In London in December, you're never more than six feet away from a Christmas carol, but what about all the other festive music? From jazz to cabaret to soul to country, we've rounded up the best Christmas music shows in London for 2024.
The Rick Wakeman Yuletide Christmas Show (25 November and 6 December): Is all you want for Christmas a 17-minute organ solo? Then this festive Rick Wakeman show — in which the masterful key-tickler is joined by his son Adam Wakeman and Mollie Marriott, daughter of the late Steve Marriott — will press your buttons. It's on at the Lyric in central London (25 November) and Croydon's Fairfield Halls (6 December).
Massaoke - Christmas Live, various venues (throughout December): A number of London venues (including Between the Bridges, Clapham Grand and Electric Ballroom) will erupt with the collective revelry of hundreds as they belt out the likes of Slade and Mariah, ably assisted by a full live band. Even if karaoke isn't usually your thing, 'tis the season to sing at the top of your lungs. Info and tickets
Old Dirty Brasstards, various venues (throughout December): Like a Salvation Army band who've added something seriously funky to the mulled wine, Old Dirty Brasstards bring the party to a number of venue across London this Christmas, with their metallic takes on standards like Stay Another Day and All I Want for Christmas. Many of these shows have already sold out, but see what's left here.
Christmas shows at Royal Albert Hall (throughout December): The Salvation Army (3 December), Jamie Cullum doing The Pianoman at Christmas (6 December), Home Alone in Concert (7 December), Trevor Nelson's Soul Christmas (16 December), Rick Astley's Swinging Christmas (17 December) — that's just an amuse bouche of the festive hoe-downs happening in South Ken's Christmas pudding bowl-shaped concert hall this December. Hate to use the phrase 'something for everyone', but there really is. Unless you hate Christmas. Info and tickets
Christmas shows at Crazy Coqs @ Brasserie Zedel (throughout December): Zedel's plush cabaret space is pulling out all the stops this December, with a good deal of the month glittering with festive shows, including An American Songbook Christmas (3 December), Gary Williams: A Swingin' Christmas! (7, 10, 14, 18, 22 December) and A Holly Dolly Christmas (7, 9, 17, 21 December) — which is indeed a Dolly Parton infused evening of festivities. Info and tickets
Christmas at Ronnie Scott's (throughout December): While tickets for Ronnie Scott's All-Stars Christmas Lunch have already been snapped up, there's still a sleigh-load of holiday-themed shows going down at London's premier jazz club, including Giacomo Smith's Big Band playing Ellington's Nutcracker Suite (5 December) and the chance nurse your Boxing Day hangover with Liane Carroll's annual show, which features jazzed up Christmas Fayre, and Tom Waits-esque black humour to boot (26 December). Info and tickets
That'll Be The Day! Christmas Show 2024, Beck Theatre, Hayes (4 December): If, like Granny, you think the old songs are the best, this nostalgic medley show will be top of your wish list this Christmas. A 'rollercoaster sleigh ride through the golden age of rock and pop' is promised... plus they might have Wombles. Info and tickets
London Gay Men's Chorus: Christmas Bop, Southbank Centre (6 and 7 December): Dust off your diamanté dancing shoes — the London Gay Men's Chorus are in town for two nights, channeling a very 50s/60s Christmas, with rock and roll, jive and bunny hop-twists on festive standards like Jingle Bell Rock and I Saw Daddy Kissing Santa Claus. Info and tickets
Arab Christmas by Candlelight, Grand Junction (7 December): The stunning Grand Junction venue near Warwick Avenue (its ceiling is a belter) is lit by candles for an atmospheric evening of Arabic, Syriac, Coptic and Byzantine chants — an Arab Christmas by Candlelight. Info and tickets
100 Club Christmas Party, 100 Club (8 December): The legendary Oxford Street gig venue goes festive, with tunes from Fat Dog, O., Miss Tiny, Borough Council and Paranoid London — plus a special late night guest seeing you through until 3am. Info and tickets
Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas, Wembley Arena (12 December): Danny Elfman is back at Wembley — ably abetted by the BBC Concert Orchestra — for a screening of Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas with live soundtrack. The show was also due to star Ken Page, voice of Oogie Boogie, but sadly he recently passed away. We're sure they'll make it an extra good show for him. Info and tickets
The Rat Pack at Christmas, Cadogan Hall (14 December): We've had the pleasure of watching these fellas a few times before now, and their set — sprinkled liberally with A-1 Christmassy crooning — is the closest you'll get to seeing Frank, Deano and Sammy. There's a matinee and evening show at their annual Cadogan Hall bash. That said, the same Rat Pack are also performing throughout December at Boisdale in Canary Wharf. Other Rat Pack Christmasses are available in London, including The Rat Pack Burlesque Christmas Show (Toulouse Lautrec, 30 November) and The Rat Pack – A Swingin Christmas at the Sands (Adelphi Theatre, 18 December).
Christmas shows at Kings Place (18-19 December): Stuffing three festive shows into two days, Kings Place in King's Cross has BIG Gospel Choir at Christmas (18 December), Tim Edey's Celtic Christmas (also 18 December) and A Funky Soulful Christmas with Michael Mwenso & The Shakes (19 December). Info and tickets
The Pogue Traders Christmas Shindig, Dingwalls (21 December): Now Shane McGowan's left us for good, The Pogue Traders are possibly the closest you'll get to seeing one of the Pogues' legendary Christmas gigs. Expect the walls to come down when Fairytale of New York starts up. Info and tickets
A Gospel Christmas, Camden Jazz Cafe (22 December): Classic jingles from Stevie, Mariah and Harry (assuming that means Styles) are given a generous glug of gospel goodness. As the Jazz Cafe says: "We challenge anyone not to feel happy and merry as they leave through our doors." Info and tickets
Deptford Dub Club: Reggae Christmas, Fox & Firkin (22 December): Things will most certainly not be as quiet as a mouse in Deptford this Christmas, because Deptford Dub Club are in the house, stirring up a festively-flavoured mix of tracks. Info and tickets
