Deck the halls: the best Christmas concert locations in the UK

The holly and the ivy are on the mantelpiece, Christmas is around the corner and we are officially heading into the bleak mid-winter. It’s that time of year again when we start humming along to classic festive carols and breaking out old CD compilations of the best Yuletide tunes featuring Aled Jones and Mariah Carey.

Why not listen to some Christmas music in style this season with a trip to some of the best and most beautiful venues around the UK instead?

We’ve selected a handful of gorgeous cathedrals and concert halls with festive programmes and performances that are guaranteed to get you in the Christmas spirit.

Symphony Hall, Birmingham

Birmingham’s beautiful concert venue, The Symphony Hall, has a bumper programme stuffed full of festive delights this Christmas, from seasonal carols with a guest appearance from Brian Blessed to Handel’s classic music by candlelight and all the best songs from musical theatre throughout the ages.

Carols by Candlelight: An exquisite concert of carols and seasonal classics staged in full 18th century costume in an evocative candle-lit style setting.
20 December

Christmas Classics: Enjoy a splendid collection of seasonal classics and carols with festive readings by special guest Brian Blessed.
20 December

Christmas Carol Singalong: Irrepressible showman Jonathan Cohen will lead you through another fun-filled jamboree of his most loved carols and all-time Christmas hits.
22 December

The Glory of Christmas: This concert of joyous seasonal and traditional music perfectly captures the true spirit of Christmas.
24 December

Glen Miller Orchestra: Swing back in time to Glenn Miller’s own original arrangements of favourite wartime chart-toppers and hits from the forties.
27 December

Last Night of the Christmas Proms: An exciting concert of rousing classics with a grand flag waving British finale!
27 December

Glorious Handel by Candlelight: A sublime programme of Handel’s masterpieces performed in full period costume in an evocative candle-lit style setting.
28 December

The Very Best of John Williams: Enjoy epic themes from some of the most famous and iconic film scores of all time.
28 December

The Sound of Musicals: Back by popular demand with a new programme of show-stopping music and songs from the greatest Broadway and West End musicals.
29 December

Beethoven’s Ninth: An unmissable all-Beethoven programme featuring the monumental Choral symphony with its climactic Ode to Joy.
30 December

Royal Albert Hall

One of London’s most iconic buildings, nothing beats a festive sing-a-long in the sumptuous surrounds of The Royal Albert Hall and, at their annual Christmas Festival, you can take your pick of anything from Carols by Candlelight staged in full 18th century costume to afternoons with Strictly Come Dancing stars Anton Du Beke and Erin Boag.

Events at The Royal Albert Hall

Christmas Classics: The pomp and splendour of a grand Christmas Gala.
16 December

King’s College Choir: The world-renowned Choir of King’s College, Cambridge makes a welcome return with a magnificent concert of heavenly charm.
17 December

Classic Carols: Herald the Christmas season
18 December

Messiah: The power and glory of 500 voices in monumental harmony.
19 December

The Glory of Christmas: This concert of joyous seasonal and traditional music perfectly captures the true spirit of Christmas.
22 December

Anton & Erin’s Christmas Cracker: Anton Du Beke & Erin Boag take to the stage in a fabulous afternoon of music, song and dance.
21 & 22 December

Christmas Carol Singalong: Irrepressible showman Jonathan Cohen leads you through another fun-filled jamboree of his most loved carols and all-time Christmas hits.
18, 20 & 23 December

Carols By Candlelight: An exquisite concert of carols and seasonal classics staged in full 18th Century costume in an evocative candle-lit style setting.
20, 21, 23 & 24 December

St. Paul’s Cathedral, London

There are few places as atmospheric or as architecturally impressive as St Paul’s Cathedral. With its domed roof and perfect acoustics, this venue is ideal for Christmas carolling. Join a host of celebrities on 18 December for a night of singing and raising money for charity with the Age UK Love Christmas concert.