition, which supports composers of all ages to get their work out there.
- Why we recommend: this talented choir always puts on a spectacular show, and with the support of a brass ensemble, the performance really is something special
- Location: 5 Sloane Terrace, Chelsea, SW1X 9DQ
- When: 15th December 2026, 7.30-9.30pm
- Price: from £24.50 per person
See The Bach Choir perform in this impressive hall.
7. Battersea Dogs And Cats Home Christmas Carols
Quite possibly the cutest carol service around,
Battersea Dogs And Cats Home are bringing their
annual concerts to a church in Chelsea. You'll be greeted by some
of their rescue dogs, with mulled wine and mince pies available
too.
The Collegium Musicum of London Chamber Choir will be performing, and you can expect special guests both human and canine. All money raised will go towards the charity, providing a home for animals.
- Why we recommend: this wholesome event raises money for a good cause, and you'll even be joined by some adorable dogs
- Location: St Luke's & Christ Church, Sydney Street, Chelsea, SW3 6NH
- When: 3rd, 4th and 11th December 2026, 7.30pm
- Price: TBC
Support a good cause at this West London carol concert.
8. St Martin-in-the-Fields
A Central London church that's all about bringing the community together, St Martin-in-the-Fields is hosting a number of Christmas carol services this year. These range from carols by candlelight to family-oriented events and Christmas Around The World - featuring songs in many languages.
On the 3rd of December, the evening of the lighting of the Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square, they'll even be performing an outdoor show. Think St Martin’s Voices and emerging artists, accompanied by strings.
- Why we recommend: Christmas carols in Central London don't get much better than this, with a whole load of performances to choose from - including one on Trafalgar Square
- Location: Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden, WC2N 4JJ
- When: throughout the festive period
- Price: varies by event
Catch these guys carolling throughout November and December, both inside and out.
9. St James's Church Piccadilly
Throughout November and December, St James's Church in Piccadilly are bringing you a series of brilliant carol concerts. The talented Piccadilly Christmas Singers will be performing all your favourite carols, both new and old.
From the Anthony Nolan Christmas Carol Concert to Queer Christmas Carols and a service with a jazzy twist, there's so much going on here. Plus, there's a beautiful candlelight setting to enjoy the shows in.
- Why we recommend: this welcoming church is hosting something for everyone, whether you prefer a classic service or something a little different
- Location: 197 Piccadilly, St James's, W1J 9LL
- When: throughout the festive period
- Price: varies by event
Discover all sorts of carol concerts at this inviting church.
FAQs:
When do Christmas carol services start in London?
Carol events in London typically begin in late November, with the main programme running through December until Christmas Eve. Trafalgar Square's free carol performances usually kick off in the second week of December, while venues such as St Martin-in-the-Fields and candlelit carol nights at churches often start from late November onwards.
Are there any free Christmas carol events in London?
Yes — London has a strong tradition of free carol events. St Paul's Cathedral hosts a free concert every year. All Souls Langham Place on Regent Street also runs a series of free, ticketless carol services throughout December, with an outdoor overflow for those who can't get a seat inside.
Where can I find candlelit Christmas carol concerts in London?
Candlelit carol concerts are one of London's most atmospheric festive traditions. Churches and historic venues across the city — from intimate parish churches to grand settings like St Martin-in-the-Fields near Trafalgar Square — host candlelit evenings throughout December.
Are Christmas carol events in London family-friendly?
Most carol events in London welcome families and children. Free outdoor events like Trafalgar Square carols are open to all ages, while many church carol services explicitly invite families and are free to attend. Ticketed singalong events vary — some are adults-only evening events, so it's worth checking individual listings before booking.
Do I need to book tickets for Christmas carol events in London?
It depends on the event. Many church carol services — including those at All Souls Langham Place — are free and unticketed, though arriving early is advised as they fill up fast. Ticketed candlelit concerts and singalong events do require advance booking, and popular nights sell out quickly in December.
