There’s nothing like a good old sing-song to get you into the festive mood — and there's a host of concerts taking place across the county this Christmas, with everything from traditional carols and seasonal choral pieces to fun festive favourites.
So, start practicing your ‘Ding Dong Merrily on High’ and check out SoGlos’s hand-picked selection of Christmassy carol services in Gloucestershire.
Carol services at Gloucester Cathedral
A must-visit at Christmas, Gloucester Cathedral is hosting a variety of carol services throughout December 2024, filling the iconic building with beautiful Christmas music.
Starting with Advent carols on Sunday 1, there's also the free Carols on the Hour event on Saturday 7, then the cathedral's hugely popular carol service takes place on Monday 23 December 2024, with traditional readings and carols performed by the Cathedral Choir in this utterly spectacular setting.
Carol services at Tewkesbury Abbey
The historic Tewkesbury Abbey is hosting a variety of services in the run-up to Christmas.
Its Schola Cantorum carol service takes place on Tuesday 10 December 2024, where Tewkesbury Abbey Schola Cantorum of Dean Close Preparatory School will be singing; then there's its annual Christmas carol service on Sunday 22 December 2024 at 6pm, which welcomes everyone to attend to listen to the glorious music.
Swing into Christmas at Cheltenham Town Hall
With a 30-piece ensemble performing Christmas hits from the likes of Nat 'King' Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday and Frank Sinatra, don't miss Down for the Count's Swing into Christmas concert at Cheltenham Town Hall on Tuesday 3 December 2024.
The award-winning band are used to selling out the hottest jazz venues like Ronnie Scott's — and their incredible show packed full of Christmas classics and original arrangements is one of the highlights of the festive season in Cheltenham.
Christmas concert at Berkeley Castle
Berkeley Castle provides a showstopping setting for a Christmas concert, with its Great Hall playing host to Orchestra Pro Anima on Sunday 15 December 2024.
Led by highly-acclaimed violinist, Michael Bochmann MBE, the orchestra will perform a varied set which spans music from the Baroque era to the 20th century — and they'll be joined by acclaimed clarinetist, Robert Plane, for Mozart's Clarinet Concerto, too.
Maggie's Cheltenham carol concert
Raising money for much-loved charity, Maggie's, this year's candlelit carol concert features performances from the Beauregard Youth Choir, the Flowers Band, Maggie's own choir and none other than Giffords Circus.
The concert is taking place at Christ Church in Cheltenham on Tuesday 10 December 2024.
Candlelight Christmas at Blackfriars Priory in Gloucester
The atmospheric Blackfriars Priory in Gloucester is hosting two candlelit Christmas concerts on Saturday 21 December 2024.
The first concert features much-loved music from Christmas films like Home Alone, Love Actually, Elf, The Holiday and It's A Wonderful Life; with the second featuring Christmas pop hits from Wham!, Mariah Carey, Band Aid, Paul McCartney, Taylor Swift and Sia in a truly incredible location.
Cirencester Singers carol concert
The Cirencester Singers host their annual Christmas carol concert on Wednesday 4 December 2024 at The Parish of St John Baptist in Cirencester — and are joined by special guests Hawkesbury Choir and vocal harmony group Harmonia.
With an eclectic mix of choral music, musical theatre numbers and traditional Christmas carols, the audience is encouraged to join in and sing along!
Carol service steam train at Dean Forest Railway
Hop on board a steam train at the Dean Forest Railway for a festive ride through the forest, before heading off to St Mary's Church in Lydney for a Christmas carol service.
Departing from Norchard Station, the train will journey up to St Mary's Halt, where passengers will alight for the carol service and a glass of mulled wine, before getting back on board for the return journey — with the option to add on a Christmas afternoon tea or picnic box to enjoy on the way for a special festive treat.
Thames Head Singers carol service at Holy Trinity Minchinhampton
From 'Jingle Bells' to 'Ding Dong Merrily On High', The Thames Head Singers perform Christmas classics and traditional carols at the Holy Trinity Church in Minchinhampton on Saturday 21 December 2024.
There's pre-concert drinks available for some Christmas cheer — with audiences encouraged to bring along their best singing voices to join in with the carols.
The Long Table's Christmas Crackers by Candlelight in Stroud
Much-loved charity, The Long Table, is hosting an alternative Christmas concert in Stroud on Thursday 5 December 2024, promising a set list that's 'anything but ordinary'.
Ditching traditional hymns for hits, the Some Voices choir will be singing everything from The Beatles to Robbie Williams — with the kitchen open and serving up festive food on the night, too.
Stroud Choral Society carol service in Nailsworth
Stroud Choral Society's Christmas concert takes place on Friday 13 December 2024 at St George's Church in Nailsworth this year.
The adult choir and children's choir, the Minpins, will be singing together, providing an hour and a half of festive tunes to get you into the Christmas spirit.
