There is nothing more likely to lift the seasonal spirits and celebrate Christmas than a carol concert. SIMONPARKIN offers a guide to some of the places to enjoy festive sounds.

MUSICA DONUM DEI

St Andrew's Church, Norwich, December 10, 7.30pm, �12.50 (�10 cons), �5 children, under-10s free, 01603 628319, www.musicadonumdei.org

Musica Donum Dei is a leading professional period-instrument ensemble. They are noted for our imaginative programmes, which aim to create the spirit of the age in lively and imaginative ways, so this, their first festive concert in Norwich, should be special. The programme includes much loved favourites such as Vivaldi's Winter from the Four Seasons, Corelli's famous Christmas Concerto and extracts from Handel's Messiah. It also includes beautiful French, German and English carols from 15th to 18th centuries.

A CATHEDRAL CHRISTMAS

Norwich Cathedral, December 17, 7.30pm, �8 (�5 cons), 01603 218450

What place can there be to celebrate Christmas than Norwich Cathedral and there are several carol concerts through the festive period. Norwich Cathedral Consort, directed by David McKee, present a programme of Christmas music on December 17, including Vaughan Williams' Fantasia Christmas Carols, Holst's Christmas Day and music by Palestrina, Howells and Lauridsen. Other carol services include: The Cathedrals Express Steam Train Carol Service on December 19 (3pm), Community Carol Singing on December 20 (3.30pm), Christmas Procession with Carols on December 22 (7pm) and 24 (3.30pm).

ANGLIAN SINGERS CHRISTMAS CONCERT

St George's Church, Colegate, Norwich, December 19, 7.30pm, �6, �4 children, 01362 820532, www.angliansingers.org.uk

The Anglian Singers choir is a mixed voice choir of about 30 members and specializes in both a cappella and accompanied singing of both sacred and secular works. This is their second concert of Christmas music and carols, both old and new. Their will also be some audience participation too.

FESTIVAL OF CHRISTMAS BY CANDLELIGHT

St Thomas' Church, Earlham Road, Norwich, December 17, 7.30pm, �5 adv/�6.50 door, 01603 612588

Festival of Christmas by Candlelight concert conducted by Jason Collins including Framingham Earl Singers, Cantaria Girls Choir and the Larks Quartet. Local soloists will include baritone John Simmons.

FAMILY CHRISTMAS CONCERT

St Peter Mancroft Church, Norwich, December 17, 6pm, �6 (�4 cons), vivavocesingersnorwich.org.uk

Joint winners of the 2011 BBC Radio Norfolk Choir of the Year competition, the Viva Voce Singers host this Family Christmas Concert in aid of Mancroft Advice Project.The Norwich-based chamber choir of around 25 singers has a reputation for high quality performances. The programme of this festive special will include carols, poems and some audience participation.

SWINGING INTO CHRISTMAS

The Forum, Norwich, December 18, 7.30pm, �12.50 (�10.50 cons), 01603 630000, www.theforumnorwich.co.uk

Jonathan Wyatt and his Big Band will once again be raising the roof of The Forum in Norwich, with a sparkling blend of well-known jazz, Christmas favourites and dancehall classics. This toe-tapping evening of seasonal nostalgia is guaranteed to put you in a festive mood.

MIXED VOICE CHRISTMAS SHOW

Music Room, Assembly House, Norwich, December 18 (2.30pm/7.30pm) and December 22 (7.30pm), �9 adv/�11 door, 01603 628319, www.mixedvoice.co.uk

Mixed Voice offer a festive journey through your favourite Christmas songs. There will be something for all ages – from traditional carols such a Silent Night, through the hits of Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra and the other Christmas crooners, to Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree. The shows will feature specially arranged solos, duets and groups songs, as well as the 25-strong Mixed Voice choir, backed by a live band. Last year it played to sell-out audiences and rave reviews.

MESSIAH

Norwich Theatre Royal, December 18, �36-�6.50, 01603 630000, www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk

Handel's remarkable oratorio Messiah, with its vivid portrayal of biblical scenes and high emotional charge, is a staple in many people's Christmas musical diet. In this performance a stellar line-up of soloists, including soprano Elin Manahan Thomas, countertenor Iestyn Davies, tenor Robert Murray and bass-baritone Matthew Brook join the Britten Sinfonia and its professional new vocal ensemble Britten Sinfonia Voices.

FAMILY CHRISTMAS CONCERT

St Andrews Hall, Norwich, December 20, 7.30pm, �13-�7, under-26s �5, 01603 628319, www.norwichphil.org.uk

Norwich Philharmonic's hugely popular and wonderfully sing-along seasonal annual Christmas concert once again at St Andrew's Hall. The large orchestra, complemented with glorious chorus, will this year perform a programme that will include festive favourites ancient and modern and Christmas carols. Conducted by David Dunnett, with guest appearances by Norfolk Brass and the City of Norwich School Chamber Choir.

DON'T MISS

Concert for Christmas

St Mary the Virgin, Martham, December 10, 7.30pm, �6, �2 children, 01493 740093

The Norfolk Broads Concert Band will be playing music for Christmas at St Mary in Martham.

Christmas Singing

St Martins Church, Overstrand, December 10, 3pm/5pm, 01263 579350

A Christmas celebration a variety of festive singing performed by local choirs and artists.

Great Hospital Carol Service

St Helen's, Bishopgate, Norwich, December 11, 10.30am, free admission, 01603 622022

Carols with the Choir of Norwich High School for Girls in St Helen's Church Bishopgate, within the grounds of the Great Hospital.

Carols in the Courtyard

Felbrigg Hall, December 18, 2.30pm-3.30pm, 01263 837444

Now a Christmas tradition at Felbrigg, the carolsinging accompanied by Cromer and Sheringham Brass Band.