This is a sponsored article on behalf of the Royal Albert Hall.
Where better to get into the festive spirit than the Royal Albert Hall?!
It's basically the home of Christmas here in London, with over 150 years of experience delivering yuletide cheer; it's got 30+ festive performances — more than an advent calendar's worth — on the line up this year; and it even looks a bit like a beautiful bauble, with its domed roof, jolly red colour scheme, and High Victorian flourishes.
Here are just a few reasons to step inside this December...
Festive films in concert
Take the whole family along to experience a seasonal favourite on the big screen, as the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra performs iconic scores, live-to-picture. On Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 December, the Royal Albert Hall screens Home Alone. Then, on 12 December the nostalgia continues, with Home Alone 2: Lost in New York.
After Christmas itself, the Royal Albert Hall works its magic on classic Twixtmas fare, with In Concert screenings of films like Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl and Casino Royale. Now there's an excellent reason to tear yourself away from the dregs of that selection box!
Big Band celebrations
Step into party season in style with Rick Astley's Swinging Christmas (9 December), or Jamie Cullum's The Pianoman at Christmas (10-11 December). Both events are absolutely stuffed with seasonal joy and big band flair, with Astley showcasing the golden age of swing and Cullum taking audiences on a jazzy journey through his hit Christmas album's standout moments.
A star-studded selection box
Heart Breakfast's Amanda Holden and Jamie Theakston bring together some of the biggest names in music and entertainment on 14 December. Heart Christmas Live with NatWest sees the likes of Take That, Leona Lewis, Olly Murs and James Arthur take to the stage for a feel-good evening of live performance and seasonal surprises.
Soul with a festive twist
Get ready to party... Trevor Nelson's Soul Christmas is back. On 17 and 18 December, the award-winning DJ hosts an evening of re-imagined and re-scored Soul and RnB tracks, performed by a range of special guests and supported by the BBC Concert Orchestra. The evening ends with an after-party, with Nelson himself behind the decks.
A choral Christmas
Let the Royal Choral Society treat you to festive tunes and carols old and new at the Royal Albert Hall on 7 December. Or join London Community Gospel Choir for their annual festive party on 16 December, featuring soulful harmonies, special guests and plenty of gospel classics.
Fancy singing along yourself? Carols at the Royal Albert Hall — which features the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, National Youth Choir, Royal Choral Society and British Imperial Military Band — is an absolute must. The event runs 19-24 December, gearing you up for the big day in spectacular style.
Live orchestras and a (very) grand organ
Looking for even more incredible live music? Sir John Rutter's Christmas Celebration — featuring the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra — is back by popular demand on 4 December. Then, on 8 December, the Organist of the Royal Albert Hall fires up the Voice of Jupiter (the UK's second largest pipe organ!) for Anna Lapwood's Christmas, featuring new arrangements of festive classics. A Christmas Songbook on 15 December is yet another highlight, with John Wilson and the Sinfonia of London working their magic on seasonal favourites.
Festive family fun
Even your littlest ones can get into the festive spirit at the Royal Albert Hall this Christmas. Baby Gospel Christmas on 8 December and Baby Broadway Christmas on 9 December are concerts designed with young children and their carers in mind. Then there's A Christmas Story in Concert on 13 December: a charming, carol-filled retelling of the nativity, based on a beloved Michael Morpurgo children's book. Family theatre trips don't get more magical than this.
Explore Christmas at the Royal Albert Hall now.
