This festival has it all. From candle lit carols with the King’s College Choir, Christmas Carols Singalong and Glenn Miller Orchestra to music from the movies performed by a live orchestra and the new year proms, the festival is jampacked with events that celebrate the festive holiday season and promises good times and cheers for all ages.
For those who fancy a break from the holiday music, there are wonderful orchestral performances also taking place: the Glenn Miller Orchestra will perform wartime hits and 1940s classics, for film and TV buffs, there’s The Music of Zimmer vs Williams, which presents the ultimate film score showdown, and Music of the Movies: The Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones and Beyond. Live concerts include Beethoven’s Ninth, The Four Seasons by Candlelight, The Best of John Williams, and The Holiday with Live Orchestra.
The Christmas Festival at the London Barbican runs until Wednesday 1st January. Tickets start at £18.50. Have a look at the packed schedule below and visit the festival website to book tickets and plan your day:
Christmas with King’s College Choir – Friday, 20th December at 7:30pm
Join the Choir of King’s College, Cambridge and the Crouch End Festival Chorus for an evening of carols and festive classics. A family favourite.
Candlelit Carols – Saturday, 21st December at 2:30pm
Enjoy that warm and fuzzy feel of Christmas though with a concert of carols and seasonal music by candle lights.
Christmas Carol Singalong – Sunday, 22nd December at 2:30pm & 5:15pm
Join in the fun with a festive singalong. Carols and Christmas classics in a candlelit setting.
The Big Christmas Party – Monday, 23rd December at 7:30pm
The Big Christmas Party will boast a blend of festive pop hits and traditional favourites, featuring a dazzling live ensemble band, and incredible live music.
Glenn Miller Orchestra – Friday, 27th December at 2:30pm
The Glenn Miller Orchestra will perform wartime hits and 1940s classics. John James joins Mark Porter and Ray McVay with a tribute to the Kings of Swing plus the Sing Time Jivers and The London Belles.
The Best of John Williams – Friday, 27th December at 7:30pm
Experience the iconic scores of legendary composer John Williams with an awe-inspiring concert featuring music from Harry Potter, Star Wars, Jurassic Park, and more.
Beethoven’s Ninth – Saturday, 28th December at 7:30pm
Join the renowned Royal Philharmonic Orchestra for a thrilling performance of Beethoven’s monumental Choral Symphony, crowned by the climactic “Ode to Joy.”
The Four Seasons by Candlelight – Sunday, 29th December at 2:30pm
The verve and virtuosity of the 18th century is brought to life in this enchanting concert staged in a candle-lit style setting with an evocative programme crowned by Vivaldi’s sublime masterpiece.
Music of the Movies: The Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones and Beyond – Sunday, 29th December at 7:30pm
Dive into the worlds of fantasy as a full symphony orchestra and choir perform music from The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, Game of Thrones, and more.
The Holiday with Live Orchestra – Monday, 30th December at 7:30pm
Experience the heartwarming Christmas film The Holiday like never before with its score performed live by a full concert orchestra alongside the film.
The Music of Zimmer vs Williams – Tuesday, 31st December at 7:30pm
It’s the ultimate film score showdown as the London Concert Orchestra presents the best music from two of the greatest film composers of all time, Hans Zimmer and John Williams.
New Year’s Day Proms – Wednesday, 1st January at 3:00pm
Ring in the new year with a stirring celebration of classical favourites, including a complimentary drink.