Virtual Carol Concerts To Tune Into This Christmas

Even if singing along from the sofa, belting out Hark The Herald Angels Sing is sure to get you in the Christmas spirit – so this December, get involved with the many virtual concert concerts taking place across the UK. 

Virtual Carol Concerts To Tune Into This Christmas

Barnardo’s Kidsmas Live Concert

Broadcast live from St. John Smith’s Square in London, Barnardo’s Kidsmas Live Concert will feature special performances from singer-songwriter Jamie Cullum as well as readings from poet Hussain Manawer. Hosted by the charity’s president Natasha Kaplinksy, the event will raise funds to support vulnerable children and young people across the UK. There will also be performances from a number of choirs including the St Margaret’s School Choir from Aberdeen and the Brent Music Service Choir from London. 1 December, 6.30pm. eventbrite.com

Carols in the Kitchen

Rory Rae

Cancer support charity Maggie’s is hosting a festive fundraiser this December, featuring readings from celebrity speakers, performances and seasonal music. Host Fiona Bruce will be joined by the likes of Keeley Hawes, Dominic West, Stanley Tucci and Sue Perkins, as well as musicians Lulu, Ellie Laugharne, and internationally renowned baritone Roderick Williams OBE. A new choral commission from Eric Whitacre will also be premiered at the concert. 13 December, 6pm. eventbrite.com

The Fayre of St. James’s

Kicking off December festivities is the first ever virtual edition of The Fayre of St. James’s, running in aid of The Childhood Trust and The Felix Project. Stephen Fry will be compèring the evening, with festive readings and performances from the likes of Craig David, Simon Cowell, Poppy Delevigne and Rupert Everett – plus appearances from surprise guests. Proceeds will be split between the two charities, which both need more support than ever at the moment: The Childhood Trust supports children living in poverty in London, while The Felix Project rescues surplus food and delivers it to those in need. 1 December, £30pp. events.tapsimple.org

Carols by Candlelight

Robert Wilson

Dame Judi Dench and Damian Lewis star alongside the Winchester College Chapel Choir in the 18th edition of Carols by Candlelight. The annual concert – which has gone virtual this year – raises money for the Alice Martineau Appeal for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, organised by Alice’s brother Luke. The pre-recorded event is being streamed online via YouTube, featuring celebrity messages and readings alongside songs from the choir, filmed live from Abbey Road Studios. 17 December, 7pm, £10pp. cysticfibrosis.co.uk

Place2Be’s 2020 Virtual Carol Concert

Children’s mental health charity Place2Be has taken its annual carol concert online, with the event set to be live streamed from St Marylebone Parish Church. Presenters Laura Wright, Joe Stilgoe and Katie Thistleton are running the evening, alongside a star-studded line-up of readers including Sophie Dahl, Kiera Knightley and Damian Lewis. 3 December, 6.30pm, from £10pp, place2be.org.uk

A Starry Night from Lambeth Palace

Home to the second largest garden in the capital, Lambeth Palace is beautiful year-round – but it really shines come Christmas time. A celebration of the work of Ronald McDonald House Charities UK, this year’s carol concert will see performances from English National Opera Choir, the Male London Welsh Rugby Choir and world-renowned clarinettist Emma Johnson MBE, among others. Organisers are hoping for the event to go ahead live, but it will also be live streamed across the UK. 15 December, 7.30pm. eventbrite.co.uk

Shelter’s Carol Concert

Stand in solidarity with families facing homelessness at Shelter’s virtual carol concert, hosted from the candlelit St Martin-in-the-Fields church, where the charity was founded in 1966. The 45-minute concert will feature readings and songs, alongside reflections on the challenges of this year. 3 December, 7pm, free. england.shelter.org.uk

Katherine Jenkins: Christmas Spectacular from the Royal Albert Hall

Despite obvious challenges, Katherine Jenkins’ annual Christmas performance at the Royal Albert Hall is going ahead this year – albeit with a difference. The Welsh star has recorded a festive musical in the historic venue alongside other luminaries like Bill Nighy and Vanessa Redgrave. It will be screened in cinemas worldwide from 1 December. katherinejenkins.film

Carers Trust Online Carol Concert

Hear readings from the likes of Hugh Bonneville, Emma Thompson and Greg Wise at the Christmas event from Carers Trust, which raises money for unpaid carers. Expect beautiful seasonal music from the City of London choir, directed by Hilary Davan Wetton. 10 December, 6.30pm, £10pp. carers.org

Virtual Wreath-Making Classes To Join / Christmas Feast Boxes To Order