It’s starting to look a lot like Christmas. And to get into the spirit, what better way than attending a Christmas carol service, but with a difference. A number of pet charities and one church itself are hosting either dog-friendly Christmas carol services or services where you won’t be able to bring your dog but which proceeds will go to support animals in need. This is a handy list. [cover photo credits: Jim Kalligas]

Christmas Carols services for the dogs

Dog-friendly Christmas Carol services in London

Dogs Trust Carols

Credits: Dogs Trust

You don’t need to leave your dog at home to join Dogs Trust Carols, on Thrusday 5th December 2019 at Chelsea Old Church. Traditional carols and festive readings are followed by drinks and canapés in the adjoining Petyt Hall.

The event raises funds for the Hope Project, a scheme offering free vet care for dogs belonging to people who are homeless or in housing crisis.

• Dog policy: dogs welcome
• When: Thursday 5th December 2019, doors at 6pm | Carols at 6:30pm
• Where: Chelsea Old Church, Old Church Street, London SW3 5DQ
• Tickets: £35/£45 for adults, £10 for children, dogs are welcome at no additional charge
• Bookings and more info here

Dog-friendly Christmas carols at Hope Church

Hope Church, in Vauxhall, is hosting “Bark! The Herald Angels Sing”, a dog friendly Christmas Carol Service. A free event where to sing in the season and hear more about what Christmas is all about. At the event there will also be festive treats for people and pups and a prize for the pup that is the most merry and bright.

• Dog policy: dogs welcome
• When: Wednesday 11th December 2019, 7-8.30pm
• Where: Hope Church Vauxhall, 105 Tyers Street, SE11 5HS, London
• Price: Free
• Booking: Limited capacity, reserve your spot here

Non-dog-friendly Christmas carols raising funds for dogs in need

Credits: Jasmin Schuler

Battersea Christmas Carol Concert

Pet charity Battersea is hosting its annual Christmas Carol Concert in Chelsea again. The ranks of the guard of honour will be filled with Battersea dogs looking for forever homes, but unfortunately no dogs from the public are allowed at the event. Doors open at 7pm and as well as festive carols, mulled wine and mince pies, there will be goodie bags from Pet Pavillion. There will be also a stand with goods from Battersea.

• Dates: Thursday 5th December or Friday 13th December 2019, 7pm
• Where: St Luke’s Church, Sydney St, Chelsea, London SW3 6NH
• Price:£20
• Dog rules: No dogs allowed apart from Battersea own dogs in search for a new family.
• Further info and tickets here

Mayhew Carols at Christmas

Credits: Mayhew

Also this year, Mayhew is organising carols to raise funds for its furry occupants. The service will take place at St Giles-in-the-Fields, but unfortunately dogs are not allowed to attend.

Mince pies and mulled wine
Treats and gifts for you and your furry family members (that are not allowed to attend the event)
Raffle prize draw with some amazing prizes
Sing along with the wonderful St Giles-in-the-Fields choir
Special guest performances, including: Musical act by star of Red Dwarf, Danny John-Jules, who’s just returned from his one-man-show dedicated to the life of Sammy Davis Jr.
Reading by multi award winning actor Robert Powell, known for his role as Jesus Of Nazareth, the original Italian Job and Holby City.

• When: Tuesday 3rd December, 7-9pm
• Where: St Giles-in-the-Fields, 60 St Giles High Street, Soho, London, WC2H 8LG
• Price: £20 adults, £10 children and concessions
• Dog policy: No dogs
• Further info and tickets here

Credits: Jamie Street

RSPCA Christmas Carol concert

The annual Christmas concert for RSPCA will be hosted in the Church of St Andrew, Holborn in London on Tuesday, 3 December, from 6pm to 8pm. Host of the night will be RSPCA Ambassador and TV presenter Matt Johnson, and there will be special celebrity readers and the London International Gospel Choir who are best known for performing with Hugh Jackman, Take That and George Ezra.

Mulled wine and warm mince pies (included in the ticket price) after the concert.

• When: Tuesday 3 December 2019, 6-8pm
• Where: Church of St Andrew, 5 St Andrew Street, Holborn, London EC4A 3AF
• Price: £20 adult main pew, £10 child; £10 adult upper gallery restricted view, £5 child upper gallery restricted view
• Dog rules: We are currently confirming the applicable policy
• Further info and tickets here