The Royal Albert Hall is determined to make Christmas 2020 an unforgettable one.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to London’s move to Tier 3 restrictions, the Royal Albert Hall has had to cancel all performances for the rest of the year, including online events. All ticket holders will be contacted directly about refunds.
Truthfully, I suspect we all won’t be forgetting Christmas 2020 in a hurry, but the Royal Albert Hall are certainly doing their bit to make this Yuletide every bit as magical as any normal Christmas. The venerable hall has been the home of Christmas in London for closing in on 150 years, and they aren’t going to let the pandemic stop that. The Royal Albert Hall will reopen to the public this December, ready and waiting to admit punters to their brilliant socially-distanced lineup of shows.
Music, merriment, and an essential visit from Santa form the hallmark of the Hall’s winter programme, creating a safe and comfortable environment that skips none of the Christmas cheer. Though the Royal Albert Hall will be operating with a reduced capacity, it won’t be lacking any of the festive fun – and for those who can’t make it to the Hall, they’re planning to stream selected festive events straight to your home, so that no-one need miss out. Here’s what’s on offer in 2020!
Storytime with Father Christmas (December 5 – 18)
Obviously, you simply cannot have Christmas without Santa. So, in a welcome bid to keep the kids (and lockdown-wearied parents) happy this Yuletide, the Royal Albert Hall have transformed part of the Hall into Santa’s magical grotto. It’s an all new experience this year, and with every Covid-19 precaution taken, it’s time to explore Santa’s London pad. You can reserve a place here.
Christmas with the Royal Choral Society (December 9)
Returning to the Royal Albert Hall this year is an absolute Christmas cracker, as the Royal Choral Society, accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, put on a show of carols both old and new. Honestly, it’s just not Christmas until the Royal Albert Hall is filled with the sounds of Hark! The Herald Angels Sing! Book your tickets here.
Guy Barker’s Big Band Christmas (December 11)
Back for a fifth year, Guy Barker’s Big Band Christmas puts the swing into Christmas! Expect big band hits and special guests aplenty as this festive favourite rocks back into town, with toe-tapping tunes aplenty. You can find your tickets here.
My Christmas Orchestral Adventure (December 13)
Kids can get their first taste of a live orchestra this Christmas, as My Christmas Orchestral Adventure puts a fun, family-friendly spin on a traditional orchestral concert. It could spark a lifelong love affair with music, but with only one performance this December, you’ll need to pick up some tickets quickly!
Handel’s Messiah (December 15)
Further musical magic comes with Handel’s Messiah, a much-loved annual treat that will be performed by the Philharmonia Chorus and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. The sacred oratorio is a staple of the Royal Albert Hall’s winter season, and special guest vocalists Francesca Chiejina, Katie Bray, Trystan Llyr Griffiths, and Dingle Yandell will help make it a memorable night. You can pick up tickets here.
Carols at the Royal Albert Hall (December 18 – 23)
Last, but by no means least, we come to the crown jewel of any Royal Albert Hall winter season. The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Royal Choral Society, and the National Youth Choirs of Great Britain are once again teaming up for an evening of the nation’s favourite carols. It’s an unmissable treat, so find your tickets here.
Despite all the challenges and setbacks 2020 has brought, there’s still time to end the year with a festive celebration like no other. Plus, the Royal Albert Hall is operating a Covid-19 refund and exchange policy, which allows you to book your tickets with confidence. You can see the full lineup of socially-distanced and streamed events on their website, but one thing’s for sure: there won’t be a dull moment at the Royal Albert Hall this December!