An evening of Christmas splendour that even Scrooge would find hard not to enjoy

Walking up to the Royal Albert Hall on a cold December night is, in and of itself, an experience that will make anyone feel the spirit of Christmas. So, the evening is already off to a good start as the audience, dressed in Christmas jumpers, sips and snacks on mulled wine and mince pies, take their seats in the iconic venue decorated in full Christmas splendour. The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra starts tuning their instruments, the National Youth Choir and the Royal Choral Society take their places. The conductor takes his place at the front of the orchestra, and the music begins. Christmassy music fills the air, and one starts to feel the mixture of nostalgia, longing, and happiness that only occurs during this time of year. 

Presenter Jess Gillam welcomes us and announces the evening’s pieces, including carols where the audience is encouraged to stand up and join in and beautiful renditions of Christmas classics by the professionals on stage, including soloist Cleopatra Rey. One of the highlights of the evening was the rendition of the Twelve Days of Christmas. Every section of the audience, from the balcony to the stalls to the arena, was given a day and told to stand up as a group when their part came around. It later devolved into screaming one’s bit, but was very fun nonetheless. 

Christmas is often a very challenging time of year, with familial tensions, financial stressors, and a general sense that this is a time when you are meant to be happy. If you aren’t, something is wrong with you. Many feel fatigue and malaise due to the exorbitant amount of gifts and food being purchased, as well as the old wounds that reopen when you spend too much time with your family. 

But this evening at the Hall is an excellent remedy for all that; it reinvigorates the whimsy, joy, and wonder that we lose as we get older. Singing carols in a beautiful hall with a group of cheery and joyful strangers gave me a sense of peace and community I hadn’t felt in a while. I recommend anyone who needs a little pick-me-up to go and enjoy the evening’s joyful cheer, delicious mulled wine, and lovely carols.