What’s your Christmas music preference: classic carols, or festive funky beats?
Well, this holiday season you can enjoy either (or both) at the Royal Albert Hall. Possibly the most iconic place for a Christmassy concert in the capital, this impressive Grade 1 listed building will get you in the holiday mood – and, most likely, your feet tapping, hips wiggling, and hey, maybe, some sing-along fun too. “All I want for Christmas is… a fabulous night out in South Ken!”
First up is Trevor Nelson’s Soul Christmas. For one night only, on Thursday 11 December, the BBC Radio 2 host will be marking his sixth Christmas concert at the Royal Albert Hall. From soul anthems and disco to popular RnB tracks, it promises to be a massive party. I’ve already ear-marked it, taking along my sister-in-law for what I’m sure will be an epic set-list that will get us dancing in our seats.
A host of special guests awaits us – yet to be announced, but I have high hopes. Kathy Sledge, founder and lead singer of Sister Sledge, performed the classic ‘Lost in Music’ last year, while Kingdom’s Choir added gospel joy with ‘Joy to the World’ and ‘Go Tell it on the Mountain’.
The ever-stunning BBC Concert Orchestra, conducted by Troy Miller, will be on stage again this year, adding a symphonic edge to the music radiating around the auditorium, and after the main concert, which kicks off at 7pm, Nelson will keep the night going on stage with a DJ set after-party at 9.45pm (included in the price of the ticket).
For those looking for a more traditional way to get into the festive spirit, don’t miss Carols at the Royal Albert Hall. I’ve been a few times over the years, and this majestic venue is always the perfect choice to get your fix of Christmas magic and sparkle.
From the enormous Christmas trees and gorgeous decorations to the orchestra all wearing Santa hats, it really is 100% Christmas splendour, and will get even your most Scrooge-like friends feeling uplifted and ready for the holiday season.
There are 15 performances over six days, featuring a mix of classic and modern festive favourites. Some of the performances are at 11am and 3pm (the evening concert is at 7.30pm), so the earlier ones are perfect if you want to take the family, and don’t want to be home too late for the kids’ bedtimes. Or indeed, if you fancy an early night yourself, a cosy evening in watching Strictly Come Dancing or a festive movie on Netflix.
As you’d expect from Carols at the Royal Albert Hall, there’s an orchestra, choir, presenter, soloist, and plenty of sing-along moments.
One of these events, if not both, is highly likely to become a staple in your Christmas calendar, and you’ll no doubt be back again next year with a soul-loving friend or family members to belt out some tunes.
Whichever you choose, my advice is to wear your best Christmas jumper, sip a mulled wine or hot chocolate before it starts, smuggle in some Lebkuchen (for extra festive energy), and enjoy the musical brilliance in this spectacular venue.
Trevor Nelson’s Soul Christmas, Thursday 11 December 2025, 7:00pm. For more information, and for tickets, please visit www.royalalberthall.com.
Carols at the Royal Albert Hall, Sunday 14 – Wednesday 24 December 2025, 11:00am, 3:00pm, 7:30pm. Click here for tickets.
For more events at the Royal Albert Hall this Christmas, including Home Alone in Concert and Jamie Cullum’s Pianoman at Christmas, please visit www.royalalberthall.com.
Photos by Clare Nugent and Ellie Todd
