“Carols from King’s” is the BBC’s much-loved Christmas Eve broadcast from the chapel of King’s College, Cambridge. It features a mix of readings and beautiful choral carols, ending with the memorable opening verse sung by a solo chorister. This program is different from the live radio service “A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols,” but both are broadcast on Christmas Eve and are easy to stream or listen to wherever you are.
Here’s how to watch “Carols from King’s” online from anywhere with a VPN — and potentially for FREE.
“Carols from King’s” lands on BBC Two at 6 p.m. GMT on Wednesday, December 24. It will also be available to watch on BBC iPlayer, with a repeat scheduled on Christmas Day at 8 a.m. on BBC Two.
• WATCH FREE — BBC Two / BBC iPlayer (U.K.)
• Watch anywhere — try NordVPN 100% risk free
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 always starts the same way. A single boy chorister sings the first verse of the hymn "Once in Royal David's City" without any accompaniment.
Prefer the live radio service? “A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols” broadcasts on BBC Radio 4 and the BBC World Service at 3.00 p.m. GMT on Christmas Eve, and is carried across North America by American Public Media affiliates.
Read on to find out how to watch “Carols from King’s” online, on TV and from anywhere.
How to watch 'Carols from King's' for FREE in the U.K.
How to watch 'Carols from King's' abroad
Thanks to the wonders of a VPN (Virtual Private Network), “Carols from King’s” should be available to Brits no matter where they are. The software allows your devices to appear to be back in your home country, regardless of where in the world you find yourself. Our favourite is NordVPN.
Using a VPN is incredibly simple.
1. Install the VPN of your choice. As we've said, NordVPN is our favourite.
2. Choose the location you wish to connect to in the VPN app. For instance, if you're outside the U.K. and want to access a U.K. service, you'd select U.K. from the list.
3. Sit back and watch the show. Head to BBC iPlayer to watch "Carols from King’s" online and on demand.
How to watch 'Carols from King's' around the world
Can I watch 'Carols from King's' in the United States?
Yes. “Carols from King’s” is available in the U.S. on BBC Select, which you can get via Amazon Prime Video Channels, the Apple TV app, and The Roku Channel.
If you’re a Brit in the States for work or on vacation, you can also catch the BBC Two/ iPlayer broadcast now by using a VPN such as NordVPN, choosing the U.K. from the list and selecting BBC iPlayer
Can I watch 'Carols from King's' online or on TV in Canada?
Yes. In Canada, the televised programme is available on BBC Select via Amazon Prime Video Channels, the Apple TV app, and The Roku Channel. In previous years, it has also appeared on BritBox, so it’s worth checking there as well.
Can I watch 'Carols from King's' online in Australia?
In Australia, “Carols from King’s” is typically available to stream on BritBox Australia shortly after the U.K. broadcast.
If you’re a Brit working or on vacation Down Under and you want to catch the BBC version, you can also use a VPN like NordVPN to access BBC iPlayer.
'Carols from King's' — Who's in it?
- King’s College Choir, Cambridge — the men and boy choristers
- Director of Music — Daniel Hyde
- The Dean of the Chapel — The Reverend Dr Stephen Cherry
- Readers — members of the College community
'Carols from King's' — FAQ
What is “Carols from King’s,” and how is it different from “A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols”?
“Carols from King’s” is a BBC television program that is recorded in early December and shown on Christmas Eve. It features a mix of readings and carols in the chapel, starting with a single chorister singing the first verse of “Once in Royal David’s City” without accompaniment. “A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols” is a different live radio service that airs at 3:00 p.m. GMT on Christmas Eve on BBC Radio 4 and the BBC World Service.
Who sings the iconic first solo of "Once in Royal David's City"?
A single boy chorister from the King’s College Choir opens the programme with the unaccompanied first verse. This tradition is part of what makes the event so special year after year.
Can I attend the service in person at King's College Chapel?
Seats for the live Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols are very limited and mostly given out through an annual ballot. There is also a standby queue on the day. Usually, only invited guests can attend the television recording.
Is the order of carols and readings the same every year?
The programme always begins with “Once in Royal David’s City.” Each year, the Director of Music chooses different carols and readings, and often adds a newly commissioned carol.
What else can I watch on BBC iPlayer?
There’s plenty to watch, from seasonal specials to top dramas and entertainment. You can enjoy on-demand box sets and live channels all year on BBC iPlayer. Open the app to see the latest highlights.
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