Celebrate the joy of Christmas by attending a music concert this festive season.
Tis’ the season of twinkly lights, mulled drinks — and Christmas music. As we head towards the festive season, a wide variety of venues across the UK host an exciting array of live musical performances.
From atmospheric candlelit carols in historic churches to lively brass bands and open-air choir concerts, listening and singing along to live music with others is a special way to celebrate the joy of Christmas.
For a little inspiration, we’ve gathered a selection of free and ticketed live Christmas music events to enjoy this festive season.
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- Nationwide festive music events
- Festive music events in London & the South East
- Festive music events in the South West & Wales
- Festive music events in the Midlands & East
- Festive music events in the North of England
- Festive music events in Scotland & Northern Ireland
- Festive music online events
Nationwide festive music events
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Christmas choirs and concerts with the National Trust
Locations nationwide, dates vary – search for events near you on the National Trust website
This Christmas, the National Trust is once again hosting festive music concerts performed by choirs and bands in its beautifully decorated stately homes and grounds.
Warm up with a mulled wine and mince pie while listening to traditional carols, folk music and festive songs sung by a mix of volunteer and professional musicians. Entry to these events is generally free with general admission.
Boundless members can save 10% on National Trust gift cards that can be used towards entry to over 500 historic houses, gardens, coastlines, and countryside sites across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Perfect for treating yourself or someone special this Christmas, gift cards can be used for days out, holiday cottages, National Trust shops, cream teas, and more.
Festive music events in London & the South East
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Pegasus Caribbean Christmas
St John the Divine Church, Kennington, London, 4 December
For a vibrant twist on the traditional carol concert, head to St John the Divine Church in Kennington for its annual Caribbean Christmas Celebration.
Experience an unforgettable evening of music featuring leading classical singers, the Pegasus Community Choir, and the Lambeth Youth Symphony Orchestra.
This free event promises a rich blend of opera, Christmas classics, musical theatre, and soulful pieces for a memorable festive evening.
A Very Queer Christmas Carols
St Pancras New Church, 12 December
Celebrate Christmas differently this year at the first-ever Queer Christmas Carols service at St Pancras New Church.
This joyful, inclusive evening offers a blend of traditional and contemporary music, featuring powerful performances and iconic music from Lady Gaga, Bronski Beat, and more. Expect an evening that’s upbeat and unapologetically festive.
Christmas Carol Concert
Southwark Cathedral, London, 13 December
Enjoy festive cheer at the Christmas Carol Concert in the stunning Southwark Cathedral. Immerse yourself in the spirit of the season as the Canterbury Chamber Choir fills this magnificent space with beautiful carols and joyful harmonies.
This free in-person event is the perfect way to celebrate Christmas with family and friends – and a rare chance to experience one of the UK’s most dynamic choirs live in London.
Renowned for their creative programmes and captivating performances, the Canterbury Chamber Choir promises an uplifting concert that brings you Christmas in an hour. Free to attend, pre-booking is required.
While you’re out and about enjoying the festivities, why not warm up with a cup of coffee, tea or hot chocolate. Members can save 25% on barista-made drinks at Caffè Nero, Black Sheep Coffee, SOHO Coffee, and thousands of independent coffee shops using tastecard and Coffee Club.
Festive music events in the South West & Wales
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Shoppers' Carols
Bristol Cathedral, 16 December
Enjoy a moment of peace amongst the frenzy of Christmas shopping with this short carol service at Bristol Cathedral.
Although many of the longer Christmas carol events are ticketed, this free 30-minute carol service is worth a listen as traditional carols are sung by candlelight in the stunning cathedral.
For young families, the Cathedral also hosts free Toddler Christmas carol services – these informal concerts are perfect for families looking to introduce little ones to the magic of music.
After enjoying a relaxing performance, don’t forget to purchase a shopping card before you buy any gifts – Boundless members can save up to 10% at high-street shops and supermarkets, helping make your Christmas shopping more affordable.
Carols in the Chapel, St Fagans National Museum of History
Cardiff, 6–7, 13–14 & 20–21 December 2025
Step into the festive spirit at St Fagans National Museum of History, where every weekend in December brings a celebration of Christmas past and present.
A highlight of the season, Carols in the Chapel invites visitors to gather in the Museum’s 18th-century Pen-rhiw Chapel for an uplifting sing-along. Expect a joyful mix of traditional carols and contemporary Christmas favourites that will have everyone joining in. Suitable for all ages, this event costs £6 a ticket.
After the concert, explore beautifully decorated historic buildings, enjoy seasonal food and drink, and discover more festive activities.
Festive music events in the Midlands & East
Credit: Birmingham Christmas Market
Christmas carols at Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market
Birmingham, November 1 to December 24 (performance times vary)
Birmingham’s world-famous Frankfurt Christmas Market is the largest of its kind outside Germany and Austria. Wander through rows of twinkling wooden stalls selling handmade crafts and treat yourself to a warming cup of Glühwein.
Adding to the atmosphere, live bands and festive performers fill Victoria Square with seasonal tunes throughout the day, creating the perfect backdrop for shopping, singing along, and even a spin on the carousel. And don’t miss the market’s famous singing moose, who’s guaranteed to raise a smile.
Christmas the Movies by Candlelight, Coventry Cathedral
Coventry, 6 December
Celebrate the season in spectacular style with the London Concertante, as they bring the magic of Christmas movies to life in an unforgettable candlelit concert. Enjoy beautiful performances of music from festive favourites, including A Christmas Carol, Elf, Love Actually, Home Alone, The Polar Express, and The Nightmare Before Christmas.
Set against the stunning backdrop of Coventry Cathedral, the performance promises two hours of magical, candlelit ambiance — the perfect way to soak up the spirit of the season. This event is ticketed and prices vary – visit the event website to book a seat.
If you feel inspired after the performance and fancy catching a film at the cinema, don’t forget that Boundless members benefit from discounted tickets through The Cinema Society. Save up to 37% on tickets, snacks and drinks at cinema chains including Vue, ODEON, Cineworld, Showcase and Picturehouse.
Free lunchtime Christmas concert, Royal Concert Hall
Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham, 9 December
Take a well-earned break from the festive rush and join the award-winning Chamber Choir along with the Concert Band, Brass Ensemble, and Drumline for a joyful lunchtime performance at the Royal Concert Hall.
Enjoy an hour of Christmas favourites old and new, and get ready to join in as the audience is invited to sing along to some beloved carols. This free event is open to everyone and there’s no need to book – seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so arrive early to make sure you don’t miss this uplifting seasonal performance.
Festive music events in the North of England
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York Early Music Christmas Festival
York, 5-12 December
Celebrate the season with the York Early Music Christmas Festival, showcasing the rich music of Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany from Medieval to Baroque.
Enjoy performances of Haydn, Schumann, and Mendelssohn by Helen Charlston, Sholto Kynoch, the Consone String Quartet, and the acclaimed Chiaroscuro Quartet. This ticketed event is a must for classical music lovers of all ages.
For a real treat, take a Christmas steam train ride to historic York with The Railway Touring Company. Boundless members can save £20pp for up to three guests on selected journeys departing on or before 31 December 2025.
Christmas Sing-along for Shoppers, Manchester Cathedral
Take a well-earned break from your Christmas shopping and recharge your festive spirit with a few joyful carols in this 30-minute concert.
Everyone is welcome to join this free Christmas Carol Singalong for Shoppers held in the spectacular Manchester Cathedral.
If you fancy making a weekend of it, see how you could save on a family break to Manchester Christmas markets using Boundless membership.
Festive music events in Scotland & Norther Ireland
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Edinburgh Brass Band Christmas Concert
St John’s Church, Edinburgh, 6 December
Enjoy the rich, joyful sound of brass this festive season as the Edinburgh Brass Band returns to St John’s Church for its much-loved annual Christmas concert.
Set in the heart of the city, this historic venue provides the perfect backdrop for an evening of seasonal music, classic carols, and a few festive surprises. This event is ticketed, but under-18s are free.
Throughout the city, you’ll also find lots of local choir performing free carol singalongs, with many groups raising money for charity.
Treat your significant other to a day out in the historic city of Edinburgh, see how much you could save on top attractions and eating out using Boundless membership.
Christmas Classics with BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra
Glasgow, 18 December
This year, the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra is spreading extra festive cheer with two magical Christmas concerts at City Halls in this special ticketed event.
Like a cosy mug of hot chocolate on a winter’s night, Christmas Classics promises an evening of beloved carols, timeless orchestral pieces, and festive favourites that sparkle with seasonal joy.
Hosted by singer Jamie MacDougall, this concert is the perfect way to start your Christmas celebrations.
Northern Ireland Opera – Christmas Performances in Belfast
St Joseph’s, Sailortown, Belfast, 18 December
Listen in awe to the talented Northern Ireland Opera in this uplifting hour of festive music in The Hub at The Custom House, set within Belfast’s historic Custom House Square in this ticketed event.
Enjoy performances of beloved Christmas classics from NI Opera artists, then raise your voice and join in with a few favourite carols and seasonal songs to celebrate the spirit of the season.
Details have yet to be announced but the Northern Ireland Opera usually performs a free festive live performance at a venue in Belfast. Keep an eye on the website for upcoming free events.
Whether you’re visiting for the weekend or a local, don’t forget that Boundless members enjoy unlimited access to all nine WWT centres, including WWT Castle Espie, one of Northern Ireland’s top attractions. Boundless Plus members also benefit from unlimited access to Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, thanks to our partnership with Historic Royal Palaces.
Festive music online events
Credit: Getty Images
Westminster Abbey Carols online
On demand
If you’re unable to visit Westminster Abbey in person this Christmas, you can still join in the celebrations from the comfort of your own home.
Enjoy a traditional carol service sung by the abbey choir, which is available to stream on demand throughout the holiday season.
Why not invite friends and family over to enjoy a festive performance with a few festive nibbles and a glass of something bubbly? Using Boundless supermarket discounts, you can stock up on mince pies, chocolates, crisps and drinks for less.
Do more with Boundless
If you're working in or retired from the public sector or civil service, Boundless has two great membership options to choose from: Boundless and Boundless Plus.
With Boundless, you get unlimited access or discounted entry to many of the UK’s top attractions including Kew Gardens and Wakehurst and WWT centres across the UK, as well as year-round deals on restaurants, holidays, shopping and much more. With Boundless Plus, you can enjoy additional benefits, including unlimited access to Historic Royal Palaces sites, National Trust for Scotland places, access to the Ramblers' extensive group walks and routes, and peace of mind with roadside assistance and local recovery by Britannia Rescue.
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