The Field Christmas

There is something about Christmas traditions that transcends even the most Scrooge-like demeanour. Whether in town or country, there are some that a proper Field Christmas cannot be without. Alexandra Henton picks the best of this season’s festivities

- Alexandra Henton

IN TOWN

CAROL CONCERTS

THROUGHOUT DECEMBER

From the Asthma UK carol service at St Luke’s on Sydney Street (3 December) to the Army Benevolent Fund’s service in the Chapel of the Royal Hospital Chelsea (10th), the festive sing along at the Royal Albert Hall (21st-24th) or carols by candlelight at St John’s Smith Square (10th), a proper London carol concert, where readers can spot stars of stage and screen, and superb music, is a festive must. Pick your charity, your church and book tickets in advance, the most popular sell out swiftly. The Supporting Wounded Veterans carol concert at St Columba’s on Pont Street (3rd) even comes with free entry to Loulou’s at 5 Hertford Street afterwards, by kind invitation of Robin Birley. Many tickets can be found by searching for ‘carol concert’ location ‘London’ on eventbrite. Tel [phone]; eventbrite.co.uk; Tel [phone]; soldierscharity.org Tel [phone]; tickets.royalalberthall.com Tel [phone]; sjss.org.uk

CHELSEA PENSIONERS

Keep eyes peeled for the Chelsea Pensioners, who sing carols around the capital for free (to raise funds). The recent winner of Britain’s Got Talent was a Chelsea Pensioner. Tel [phone]; chelsea-pensioners.co.uk/christmas-events

OLYMPIA HORSE SHOW

16-22 DECEMBER

Taking place the week before Christmas, Santa appears every evening and pony-mad smalls leave enraptured. And grown-ups can still thrill at the sight of John Whitaker jumping a round in this fabled ring. It’s the perfect chance to shop for equine goodies, too. Tel [phone]; olympiahorseshow.com

THE NUTCRACKER