There’s nothing like a good old sing-song to get you into the festive mood — and there's a host of concerts taking place across the county this Christmas, with everything from traditional carols and seasonal choral pieces to fun festive favourites.
So, start practicing your ‘Ding Dong Merrily on High’ and check out SoGlos’s hand-picked selection of Christmassy carol services in Gloucestershire...
Carol services at Gloucester Cathedral
A must-visit at Christmas, Gloucester Cathedral is hosting a variety of carol services throughout December 2023, filling the iconic building with beautiful Christmas music. Its free Carols on the Hour event takes place on Saturday 9 December 2023, with performances from different choirs and music groups every hour, on the hour from 11am until 3pm. Then the cathedral's hugely popular carol services take place on Friday 22 and Saturday 23 December 2023, with traditional readings and carols performed by the Cathedral Choir in this utterly spectacular setting.
Carol service at The Fairview Gardener
On Thursday 14 December 2023, The Fairview Gardener is hosting a fun, festive carol service in partnership with St Andrews Church in Churcham. Visitors are invited to wrap up warm, grab a mulled wine and a mince pie and join in for a sing-along among the Christmas trees. There's even the chance to see Santa, too!
Carol services at Tewkesbury Abbey
The historic Tewkesbury Abbey is hosting a variety of services in the run-up to Christmas. Its Schola Cantorum carol service takes place on Tuesday 12 December 2023, where its choir of choristers and lay clerks will be singing; then there's its annual Christmas carol service on Sunday 17 December 2023 at 6pm, with everyone welcome to attend and no tickets required.
Carol service in Stroud
Stroud's Holy Trinity and St Albans churches are coming together on Sunday 17 December 2023 to sing carols. The joint Christmas celebration takes place at Holy Trinity, which is next to Stroud General Hospital, from 6.30pm — and is free to attend, whether you're a member of one or the churches, or not.
Christmas concert at Berkeley Castle
Berkeley Castle provides a spectacular setting for a Christmas concert, with its Great Hall playing host to Orchestra Pro Anima on Sunday 10 December 2023. Led by highly-acclaimed violinist, Michael Bochmann, the orchestra will perform a varied set including two Baroque Christmas concertos, 'Gabriel's Oboe' by Ennio Morricone and 'The Lark Ascending' by Ralph Vaughan Williams — with wine, mince pies and twinkling Christmas trees making for a magical atmosphere. Tickets cost £45 each including a welcome drink and mince pie.
Maggie's Cheltenham carol concert
Raising money for much-loved charity, Maggie's, this year's carol concert features a very special guest. Taking place at Christ Church in Cheltenham on Tuesday 12 December 2023, there'll be live music from the Beauregard Youth Choir and Maggie's own choir; brass ensemble Flowers Band; plus, a solo guest performance from a member of Giffords Circus! Tickets cost £10 each.
Christmas Movie Magic at The Bacon Theatre
The Film Orchestra is bringing movie magic to Cheltenham's Bacon Theatre on Saturday 16 December 2023. Its 70-piece orchestra and 30-strong choir will perform Christmas hits from the likes of Frozen, Home Alone, It's A Wonderful Life and The Polar Express alongside big-screen projections in this family-friendly festive concert. Tickets cost £20 each or £18 for concessions.
Carol service in Chipping Campden
Taking over the town square and filling the crisp winter air with music, the Chipping Campden carol service takes place from 7pm on Sunday 17 December 2023. Bundle up in scarves and hats and head into town for a Christmas sing-along in the Cotswolds.
Candlelight Christmas at Blackfriars Priory
The atmospheric Blackfriars Priory in Gloucester is hosting a candlelit Christmas concert on Friday 22 and Saturday 23 December 2023, featuring much-loved Christmas music from films like Home Alone and Love Actually, as well as classic Christmas pop hits in a truly incredible setting — with tickets costing from £19.
Christmas Celebration in the Park in Cirencester
Bringing glorious Christmas music to locations all over Cirencester, the town's Christmas Celebration in the Park takes place on Saturday 16 December 2023 from 2pm until 5pm. There'll be carol singing at Beano in the Park at 2pm; The Old Kennels at 2.30pm; and the Cirencester Male Voice Choir is performing in Cirencester town centre throughout the afternoon, too.
The Snowman in Concert at Cheltenham Town Hall
Beloved Christmas tale, The Snowman, comes to life at Cheltenham Town Hall on Saturday 23 December 2023. The Mozart Symphony Orchestra provides the score, with narration from Clare Hart and the timeless aria that everyone knows and loves, 'Walking In The Air', performed by 15-year-old sololist, Alice Mackenzie. Tickets cost from £10.
Canalside carol service at Saul Junction
For a unique canalside carolling experience, revellers can belt out Christmas songs by the water at Saul Junction on Saturday 9 December 2023 from 5.30pm. Carollers are invited to come by boat or car — just be sure to wrap up warm, as this event takes place outdoors.
Carol service steam train at Dean Forest Railway
Hop on board a steam train at the Dean Forest Railway for a festive ride through the forest, before heading off to St Mary's Church in Lydney for a Christmas carol service. Departing from Norchard Station at 5.15pm, the train will journey up to St Mary's Halt, where passengers will alight for the carol service and a glass of mulled wine, before getting back on board for the return journey. Tickets cost £16 for adults or £8 for children aged three to 17 — plus there's the option to add on a Christmas afternoon tea or picnic box to enjoy on the way.
Under A Christmas Star at Holy Trinity Minchinhampton
The Thames Head Singers perform classic Christmas carols from the likes of John Rutter and Sergei Rachmaninoff at the Holy Trinity Church in Minchinhampton on Saturday 23 December 2023. With pre-concert drinks from 7pm and the show starting at 7.30pm, tickets cost £12 for adults and under 16s can attend for free.
Joyful Sounds of Christmas at Cheltenham Town Hall
With music by John Rutter, Bob Chilcott and a host of traditional Christmas carols, the Cheltenham Bach Choir takes to the stage at Cheltenham Town Hall on Saturday 16 December 2023, accompanied by Blackweir Brass and organist Claire Alsop. Tickets for the family concert at 4pm cost £12.50 for adults; while the evening concert at 7pm, which includes the Beauregard Youth Choir, costs £20 per adult. Children and students are welcome to attend for free.
A Christmas Celebration in Nailsworth
Promising an evening of Christmas carols, songs and readings from the Stroud Choral Society and youth choir The Minpins, A Christmas Celebration comes to St George's Church in Nailsworth on Friday 15 December 2023 from 7.30pm. Tickets cost £15 with free admission for children under 13.
