In Sweden, Christmas celebrations start on December 13 with Sankta Lucia day. A Christian feast day dating back to the 4th century, it commemorates Lucia of Syracuse, who is believed to have brought food to Christians hiding in Roman catacombs, lighting her way with a candlelit wreath on her head. Today, it has evolved into a magical festival of light, marked by candlelit processions led by a girl or young woman chosen to portray Sankta Lucia. The Ulrika Eleonora Swedish Church in London and its wonderful choir are bringing their traditional service of prayers and music to three cathedrals in the capital, including Westminster Cathedral in Victoria. As one of the most atmospheric church buildings in London – its ceiling like a vast dark sky – this is the perfect setting for a celebration of light emerging from the darkness.
A Winter Union, Kings Place
Where: Kings Place, 90 York Way, London N1 9AG
When: December 12, 8pm
Website: kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/folk/a-winter-union-3
Originally formed a decade ago, A Winter Union is a British folk and roots supergroup of five musicians who come together during the festive period. They will be playing across the UK (see details of their full tour here) and their London gig is taking place at Kings Place in King’s Cross, in the same building as The Guardian offices. Jade Rhiannon, Katriona Gilmore, Jamie Roberts, Hannah Sanders and Ben Savage will be singing and playing the mandolin, fiddle, guitar, dulcimer, shruti box and dobro as they perform carols, wassails and winter songs both old and new. ‘We’ve long looked upon our December tour as a kind of month-long Christmas party,’ says Ben Savage, ‘There’s always such a brilliant feeling in the room at gigs around that time of year and we just feed on it.’ You’re sure to leave with the warmest of glows – and ready to book your tickets for the following year.
The Gesualdo Six, Sinfonia Smith Square
Where: Sinfonia Smith Square, London SW1P 3HA
When: December 17, 7pm
Website: sinfoniasmithsq.org.uk/event/veni-emanuel
For an inspiring and imaginative take on traditional sacred music, head to Smith Square Hall in Westminster to hear The Gesauldo Six’s Christmas concert titled Veni Emmanuel. This all-male group formed in 2014 for a performance of Gesualdo’s Dark Responsibilities in Cambridge and has gone on to delight audiences around the world. Under the direction of talented composer and conductor Owain Park, they will sing a varied programme of choral works through the centuries, some in their original form and some cleverly reimagined, alongside recent compositions including Owain’s own setting of I wonder as I wander and Kerensa Briggs’ A Tender Shoot. There will be some familiar favourites, too, from Veni, Veni Emmanuel (which gives the concert its name) to John Rutter’s Wexford Carol.
The Kingdom Choir, Cadogan Hall
Where: Cadogan Hall, 5 Sloane Terrace, London SW1X 9DQ
When: December 8, 7.30pm
Website: cadoganhall.com/whats-on/the-kingdom-choir-a-kingdom-christmas-2025
