Come and Sing Nine Lessons and Carols, Oxford 20th December 2025

It’s Back — And More Joyful Than Ever!

By popular demand, our much-loved Come and Sing Nine Lessons and Carols day returns — and you’re invited to be part of the magic.

Join us for a heart-warming day of festive music-making, glorious food, and good company — all in the breath-taking surroundings of Balliol College, Oxford. This has become such a cherished tradition that, for many, it is Christmas.

Sing The Christmas You Love

Whether it’s the lovely harmonies of Once in Royal David’s City, the gentle hush of Silent Night, or the roof-raising glory of O Come All Ye Faithful, the peace of See Amid the Winter’s Snow and Away in a Manger, or the thrilling descant of Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, this is your chance to sing carols you know and adore.

And alongside these timeless classics, we’re adding a few special treats:

J.B. Dykes’ tender Sleep, Holy Babe
Lauridsen’s ethereal O Magnum Mysterium
Bach’s exquisite O Little One Sweet
John Gardner’s jazzy Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day
Pearsall’s beloved In Dulci Jubilo

Your Festive Day at a Glance

11:00am – Rehearsals begin
1:00pm – A traditional Christmas lunch in Balliol’s oak-panelled Great Hall, including wine or a non-alcoholic option
Afternoon 2:30pm – More singing (with tea and biscuits, of course)
6:00pm – Our full, traditional Service of Nine Lessons and Carols, shared with friends old and new

Balliol’s lovely chapel — where every seat faces inwards — makes for an intimate and communal singing experience. And just outside the college gates? A beautiful traditional Christmas market, perfect for that final festive flourish.

Not Just Notes — Real Music-Making

We don’t just sing the notes. We’ll guide you through vocal techniques, expression, and musicality to make every piece soar. This is about more than singing correctly — it’s about feeling the music, living the moment, and connecting with something bigger.

We want you to leave feeling uplifted, inspired, and filled with the true spirit of Christmas.

Details and Booking

Fee: £105.00
- Includes expert musical direction, all sheet music (yours to keep), a delicious Christmas lunch, and refreshments
- Deposit: £50.00 (non-refundable)
- Balance due one month before the event

This event sells out fast every year — and once you’ve experienced it, you’ll understand why. So please, book early to secure your place and avoid disappointment.

A Few Final Notes

We’ve chosen a Saturday close to Christmas to help avoid clashes with Sunday church commitments.
There’s no dress code — but festive jumpers are always welcome! Wear whatever makes you feel warm, comfortable, and Christmassy.

This is more than just a singing day. It’s a celebration of music, community, and joy — in the most magical of settings. Come and make it yours.

You could get a 10% discount on this event by joining the They Shall Laugh and Sing Alchemy Group