Top Christmas concerts

Hark! The festive concert season is upon us. Soak up some seasonal magic at these carol services hosted in some seriously cool venues, from grand abbeys and cathedrals to museums and even the great outdoors.

Embrace the holiday spirit with an afternoon or evening of Christmas merriment at one of these carol concerts. Nothing says tis’ the season like a choir or a good old sing-along, leaving you all warm and fuzzy inside. Here’s our pick of some the most magical services across the GWR network to get you into the spirit of things.

Trafalgar Square, London

6 December, 6-7pm
See the lighting of the Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square and join in with the choir of St. Martin-in-the-Fields as they sing carols to celebrate the gift of the tree to London from the Norwegian people. The evening is a really special event for Londoners and visitors, so we’d highly recommend this festive night out.

Bath Abbey

7 & 8 December, 7:30pm
The incredibly popular Handel’s Messiah is returning to Bath Abbey for another year, performed by Bath’s Choral Service along with the Bristol Ensemble. Tickets are a must and prices range between £6 to £32 depending on where you choose to sit. Consider this a Christmas treat.

Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford

7 December, 8pm
Celebrate Christmas in glorious Oxford with this brilliant evening of uplifting and festive music, all in aid of raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support. Performing on the night will be world-class vocal ensemble the Blenheim Singers and a guest chorister from new College, as well as entertainment from the Magdalen College School Brass Ensemble. This is an exceptional Christmas service and worth experiencing at least once. Ticket prices range from £25 to £100. Remember, it’s all for a good cause.

Crisis Carol Service, London

8 December, 6-7pm
The spectacular Southwark Cathedral next to Borough Market is hosting the Crisis Carol Service once more. Each year, hundreds of people come together to listen to powerful and moving stories about homelessness as choirs take to the stage to sing beautiful carols. Bring some hankies because this is a joyous night that’ll put the true meaning of Christmas into perspective. It is a free event though donations on the night are gratefully received. You’ll also need to book tickets in advance so the team can provide enough mince pies and drinks for everyone following the service.

National Museum Cardiff

13 December, 3:30pm
Enjoy a selection of festive and traditional Christmas carols at the National Museum Cardiff. The staff choir has been working hard in their singing rehearsals, so come and spend the afternoon soaking up the festive atmosphere in the museum’s beautiful main hall. The event is free to attend and there will be mulled wine and mince pies available to buy on the day.