It’s no secret that most of us will be experiencing a quieter and less social Christmas than usual. For those that would still like to engage as much as possible with the Christmas spirit,why not pop on an online carol service? There are a myriad of live and pre-recorded services that can be watched or listened to at your leisure. Here are some of the best.

Online carol service

This simple service is a traditional one with carols and readings.

PWC Carol Service 2020

Includes a Zoom choir, readings and prayers, and an appeal to raise money for Southwark Cathedral.

The Hallé An online Christmas performance available from Sunday 20 December. A classical concert of Christmas favourites from Manchester’s orchestra, founded by Sir Charles Hallé in 1858.

Sarah Brightman – A Christmas Symphony, 20 December, 7.30pm

Sarah Brightman reunites with Andrew Lloyd Webber for her first ever live-streamed concert, A Christmas Symphony, from London’s Christ Church Spitalfields. Tickets, which will raise funds for the Global FoodBanking Network, can be purchased via the link below. The stream will be available to ticket holders for 48 hours.

Salisbury Cathedral

The cathedral has moved all of its services online, so you can enjoy celebrations from the comfort of your own home. Head over to see what is on offer, including carols on 22 December (available for a month after the livestream).

Alzheimer’s Society carols

To help boost the spirits of the nation, the Alzheimer’s Society hosted an evening of virtual festivities on Thursday 17th December. You can re-watch on their YouTube channel. Expect Christmas songs the whole family will love, plus a performance by musician and composer Paul Harvey.

St Paul’s Cathedral

The cathedral has a range of services that are available online. Their carol advent service is available to play at your leisure.

Carols from King’s

This year the famous carol service will be sung in an empty chapel due to the pandemic, but you can still enjoy the sublime sounds of Once in Royal David’s City and more. Tune in to listen live at 3pm on Radio 4, Christmas Eve. The service is also broadcast at 2pm on Radio 3 on Christmas Day.