Our pick of the best Christmas Carols and Concerts in Oxford and across Oxfordshire.
We’re spoilt for choice when it comes to Christmas events. But an evening of proper Christmas carols remains an absolute must if you’re interested in getting wrapped up in unalloyed festive cheer.
Indoors and outdoors, cathedral, churches and secular spaces, there truly is a service to suit everyone, whether you’re after family-friendly carol services, Santa-led singing, cherubic choirs or even a full-on big-band experience.
Here’s our pick of the jolliest and most moving Christmas carols and concerts in Oxford and across Oxfordshire. Be sure to check the full list of Christmas carols and concerts in Oxfordshire. Of course, we’ll be adding to it as more events are announced.
Swing Into Christmas
When: 10 DecemberWhere: The Olivier HallBuy ticketsView event: Swing Into ChristmasThe 30-piece Down for the Count Orchestra returns to The Olivier Hall at St Edward’s School, Oxford, for their annual festive extravaganza – it’s time to Swing Into Christmas. This is a Christmas celebration like no other, as Down for the Count recreates the music of Nat ‘King’ Cole, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra and many more!
The Mulberry Carol Service
When: 07 DecemberWhere: St Barnabas Church, JerichoGet ticketsView event: The Mulberry Carol ServiceEnjoy a wonderful evening of champagne, canapés and carols at the The Mulberry Carol Service in the splendour of St Barnabas Church in Jericho, Oxford, to support the work of The Mulberry Bush, a charity working with traumatised children.
Follow the Stars – Macmillan Carols Event 2023
When: 08 DecemberWhere: Christ Church CathedralBuy ticketsView event: Follow the Stars – Macmillan Carols Event 2023Kick off your Christmas season with a very special evening of favourite carols, seasonal choral music, and literary readings, including a special carol composed by John Rutter. Join Greg Wise, Jason Isaacs, Mel Giedroyc, and Toby Jones* for this magnificent annual Christmas fundraiser that will take place in the splendour of Christ Church Cathedral.
*Please note, all performances are subject to change.
Family Christmas Carol Concert at Christ Church Cathedral
When: 09 DecemberWhere: Christ Church CathedralBuy ticketsView event: Family Christmas Carol Concert at Christ Church CathedralThe Boys of Christ Church Cathedral Choir warmly welcomes those of all ages for a family-friendly, relaxed, fun and informal daytime celebration of the festive season at Christ Church Cathedral. The programme will be interspersed with audience carols, so make sure you come ready to sing and thoroughly immerse yourself in this seasonal treat for all the family.
Music at Oxford’s Christmas at Christ Church
When: 13 & 15 DecemberWhere: Christ Church CathedralMusic at Oxford’s famous annual celebration of Christmas music from the world-class choir, a popular mix of festive cheer and seasonal nostalgia with readings from the creators of theatre company Box Tale Soup, Antonia Christophers and Noel Byrne, and the chance for to join in with the audience carols under the expert direction of Steven Grahl.
Buy ticketsView event: Music at Oxford’s Christmas at Christ ChurchPlease be sure to select the correct date for your booking.
Music at Oxford’s Christmas at Christ Church
When: 13 & 15 DecemberWhere: Christ Church CathedralMusic at Oxford’s famous annual celebration of Christmas music from the world-class choir, a popular mix of festive cheer and seasonal nostalgia with readings from the creators of theatre company Box Tale Soup, Antonia Christophers and Noel Byrne, and the chance for to join in with the audience carols under the expert direction of Steven Grahl.
Buy ticketsView event: Music at Oxford’s Christmas at Christ ChurchPlease be sure to select the correct date for your booking.
Lord Mayor of Oxford’s annual Christmas Carol Concert 2023
When: 17 DecemberWhere: Oxford Town HallBuy ticketsView event: Lord Mayor of Oxford’s annual Christmas Carol Concert 2023The annual Lord Mayor of Oxford’s Christmas carol concert is a wonderful tradition, with people returning year after year to experience the sights of the building’s grand Main Hall at Christmas time. The programme will feature the usual array of festive Christmas carols, many of which will encourage the audience to join in.
Bach’s Christmas Oratorio (Parts I – III) by Choir of New College Oxford
When: 19 DecemberWhere: University ChurchBuy ticketsView event: Bach’s Christmas Oratorio (Parts I – III) by Choir of New College OxfordJoin New College Choir, accompanied by the Instruments of Time & Truth, for their annual performance featuring Parts I-III of Bach’s Christmas Oratorio. Under the direction of Robert Quinney, the choir returns after last year’s sell-out performance to deliver the first three parts of Bach’s vibrant and colorful rendition of the Christmas Story.
Bampton Christmas concert: Feliz Navidad – Christmas Music from the New World
When: 19 DecemberWhere: St Mary’s Church, BamptonBuy ticketsView event: Bampton Christmas concert: Feliz Navidad – Christmas Music from the New WorldFor their annual concert in commemoration of the village’s patron Saint, Beornwald, Bampton Classical Opera presents a festive programme exploring the remarkable musical life of the New World during the seventeenth century, at the height of the Spanish Golden Age.
Join Oscar-winning actor Jeremy Irons, Radiohead’s Philip Selway, actress Sinéad Cusack, and comedian Rory Bremner in celebrating 30 years of the Unicorn School in Abingdon of helping children with dyslexia, autism and other learning challenges with a celebrity candle-lit carol concert at Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford.
Selling out every year, G4 will be back in Oxford with their biggest and best Christmas tour to date. Expect to hear timeless classics such as When A Child is Born, Silent Night and All I Want For Christmas, as well as delightful medleys to evoke the Christmas spirit – delivered exquisitely in the stunning Oxford Town Hall.
VIP ‘Meet & Greet’ tickets are available, including a pre-show Meet & Greet with G4 at 6.00pm.
Discover our growing list of Christmas carol services and concerts in Oxfordshire here.
See our full guide to Christmas in Oxfordshire for more things to do in Oxford and across Oxfordshire this festive season?
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