A festive service of music and readings, open to all.

Join us for an uplifting evening of traditional carols and Christmas readings in the stunning surroundings of St Bartholomew the Great Church – one of London’s oldest and most beautiful churches.

Led by the talented Barts The Great Choir, this much-loved event is a highlight of our festive calendar and a perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit.

The service will be followed by festive refreshments in the Church.

This free event is open to everyone – staff, patients, visitors and members of the public. You don’t need a connection to the hospital to attend. Come along to enjoy the music and soak up the atmosphere.

Event details

Date: Wednesday 16 December 2026

Time: 5.45pm

Location: St Bartholomew the Great Church, West Smithfield, London EC1A 9DS

In support of St Bartholomew’s Hospital Charitable Fund

This event supports the newly established St Bartholomew’s Hospital Charitable Fund (Charity number: 1211936), formed from the merger of the St Bartholomew’s Hospital Voluntary Board and the Rahere Association. The charity provides grants for patients and staff, equipment and services that directly support NHS care at Barts.

There are essential costs involved in delivering a service of this scale. If you are able to contribute, your donation would be greatly appreciated. To donate, please visit the Charities Aid Foundation and search for ‘St Bartholomew’s Hospital Charitable Fund.’

There will also be an opportunity to donate at the event.

Booking information

While this is a free event and tickets are not required for entry, we strongly encourage you to register in advance to help us plan for numbers.

Images: nurses decorating a Christmas tree in the square at St Bartholomew’s Hospital, circa 1920s, as patients join in the festive spirit, courtesy of the Barts Health Archives service; and, Bartholomew The Great Church, courtesy of greatstbarts.com.

Description supplied by the event organiser.