Concerts in London in December 2026

Advent, Carols, and the English Choral Tradition

The English Christmas choral tradition is on its fullest display in December. Carol services and Christmas concerts run nightly across central London's parish churches — St. Martin-in-the-Fields, St James's Church, Christ Church Highbury, and many others all program Advent and Christmas music throughout the month. Handel's Messiah, in particular, holds an extraordinary place in the London December calendar, with multiple performances each week at major halls and church venues. The smaller candlelit programs in historic parish churches sell remarkably early — often before December begins — and remain among the most consistently sold-out events of the entire London year. Booking through Classictic.com four to six weeks ahead is the practical minimum for the better-known Christmas concerts for the candlelit and choir-society performances on the weekends before Christmas, even earlier is sensible.

A Wet, Cold, Atmospheric Month

Daytime temperatures average about 8 °C, with evenings around 3 °C. Rain falls on roughly eleven days — December is among London's wetter months, and the early darkness arrives by 16:00. The cold and damp make the indoor experience all the more appealing, and the festive illuminations along Oxford Street, Regent Street, and the South Bank turn the walk to a venue into part of the evening itself. Dress warmly, especially for church concerts, where stone interiors hold the chill even with crowds inside.

Frequently Asked Questions