Christmas music
'No words can express its exquisite delight': the work that caused traffic jams at its Dublin premiere
In 1742 Handel's Messiah made its debut in Dublin to much acclaim - but why did the composer choose Ireland over London? George Pratt and Terry Blain explain
The Snowman: A guide to the music of this festive classic - and who actually sang 'Walking in the Air'
Odds are that you know this music, but what were the circumstances behind its composition? And who actually sings 'Walking in the Air' on the original film soundtrack? Here is our guide to the music of a festive classic
Christmas jazz songs: 12 of the best
From Ella Fitzgerald to Elvis Presley, here's our handpicked selection of the best Christmas jazz songs
Britten’s A Ceremony of Carols: the story behind it and its best recordings
Jeremy Pound takes a look at one of Britten's most popular festive works, A Ceremony of Carols
Best Christmas jazz albums
Read our list of some of the best Christmas jazz albums ever released. Did your favourite make the cut?
Christmas music origins: how did festive music start?
Roderick Swanston investigates how Christmas music started and what gives it its festive air
Best Christmas classical music
What is the perfect Christmas music to get oneself into the festive spirit? We ask ten of our writers to name the Christmas music they couldn’t imagine Yuletide without
Christmas musicals: ten of the best
As if Christmas wasn’t bright and cheery enough without having a song and dance about it as well… Here's our rundown of the very best Christmas musicals on stage and screen.
The 47 best Christmas carols of all time
Here's a list of the best-ever Christmas carols for the festive season, as voted for by 50 top choral experts from across the UK and US. Do you agree with their choices?
Best Christmas concerts UK 2023
A round-up of the venues hosting live Christmas concerts and showcasing classical artists across the UK
André Rieu Christmas concerts in Maastricht: all you need to know
Where can you see the Dutch violinist, dubbed the ‘King of Waltz’, and his Johann Strauss Orchestra during this year’s festive season?
German Christmas carols: 7 of the best festive songs from Germany
Our round-up of the most popular German Christmas carols and songs
French Christmas songs: 8 of the best
Our round-up of the most famous French Christmas songs
The Sixteen's best Christmas recordings
The Sixteen is one of the best choirs in the world, with nearly 100 discs under its belt. Here are our favourite Christmas recordings
When was the first Christmas carol?
The first - and oldest - Christmas carol was written in the fourth century, says Jeremy Pound
10 unforgettable Christmas adverts with the best music
Our guide to the best Christmas adverts from the last few decades
The best recordings of The Christmas Story by Heinrich Schütz
Paul Riley turns his festive thoughts back to 1660s Germany, as he investigates which recordings of the early Baroque masterpiece, The Christmas Story, should be on your Christmas wish list
The best Christmas music programmes on BBC Radio and TV this year
Here's our selection of the best festive Christmas TV and radio this year, much of it with a classical flavour
Santa Claus songs: our favourite 10 that celebrate Father Christmas
Here are ten of the best-loved Christmas songs to feature Santa Claus, aka Father Christmas
Michael Bublé's Christmas songs: 5 of the best for the festive period
Immerse yourself in the best Christmas songs from Michael Bublé
Christmas songs for children: our favourite 10...
Are these the best Christmas songs for kids? Or did we miss your favourite?
The best Christmas classical music albums and recordings
A list of the best classical music CDs, records and recordings to add to your Christmas stocking this year
The best Christmas piano music
Here is our pick of the best and easiest Christmas music that you can play on the piano
Easy Christmas music for the violin
Ten well-loved Christmas carols and songs to help beginner violinists take part in the festive fun!