From pop to classical to carols, London has Chrimbo concerts covered.
Christmas at Southbank Centre
What: The Thames is decked in Christmas lights and there’s no better place to see a show than alongside it at the Southbank Centre. Our top picks are Messiah by Candlelight in the Royal Festival Hall and English folk singer Kate Rusby’s take on Christmas classics.
When: Dec 3 – Dec 29
Where: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX
Tube: Waterloo and Embankment
How much: prices vary
See: southbankcentre.co.uk
Cadogan Hall Christmas
What: Starting December 3, this converted church hosts Christmas music all month long. See Japanese violinist Taro Hakase with the English Chamber Orchestra string ensemble or the London’s Gay Men Chorus perform their show, Make Your Own Kind Of Christmas. The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra’s Christmas Cracker’s a good one too.
When: Dec 3-Dec 23
Where: Cadogan Hall, Sloane Square, SW1X 9DQ
Tube: Sloane Square
How much: prices vary
See: cadoganhall.com
Christmas Opera by Candlelight
What: Don Giovanni, Carmen and Tosca sound even better by candlelight and in the beautiful St. Pancras Church. Christmas favourites like Ave Maria and O Holy Night will also fill the church with magical Chrimbo goodness.
When: Dec 4, 7:30 pm
Where: St. Pancras Church, Euston Road, NW1 2BA
Tube: Euston
How much: £15; concessions £10
See: ticketweb.co.uk
Trafalgar Square Carolling
What: Carollers sing nightly in front of the enormous and beautifully lit Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square. Not only is it for a good cause – funds are raised for charity or voluntary organisations – it’s also impossible to resist the Christmas spirit, especially if you join in.
When: Dec 7-22, 7pm
Where: Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DN
Tube: Leicester Square, Charing Cross
How much: Free, donations accepted
See: london.gov.uk/trafalgarsquare
Christmas Carols at the London Wetland Centre
What: Bundle up and warm your hands around a candle for a unique carolling experience at the London Wetlands Centre. Mince pies and mulled wine are for sale and Father Christmas will also be there in the great outdoors. Proceeds from candle sales will be split between Churches Together in Barnes and the London Wetland Centre.
When: Dec 8, 6pm
Where: London Wetland Centre, Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, Barnes, SW13 9WT
Tube: Hammersmith
How much: free
See: wwt.org.uk
Celebration of Christmas at St. Paul’s
What: The City’s cathedral is every bit as splendid come Christmas time, when voices of carollers and choirs fill the dome. Their Celebration of Christmas concert features the Cathedral Choir and celebrity readers and the Ceremony of Carols is a perfect Saturday evening festive activity.
When: Dec 8-Dec 28
Where: St. Paul’s Cathedral, EC4M 8AD
Tube: St. Paul’s
How much: All are free but some require tickets
See: st.pauls.co.uk
Christmas Festival at Royal Albert Hall 2010
What: Christmas is no joke at Royal Albert Hall, with a month full of Christmas singalongs, concerts and carols. Take your pick from a Christmas carol singalong with Jonathan Cohen or see the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra play the best Christmas pieces. There are loads more options, for every Christmas taste.
When: Dec 12 – Dec 24
Where: Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, SW7 2AP
Tube: South Kensington
How much: prices vary
See: royalalberthall.com
Barbican Christmas Festival 2010
What: A Barbican Christmas means two weeks of non-stop holiday music with everything from the Last Night of the Christmas Proms to showbiz hits as part of the Christmas Swingtime show.
When: Dec 18 – Dec 31
Where: The Barbican Centre, Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS
Tube: Moorgate
How much: prices vary
See: barbican.org.uk
Piccadilly Christmas Super Concert
What: Hosted by comedian Alex Dubus, this Christmas concert is held in a church but promises there are no choirs in sight. Instead, you’ll find superb pianist Warren Mailley-Smith, soprano Susan Parkes and more including a lively performance by the Tango Kings.
When: Dec 22, 7pm
Where: St. James’s Church Piccadilly, W1J 9LL
Tube: Piccadilly Circus
How much: £15
See: biaerbeckandholmes.com
The O2 Christmas Spectacular
What: A magnificent Christmas blowout at the O2, complete with fireworks, light displays and special effects. Hosted by Myleene Klass, the Christmas celebrations includes performances by Rhydian Roberts, Ruthie Henshall, Whynne Evans, Alison Jier, Anthony Inglis, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Royal Choral Society and Capital Voices.
When: Dec 23, 6:30pm
Where: The O2 Arena, North Greenwich, SE10 0DX
Tube: North Greenwich
How much: £28-£48 adv
See: theo2.co.uk
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