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There’s nothing better to get you in the festive mood than singing along to your favourite Christmas carols and songs.
We’ve got 10 of the top Christmas concerts in Kent this December so you and your family can enjoy a good ol' fashioned sing-song.
Richard Durrant’s Candlelit Christmas Tour
World-class guitarist and composer Richard Durrant has been taking his Christmas show on the road since 2005. This year, he returns with a stunning festive concert of folk music, traditional carols and intimate guitar playing. Richard will be joined on tour by former Canterbury Cathedral chorister Brian Gulland, brothers Django and Felix, and vocalist Amy Kakoura, who will be celebrating her 10th Christmas tour this year.
When: Saturday, December 3 at the Trinity Theatre in Tunbridge Wells. Book online here.
Tickets: £20, excluding booking fees.
Dartford Symphony Orchestra Christmas Concert
The Dartford Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Cormac Dorrian, will be entertaining audiences with a set of classical Christmas music and family-friendly carols. The orchestra, joined by guest singer Natasha Kissane-Moore, will perform two versions of Sleigh Ride, excerpts from the Nutcracker Suite by Tchaikovsky, It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas and more.
When: Saturday, December 10 at the Mick Jagger Centre in Dartford. Book online here.
Tickets: £17 per adult, can be purchased on the door.
A Swingin' Christmas with the Len Phillips Swing Orchestra
Hear big band classics from the likes of Bing Crosby and Michael Bublé, all performed by a top orchestra. This Christmas, the Len Phillips Swing Orchestra will be joined by Gary Williams, star of the West End’s Rat Pack, and jazz singer Julia Sullivan for a festive, family show. The concert will also feature holiday favourites such as Santa Claus is Coming to Town, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and Jingle Bells.
When: Sunday, December 11 at Benenden School, between Cranbrook and Tenterden. Book online here.
Tickets: £25, excluding booking fees.
Gravesham Choral Society Christmas Concert
This annual carol concert has been cancelled for the past two years due to Covid restrictions, so regular attendees will be pleased to hear it is returning this Christmas. The choir will be performing all your festive favourites, and you are welcome to sing along if the mood takes you. Also, for the first time this December, the choir will be performing Little Star of Bethlehem, a new carol written by Alan Vincent specially for the Gravesham Choral Society.
When: Wednesday, December 14 at St George’s Church in Gravesend. Book online here.
Tickets: £10, excluding booking fees.
Kent Police Male Voice Choir Christmas Concert
The Kent Police Male Voice Choir, a Maidstone-based choir who have been performing charity concerts around the county since 1978, will be presenting their Christmas concert in Tenterden this December. The programme will have something for everyone, from traditional carols to much-loved sing-along songs. There will also be a raffle, refreshments and a retiring collection.
When: Saturday, December 17 at St Mildred’s Church in Tenterden. Entry is free, no need to book.
Maidstone Wind Symphony
Join this Maidstone Wind Symphony for a wonderfully festive afternoon. The group will be performing a Christmas concert of live music in Maidstone, featuring everything from classic hits to the Frozen soundtrack. To give it an extra special touch, there will also be an appearance from Elsa and a chance to have your photo taken with the Disney princess, as well as a mini indoor market and seasonal food and drink.
When: Saturday, December 17 at Mote Hall in Maidstone. Book online here.
Tickets: £12 per person.
Rochester Cathedral’s Christmas Carol Concert
Enjoy a traditional Christmas carol concert in one of Kent’s historic towns. The beautiful Rochester Cathedral will be filled with the sounds of its renowned choir performing beloved carols. The whole family is welcome to soak up the delightful festive atmosphere, while audiences will be encouraged to sing along to their favourite songs throughout the concert.
When: Saturday, December 17 at Rochester Cathedral. Book online here.
Tickets: £20 per adult, seating is unreserved.
A Celtic Christmas
This entertaining festive show combines traditional music and Irish dance for a fun-filled Celtic celebration. Follow two star-crossed lovers as they dance below the mistletoe to some of the biggest and best Christmas songs, from heart-warming carols to chart-topping hits. This all-singing, all-dancing extravaganza is brought to Sevenoaks by A Taste of Ireland, who recently completed a sell-out run of Australian shows.
When: Monday, December 19 at The Stag in Sevenoaks. Book online here.
Tickets: £25.90, excluding booking fees.
Carols in the Courtyard
Get into the festive spirit with a visit to Ightham Mote. This National Trust property will be decked out in Tudor decorations and filled with sparkling lights and seasonal sounds. To top it all off, the Hospice in the Weald Community Choir and the Musical Memories Choir will be performing a Christmas concert in the grounds of the medieval manor house this December.
When: Thursday, December 22 at Ightham Mote in Sevenoaks. Book online here.
Tickets: This event is free with an admission ticket to Ightham Mote.
Canterbury Cathedral Carol Service
Get ready for the big day with a delightful carol service inside England’s oldest cathedral. This Canterbury carol concert is a highlight of the festive calendar for many, offering a traditional carol service from the Cathedral Choir. There will be music and readings performed by candlelight, surrounded by the stunning architecture of this historic building.
When: Friday, December 23 and Saturday, December 24 at Canterbury Cathedral. Entry is free, no need to book.