The 10 Best carol services

From candlelit concerts to the famous King’s College Choir, we pick the best of this year’s celebrations of song

Wednesday 12 December 2012 01:00 GMT

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1. Church of St Peter and St Paul, Guildford, Surrey

23 December, free, 01483 202594, visitchurches.org.uk

Wrap up warm to hear the carols in this ancient church. Mulled wine and mince pies should help to keep you toasty, though.

2. St James' Church, Cooling, Rochester, Kent

22 December, free, visitchurches.org.uk

Dickens fans should enjoy this. The church inspired the first chapter of Great Expectations

3. St Martin's Church, Colchester, Essex

13 December, free, visitchurches.org.uk

A carol service for the LGBT community organised by the charity Outhouse East.

4. St Paul's Church, Knightsbridge, London

13 December, £25, macmillan.org.uk

A concert for Macmillan Cancer Support that include a reading from Downton Abbey's David Robb.

5. Royal Albert Hall, Kensington, London

23 December, £12.50-£50, royalalberthall.com

Carols and seasonal classics performed by the Mozart Festive Orchestra in 18th-century costume.

6. York Minster

14 December, £5, yorkminster.org

Still tickets on the door for early- birds. The singing is led by the York Minster Choir, with readings from antiques expert Philip Serrell and actress Cherie Lunghi.

7. Durham Cathedral

15 December, £8-£25, durhamcathedral.co.uk

A magnificent setting for a concert where the choir will be joined by Sir Thomas Allen and the Prince Bishops Brass Ensemble,

8. Edinburgh Castle

16 December, Free with castle entry, edinburgh castle.gov.uk

Top a visit to the historic Edinburgh Castle with a concert of carols and Christmas songs in the spectacular great hall.

9. King's College Chapel, Cambridge

24 December, free, kings.cam.ac.uk

Queuing is the name of the game for anyone hoping to attend the internationally renowned Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols.

10. Wells Cathedral, Somerset

21 December, £12-22, wellscathedral.org.uk

The choir is joined by organist Jonathan Vaughn and conductor Matthew Owens for this highly popular candlelight concert.

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The 10 Best carol services

From candlelit concerts to the famous King’s College Choir, we pick the best of this year’s celebrations of song