Best Christmas Carols, Concerts & Shows in London 2025
Discover London’s most magical Christmas carols, concerts and shows this December 2025. From historic church services to dazzling West End performances, explore dates, venues, tickets and parking tips for the city’s festive highlights.
Published 04/11/2025 - Image © Royal Albert Hall
London truly comes alive at Christmas, and 2025 is set to be no exception. From the first notes of a candle-lit carol to the crescendo of a West End orchestra, the capital transforms into a stage of festive wonder. In this year’s guide to the Best Christmas Carols, Concerts & Shows in London 2025, we’ve gathered the season’s most enchanting performances — the ones that fill grand halls, historic churches and open-air spaces with music, laughter and a touch of Christmas magic.
Whether you’re seeking a traditional carol service, a stirring classical concert or a joyful family show, London’s festive line-up promises moments to remember. Expect choirs that lift the heart, orchestras that shimmer like frost, and audiences wrapped in scarves, smiles and the scent of mince pies. While parking can be tricky in central London, public transport makes reaching these glittering venues easy, and some do offer limited nearby parking for those arriving by car.
Below you’ll find our curated list of Christmas carols, concerts and shows across London for December 2025 — complete with dates, times, ticket links, venue details and a sprinkle of the Christmas Enthusiasts magic that makes this season shine.
Carols at the Royal Albert Hall
No London Christmas is truly complete without a visit to the Royal Albert Hall for its iconic carols and concert series. Nestled in South Kensington, this grand Victorian landmark hosts a dazzling programme of sing-along carol nights, orchestral Christmas classics and family-friendly performances throughout early to mid-December. Beneath its magnificent domed ceiling and softly glowing lights, audiences are treated to one of the city’s most atmospheric festive experiences.
Date: Sunday 14 - Wednesday 24 December 2025
Time: Starts: 11:00am, 3:00pm, 7:30pm, Doors: 10:15am, 2:15pm, 6:45pm
Address: Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, London SW7 2AP
Website: Royal Albert Hall – Christmas at the Hall
Tickets: from £25, available via Royal Albert Hall website
Parking: The Royal Albert Hall has limited onsite parking; nearby public parking on Kensington Gore and surrounding streets or use public transport.
The repertoire ranges from timeless favourites to contemporary twists — from Home Alone in Concert with live orchestra to Big Band Christmas and organ-led carolling. Expect more than a performance: audiences are encouraged to join in, with sing-along moments, spontaneous applause and a shared sense of seasonal joy filling the hall.
Reaching the venue is easy via South Kensington or High Street Kensington stations. Limited paid parking is available nearby, but spaces are scarce and expensive, so public transport is strongly recommended. After the concert, a stroll through the illuminated paths of Kensington Gardens or a mince pie and mulled wine in the hall’s bar makes for a perfect festive finale.
This is an unmissable event for anyone seeking a grand, heart-warming celebration of the season — whether as a romantic evening, a family outing or a gathering with friends. Tickets sell quickly each year, so early booking is highly advised. The combination of tradition, splendour and musical excellence secures the Royal Albert Hall’s place among the best Christmas carols, concerts and shows in London 2025.
Image © Old Vic
Few stories capture the spirit of Christmas quite like A Christmas Carol, and the Old Vic Theatre’s celebrated production remains one of London’s most beloved festive traditions. Returning once again for 2025, this beautifully staged adaptation of Dickens’ timeless tale combines stirring performances, evocative music and an atmosphere steeped in seasonal warmth.
Date: 12 Nov 2025–10 Jan 2026
Time: Evening performance at 7pm (Friday); matinee at 2pm (Saturday)
Address: Old Vic Theatre, The Cut, London SE1 8NB
Website: Old Vic – A Christmas Carol 2025
Tickets: From £15, available via the Old Vic website
Parking: Limited street parking nearby; public transport via Waterloo station is recommended
Expect soaring carols, candle-lit scenes and a heart-stirring portrayal of Scrooge’s transformation that leaves the entire audience uplifted. The production blends drama, music and storytelling with a finesse that appeals to both families and seasoned theatre-goers.
Image © Barbican
Set within the striking modern concert hall of the Barbican Centre, the Christmas Carol Singalong is a joyful celebration for carollers of all ages. Led by the London Concert Choir and the London Concert Orchestra, this afternoon performance fills the hall with festive favourites and rich harmonies. The 2pm session invites audiences to sing along to classics such as O Come, All Ye Faithful and Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, interwoven with seasonal orchestral arrangements that lift the spirits.
Date: Saturday 20 December 2025
Time: 14:00 (2pm)
Address: Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London EC2Y 8DS
Website: Barbican – Christmas Carol Singalong
Tickets: From £19,50, available via the Barbican website
Parking: The Barbican Centre has limited parking nearby; the closest options are local pay-and-display or private car parks. Public transport (Barbican Underground station or nearby bus routes) is strongly recommended.
The atmosphere is warm and inclusive — a shared moment of joy that captures the true essence of Christmas in London. The Barbican’s exceptional acoustics make every note resonate beautifully, while its open foyer spaces and stylish bars allow visitors to unwind before or after the show. Arrive early to soak up the buzz of the venue and avoid the rush; many guests choose to travel by Tube or bus, as parking in the area is limited.
After the singalong, enjoy a festive drink in the foyer or wander out to explore the City’s Christmas lights and nearby markets. Whether you’re coming with family, friends or someone special, the Barbican’s Christmas Carol Singalong offers a heart-warming afternoon of music, laughter and seasonal magic — one that earns its place among the best Christmas carols, concerts and shows in London 2025.
Image © The Bach Choir
For those seeking a more intimate and refined carol concert, Carols at Cadogan Hall with The Bach Choir and guest ensemble London City Brass offers an evening of exceptional music-making in one of London’s most elegant venues. Set within the heart of Chelsea, this concert is known for its artistry, warmth and impeccable sound. Under the direction of a distinguished conductor, the programme combines traditional carols with modern arrangements — you might hear O Little Town of Bethlehem followed by a contemporary choral gem or a brass-led fanfare that fills the hall with golden tones.
Date: Monday 15 December 2025
Time: 19:30 (7:30pm)
Address: Cadogan Hall, 5 Sloane Terrace, London SW1X 9DQ
Website: The Bach Choir – Carols at Cadogan
Tickets: From £20, available via The Bach Choir and Cadogan Hall website
Parking: Limited street parking is available in Chelsea; nearby car parks and public transport (Sloane Square or Knightsbridge stations) are recommended.
The atmosphere is cosy yet sophisticated, perfect for anyone wanting a carol concert with polish and festive charm. Arriving a little early is recommended to enjoy the pre-concert ambiance, perhaps with a glass of mulled wine or a seasonal drink from the Cadogan Hall bar.
Whether you’re attending with friends, family or a special someone, this event captures the essence of Christmas in London — combining musical excellence, tradition and a touch of seasonal magic.
Few concerts capture the sparkle of the season quite like the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra’s Christmas Cracker at Cadogan Hall.
Returning once again to this elegant Chelsea venue, the orchestra presents a festive feast of beloved melodies, seasonal classics and glittering orchestral arrangements.
With performances at both 3pm and 7:30pm on 6 December, it’s an event designed to delight — offering an afternoon perfect for families and an evening performance ideal for those seeking a touch of sophistication.
The programme blends traditional favourites with light-hearted surprises, all delivered with the Royal Philharmonic’s signature flair. Expect an atmosphere brimming with warmth and good cheer, as the hall’s superb acoustics and graceful architecture create a setting both intimate and grand.
Date: Saturday 6 December 2025
Time: 15:00 (3pm) and 19:30 (7:30pm)
Address: Cadogan Hall, 5 Sloane Terrace, London SW1X 9DQ
Website: Cadogan Hall – Christmas Cracker 2025
Tickets: From £28, Available via the Cadogan Hall and Royal Philharmonic Orchestra website
Parking: Limited street parking in Chelsea; nearby car parks or public transport (Sloane Square station) are recommended
Those arriving by Tube will find Sloane Square just minutes away, and as parking in Chelsea is limited, public transport remains the most convenient option.
Whether you’re sharing the afternoon with children or celebrating the season with friends in the evening, Christmas Cracker offers a perfect balance of classical finesse and festive fun. It’s one of those quintessential December performances that remind you why London’s concert scene shines so brightly — and it easily earns its place among the best Christmas carols, concerts and shows in London 2025.
Image © Sinfonia Smith Square Hall
For an evening of refined seasonal music, the Christmas Festival 2025 at Sinfonia Smith Square Hall offers a truly elegant way to celebrate the festive season. Set within a striking Baroque church-turned-concert hall in the heart of Westminster, the festival showcases performances by the London Choral Sinfonia and other acclaimed ensembles across multiple December dates.
Date: Sat 6 – Tue 23 Dec 2025
Time: from 7PM
Address: St John’s Smith Square, London SW1P 3HA
Website: Sinfonia Smith Square – Christmas Festival 2025
Tickets: Available via the Sinfonia Smith Square website
Parking: Very limited in central Westminster; public transport via Westminster station is recommended
Running from Sat 6th – Tue 23rd December, the festival offers a diverse line-up that appeals to both seasoned concert-goers and those simply wishing to experience the magic of live music during the holidays. Early booking is recommended to secure the best seats. Parking in Westminster is scarce, so the Tube or nearby bus routes provide the easiest access.
After the performance, a gentle stroll past Westminster’s festive lights or a late-night drink nearby makes for a graceful end to the evening. Ideal for couples, classical music lovers and anyone seeking a more contemplative seasonal outing, Sinfonia Smith Square’s Christmas Festival is a shining example of the best Christmas carols, concerts and shows in London 2025.
Image © National Brain Appeal
Held in the beautiful Holy Sepulchre Church, the National Brain Appeal Christmas Carol Concert brings together festive joy and heartfelt purpose. This annual event combines the timeless charm of traditional carols with a spirit of generosity, raising vital funds to support brain injury research and care.
Date: Thursday 4 December 2025
Time: Doors open 18:30; concert begins 19:15
Address: Holy Sepulchre Church, London EC3V 9DS
Website: National Brain Appeal – Christmas Carol Concert
Tickets: £30 / ticket, available via the National Brain Appeal website
Parking: Very limited in central London; public transport (Monument or Bank stations) is strongly recommended
Guests are welcomed from 6:30pm with mulled wine and warm smiles before the evening begins at 7:15pm. The programme features a thoughtful mix of seasonal music, congregational carol singing, and readings from guest speakers — each moment reflecting the warmth and togetherness of the season. Candlelight flickers against the church’s stone walls, and the rich acoustics carry every note of the choir with moving clarity, creating an atmosphere both intimate and uplifting.
This concert is ideal for those wishing to experience the true meaning of Christmas — combining music, community and compassion. Whether you come with friends, colleagues or as part of a local group, you’ll leave feeling part of something truly special. Early booking is recommended due to the smaller venue size and strong demand for this much-loved charitable event, which undoubtedly deserves its place among the best Christmas carols, concerts and shows in London 2025.
Whether you’re in London for the holiday season or simply looking to explore the festive spirit, these events represent some of the best ways to celebrate. From grand concert halls to intimate church carols and theatrical storytelling, there’s a carol or show to match your mood, schedule and budget. Dress warmly, book early, and arrive with enough time to soak in the surroundings—London’s Christmas offerings are rich with music, memory and merriment. Wishing you a magical and musical festive season!