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 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.
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
Christmas at the Royal Albert Hall
Enjoy the Royal Albert Hall's annual programme of festive carols, shows and concerts. Last year's jam-packed calendar featured a spectacular staging of Guy Barker's Big Band Christmas and events headlined by Katherine Jenkins, Jamie Cullum and Trevor Nelson. Dec TBC
Christmas carols and concerts at St Martin-in-the-Fields
Keep an eye out for the family-friendly lineup of Christmas concerts and carols that normally take place at the atmospheric St Martin-in-the-Fields Church in Trafalgar Square. Bring the whole family along to carols for kids and enjoy special candlelit performances, Handel’s Messiah and contemporary gospel songs in this elegant setting. Dec TBC
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 known to bring along some of its four-legged residents for two evenings of festive fun at St Luke’s Church in Chelsea. Dec TBC
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, which included a Christmas carol singalong, a performance by King's College Choir and a screening of The Holiday with a live orchestra in 2024. Dec TBC
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 expect to 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. Dec TBC
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 last year featured a brass band, music from singer Joe Stilgoe, readings from Sir Michael Palin and comedian Tim Vine to host. Dec 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.
