Things to do in London at Christmas 2018
Christmas Carols in London 2018
Christmas carols are essentially hymns with Christmas-themed lyrics, although usually a little more up-beat to celebrate the time of year.
Walking around London in December its not unusual to hear the sounds of carols played in shops, or sung in the streets - often by small groups raising money for charity.
It can be a magical experience when the snow falls and the
christmas lights shine. Groups
of singers may also belt out traditional Christmas songs such as White Christmas, Jingle Bells or Deck The Halls.
Carol Singing in Leicester Square
Carol Singing Events in London 2018
We update all our listings as soon as we have confirmation of the dates, but many events happen every year so even if the date says it's likely to repeat in 2018 and it may be worth clicking through to the website in case the dates have been announced since we last checked. And please let us know if they have!
Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar Square is well known for its Christmas
celebrations. It is the main attraction during this time of year,
especially when the tree is decorated.
It is under this gigantic
tree where you will be able to listen to seasonal songs and join in with
carol services. Each choir will perform in one hour slots where they
will encourage crowds to join in with the festive cheer.
When: 11th – 22nd December
Royal Albert
Hall
Another attraction that may take your fancy is the
Royal Albert Hall. Every year this famous musical establishment holds
its Christmas Festival where attendees can indulge in some traditional
carols, clear their throats and join in, or simply listen to live music.
Sing-a-long tickets
are already selling, so be sure to get yours quickly and don’t miss out
on the chance to sing in one of the world’s most iconic music venues.
When: 13th – 24th December
St Paul's Cathedral
St Pauls Cathedral will be playing host to some of
the greatest Christmas festivities in London. There will be traditional
Christmas carol singing and celebrity readings. St Pauls is a historic
London landmark that has provided the backdrop for many of England’s
most historic events. Queen Victoria’s Jubilee and Prince Charles and
Diana’s wedding are just a couple of occasions that have been held at
this famous cathedral. Joining St Pauls for their Christmas festivities
not only will provide you with the opportunity to sing your heart out,
you can also be part of the cathedral’s history.
When: 25th November – 24th
December
Westminster Abbey
Can you think of a better place to celebrate the
joy of Christmas than at Westminster Abbey? In the run-up to Christmas
Day the Abbey will host numerous concerts, musical services and a
Christmas Eve carol service special. The Westminster Abbey programme
kicks-off with the John Lewis Christmas concert in the Nave, and is
followed by concerts, live music events, and services of lessons and
carols.
When: 11th – 24th December
Other
Christmas Carol Events
- Southwark Cathedral
- Hampton Court
- St Martin in the Fields
- Covent Garden
- Asthma UK Carol Service
- Crisis Carol Service
- Cadogan Hall
- Canary Wharf
- Royal Air Force Museum
Thanks to Refresh Accommodation for research and writing.
Christmas Carols
Some of the more popular Christmas carols in the UK include God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Oh Little Child of Bethlehem, Silent Night, Away in A Manger, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing and Once in Royal David's City.
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You May Not Know
Many London stores open late in the run up to Christmas, and some of the smaller boutique stores actually hand out free drinks and cakes to get everyone into the festive mood. The tradition of giving away glasses of mulled wine has almost disappeared in London due to a crackdown on serving alcohol from unlicensed premises!
