London's best carol services

Carols remind us that, beyond the frenzied shop-and-eatathon, there is still magic in the Christmas tradition. Almost all London's local parish churches hold services where you'll be welcome, but here are places to soak up the atmosphere, sing your heart out or listen to leading choirs.

Family-friendly services

One of the busiest West End venues is St Martin-In-The-Fields in Trafalgar Square. You have a choice of three early-evening services in the run-up to Christmas.

The Community Carol Service on Tue 16 Dec attracts nearby workers and the parish community. On Sun 21 Dec you can enjoy the traditional nine lessons and carols telling the story of the Nativity, and on Christmas Eve itself there's a family service. All three take place at 6.30pm and you're advised to arrive early (doors open 5.45pm). St Martin-In-The-Fields, Trafalgar Square, WC2 (020-7766 1100). www.stmartin-in-the-fields.org. All free.

For a spot of lunchtime harmony, head to Carols For Fleet Street on Fri 19 Dec, noon, at St Bride's on Fleet Street. This one-hour service, in what is still known as the journalists' church, is very popular, so arrive early. St Bride's, Fleet Street, EC4 (020-7427 0133). www.stbrides.com. Free.

Another lunchtime choice (and in a sumptuous setting) is the 'Sing-in' at Southwark Cathedral. The celebration, on Tue 16 Dec, 12.45pm, caters to local office workers, and the Dean Of Southwark tends to call in on the congregation to read or sing a solo (so be warned). There's also a candlelit service of lessons and carols (not for children) on Sun 21 Dec, 6.30pm. Another laid-back affair at the cathedral - this time specifically catering to young children - is the Building Of The Crib service on Christmas Eve at 4pm. Southwark Cathedral, London Bridge, SE1 (020-7367 6700). www.dswark.org. Free.

Atmosphere and music

The main service at the beautiful Byzantinestyle Westminster Cathedral in Victoria Street features the Cathedral Choir and Southern Sinfonietta. This ticket-only event takes place on Thur 18 Dec, 7.30pm. Westminster Cathedral, Victoria Street, SW1 (0870 4000 700). www.westminstercathedral.org.uk. £6-£35.

St Paul's Cathedral hosts The Celebration Of Christmas service on Thur 18 Dec, 6.30pm, featuring celebrity readers, St Paul's Cathedral Choir (recently returned from their US tour) and the City Of London Sinfonia conducted by St Paul's director of music, John Scott. There are family carols on Sat 20 Dec, 1pm, and on Sun 21 Dec, 6pm, you can hear Messiaen's La Nativite du Seigneur. On Tue 23 Dec, 1.15pm, the choristers perform Britten's Ceremony Of Carols. St Paul's Cathedral, St Paul's Churchyard, EC4 (020-7236 4128). www.stpauls.co.uk. All free.

Another must for music is Spitalfields Winter Festival. Most events take place in Shoreditch Church and music highlights are the free Community Carol Service featuring local schoolchildren on Mon 15 Dec, 5.30pm, and the gospel finale, Hallelulah!, sung by the London Adventist Chorale on Fri 19 Dec, 7pm. Both are at Shoreditch Church, Shoreditch High Street, E1. Spitalfields Winter Festival, various concerts until Fri 19 Dec (020-7377 1362). www.spitalfieldsfestival.org.uk. £4-£20.

If you're in full voice, head to the Royal Albert Hall, where concerts in the run-up to Christmas have plenty of chances to join in. The Christmas Carol Sing Along on Sat 20 Dec, 2pm & 5pm, is led by pianist and TV presenter, Jonathan Cohen, while Carols By Candlelight on Sun 21 Dec, 8pm, Tue 23 Dec, 7.30pm andWed 24 Dec, 2.30pm & 7pm, creates a sumptuous setting, with orchestra and performers in 18th-century dress. Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, SW7 (020-7589 8212). www.royalalberthall.com. £8-31 (£2.95 booking fee).

Alternative events

If you want to sing along (but not necessarily in a church), Sutton House is holding an evening of mulled wine and song in its central courtyard on Fri 12 Dec, 5.30pm. Sutton House, 2-4 Homerton High Street, E9 (01494 755 572). www.nationaltrust.org.uk. £5, child £3.

The Royal Star & Garter Home on Richmond Hill holds a sell-out event each year with mulled wine, mince pies and carols. On Sat 13 Dec,

6.30pm, proceedings are led by Richmond Youth Orchestra and soprano Sharon Selman. Royal Star & Garter Home, Richmond Hill, Richmond, Surrey (020-8948 8865). www.starandgarter.org. £10.

For a truly alternative singalong, head to the V&A on Wed 17 Dec, 6.30pm, for the Late View Christmas Concert. Vox Cordis choir are handling the traditional stuff, while celebrated Madame Jojo's drag diva Kitty Cartier will be shaking her sequinned stuff for yule. Victoria And Albert Museum, Exhibition Road, SW7 (020-7942 2000). www.vam.ac.uk. Free.