Joy to the world: the best carol services around the UK

Candlelight Christmas Concert with Wells Cathedral Choir

Wells Cathedral has a rich musical traditional dating back centuries, with its choir (widely considered one of the finest child choirs in the world) having celebrated its 1,100th birthday in 2009. Amongst its most popular events are the annual candlelight concerts, which sees the spectacular medieval building atmospherically illuminated with hundreds of flickering flames. Book your tickets as early as possible to guarantee entry for either of the two nights.

20 and 21 December; Wells Cathedral, Cathedral Green, Wells, Somerset, BA5 2UE; wellscathedral.org.uk

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Christmas with Durham Cathedral Choir

The Durham Cathedral Choir will be joined by the Reg Vardy Band, an award-winning brass ensemble from the North East, for its annual Christmas celebration taking in an evening of carols and seasonal music. For pre-concert refreshment on the day, the on-site Undercroft Restaurant is also putting on a three-course festive menu for £25. It features traditional favourites including roast turkey with all the trimmings and Christmas pudding with brandy custard. There is also a mulled wine reception.

9 December; Durham Cathedral, The College, Durham, DH1 3EH; durhamcathedral.co.uk

The Holly Bough Carol Service at Liverpool Cathedral

For a service more out of the norm, this act of worship has been specially devised for Liverpool Cathedral. Alongside a programme of readings and popular carols, a procession, beginning with a crown of holly and laurel leaves lit by candles, makes its way from the west of the cathedral to the High Altar at the east. It marks the forthcoming celebrations of Jesus's birth as Christmas Day approaches.

17 December; Liverpool Cathedral, St James' Mount, Liverpool, L1 7AZ; liverpoolcathedral.org.uk

Children and the Arts Carol Concert at Holy Trinity Church

This star-studded event is all in aid of a good cause, supporting Children and the Arts, a charity that reaches out to disadvantaged communities that miss out on creative and cultural experiences. Classic FM presenter Aled Jones will host an evening featuring music from soprano Carly Paoli, soul singer Shaun Escoffery, violinist Jennifer Pike and pianist Nigel Hess, accompanied by a string ensemble from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Meanwhile, readings will be conducted by familiar faces including actors Felicity Jones, Adrian Lester and Brian Blessed.

4 December; Holy Trinity Church, Sloane Square, London, SW1X 9BZ; childrenandarts.org.uk