A special broadcast of readings and carols for Christmas
A special broadcast of readings and carols for Christmas
9 April 2021. Following the death of His Royal Highness, there will be changes to opening hours for the gardens at Hampton Court Palace and Hillsborough Castle. For further information, please read our FAQs page
Join us online for a special service of Nine Lessons and Carols from the palaces to celebrate the festive season.
Featuring the choirs of the Chapels Royal at Hampton Court Palace and the Tower of London, together with some special guests, this is a Christmas tradition shared with you in a new and unique way. With glorious music and readings, experience the spirit of Christmas with viewers around the world and help Historic Royal Palaces and the Chapels Royal keep the spirit of the palaces alive. You can view the Order of Service here (PDF)
The broadcast is free to view, but we ask you to make a donation in support of the event if you can. It is available to watch again until midnight on 4 January 2021.
How to watch the broadcast
It’s been a difficult year for all of us, and no one expects this Christmas season to be like ones we have known before.
We ask those that can help to donate in support of the costs of organising and broadcasting the service and help us to keep the spirit of the palaces alive for everyone.
Historic Royal Palaces faces a loss of more than £100m because of the pandemic. We generate all our own funds, and the long-term impact of the pandemic on travel and tourism means we face an uncertain future.
To make a donation, please include the amount you wish to give e.g. CAROL 10. You can give 5, 10, 15 or 20 pounds.
Text CAROL and the amount you wish to donate to 70460
Texts cost the amount of your donation plus one standard rate message.
Your support will help us to continue our care for the palaces and to bring them to life through education, exhibitions and events.
Donate onlineAmerican citizens can donate in USD to Historic Royal Palaces, Inc., an independent 501(c)3 non-profit working in partnership with Historic Royal Palaces. Donations to Historic Royal Palaces Inc., are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Donate in US dollars via PayPalChristmas Carols from the Palaces is an event in support of Historic Royal Palaces, Her Majesty’s Chapel Royal at Hampton Court Palace, and Her Majesty’s Chapels Royal at the Tower of London. Donations (net proceeds) will be shared equally among Historic Royal Palaces, the Chapel Royal at Hampton Court Palace and The HM Tower of London Chapels Royal Foundation, (Registered Charity No. 1160859).
The broadcast was recorded in early December and observed the social distancing measures current at that time.