Annual Christmas Festival returns to the Barbican London

The annual Raymond Gubbay Christmas Festival returns to the Barbican London this December with a spectacular lineup of festive events, with something for everyone. Whether you enjoy Christmas films, classic carols, festive hits, or spine-tingling choirs, this festival promises to be the perfect addition to your holiday calendar.

Tickets are on sale at rg.live

From epic orchestral tributes to legendary film composers like Hans Zimmer and John Williams, celebrating the iconic music we all know and love, to cosy candlelit concerts, lively carol sing-alongs, and the highly anticipated Big Christmas Party, this celebration promises to enchant and entertain throughout the holiday season.

The month-long festive celebrations are the perfect way to revel in the Christmas spirit that we all love and will feature a mixture of performances, including from the likes of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the Glenn Miller Orchestra.

The Raymond Gubbay Christmas festival will also include The Big Christmas Party, featuring a blend of festive pop hits and traditional favourites, as well as four headline singers.

The action will kick off at the London Barbican on Saturday 7th December with A Gospel Christmasfeaturing the thrilling Flames Collective and run until Wednesday 1st January, when the New Year will be welcomed in with a celebration of classical favourites at the New Year’s Day Proms.

The schedule of events is as follows:

A Gospel Christmas – Saturday, 7th December at 7:30pmGet into the Christmas spirit with the Flames Collective, an electrifying gospel choir that has wowed audiences with their performances at the 2024 Brit Awards and the O2.

Christmas with King’s College Choir – Friday, 20th December at 7:30pmJoin the Choir of King’s College, Cambridge and the Crouch End Festival Chorus for a glorious evening of carols and festive classics. A family favourite.

Candlelit Carols – Saturday, 21st December at 2:30pmImmerse yourself in a stunning candlelit setting for a concert of carols and seasonal music.

Christmas Carol Singalong – Sunday, 22nd December at 2:30pm & 5:15pmJoin in the fun with a festive singalong. Carols and Christmas classics in a candlelit setting.

The Big Christmas Party – Monday, 23rd December at 7:30pmThe Big Christmas Party will boast a blend of festive pop hits and traditional favourites, featuring a dazzling live ensemble band, four headline singers TBA and incredible live music.

Glenn Miller Orchestra – Friday, 27th December at 2:30pmSwing back in time with the UK's most celebrated big band, the Glenn Miller Orchestra. Enjoy wartime hits and 1940s classics. John James joins Mark Porter and Ray McVay with a tribute to the Kings of Swing plus the Sing Time Jivers and The London Belles.

The Best of John Williams – Friday, 27th December at 7:30pmExperience the iconic scores of legendary composer John Williams with an awe-inspiring concert featuring music from Harry Potter, Star Wars, Jurassic Park, and more.

Beethoven’s Ninth – Saturday, 28th December at 7:30pmJoin the renowned Royal Philharmonic Orchestra for a thrilling performance of Beethoven’s monumental Choral Symphony, crowned by the climactic "Ode to Joy."

The Four Seasons by Candlelight – Sunday, 29th December at 2:30pmThe verve and virtuosity of the 18th century is brought to life in this enchanting concert staged in a candle-lit style setting with an evocative programme crowned by Vivaldi’s sublime masterpiece.

Music of the Movies: The Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones and Beyond – Sunday, 29th December at 7:30pmDive into the worlds of fantasy as a full symphony orchestra and choir perform music from The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, Game of Thrones, and more.

The Holiday with Live Orchestra – Monday, 30th December at 7:30pmExperience the heartwarming Christmas film The Holiday like never before with its score performed live by a full concert orchestra alongside the film.

The Music of Zimmer vs Williams – Tuesday, 31st December at 7:30pmIt’s the ultimate film score showdown as the London Concert Orchestra presents the best music from two of the greatest film composers of all time, Hans Zimmer and John Williams.

New Year’s Day Proms – Wednesday, 1st January at 3:00pmRing in the new year with a stirring celebration of classical favourites, including a complimentary drink.