Carols from King’s 2025: A Treasured Christmas Eve Tradition Returns

The Magic of Carols from King’s

Carols from King’s is shown on BBC Two on Christmas Eve, bringing the enchanting sounds of the King’s College Choir, Cambridge, to millions of viewers across the United Kingdom and beyond. This year marks another milestone in a tradition that has captivated audiences for seven decades, with the 2024 service marking the seventieth anniversary of the first Carols from King’s service being broadcast on BBC TV.

What Makes This Service Special

This event is a traditional Christmas celebration in the beautiful, candlelit Chapel of King’s College. The Christmas story is shared through readings from the King James Bible and poetry, along with carols sung by the famous choir and congregation. The service opens with one of the most iconic moments in British Christmas broadcasting: a single boy chorister sings the first verse of the hymn “Once in Royal David’s City” without any accompaniment.

It’s important to note that Carols from King’s is distinct from A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, which is a carol service pre-recorded for BBC television, also broadcast on Christmas Eve. “Carols from King’s” is a BBC television programme that is recorded in early December and shown on Christmas Eve.

How to Watch in 2025

UK based BBC licence-fee payers can watch the programme on Christmas Eve on BBC2 and for 12 months following the broadcast, on BBC iPlayer. For those planning their Christmas Eve viewing, the broadcast typically airs at 6 p.m. GMT, with a repeat showing on Christmas Day morning.

The King’s College Choir continues to delight audiences with new musical offerings as well. The Choir of King’s College, Cambridge, released a new album for Christmas 2025, featuring a selection of arrangements and original works for choir and orchestra.

Why This Tradition Endures

Carols from King’s remains a cherished part of British Christmas celebrations, offering viewers a moment of tranquillity and spiritual reflection amidst the holiday festivities. The combination of sublime choral music, stunning Gothic architecture, and timeless readings creates an atmosphere that resonates with both religious and secular audiences alike. Whether you’re continuing a family tradition or discovering this broadcast for the first time, Carols from King’s 2025 promises to deliver the same magic that has made it an essential part of Christmas Eve for generations.