If you’re looking for some traditional festive fayre to get yourself well and truly in the Christmas spirit, writes Nicola Lisle, then this selection of carol concerts across the city should do the trick. Many are family-friendly events, with lots of opportunities to sing along and then enjoy some seasonal refreshments. All events are free unless a contact number or website for tickets is given. This is only a sample of what’s on over the next few days – for a more detailed listing, visit www.oxfordmail.co.uk

*  Bartlemas Singers, CAROL CONCERT, Bartlemas Chapel, Cowley Road, Oxford. Tonight, 8pm Enjoy carols by candelight in this atmospheric chapel which, appropriately, was once a cattle shed. The chapel is not heated, so wear plenty of layers. It is also advisable to bring a torch as the lane leading to the chapel is dark.

* Christ Church Cathedral Choir, CHRISTMAS AT CHRISTCHURCH, Christ Church Cathedral. Tonight, 8pm. www.musicatoxford.com A second chance to catch this immensely popular annual event, which captures the essential spirit of Christmas with music, readings and audience carol-singing. This year’s star guest is film actor Oliver Tobias. With the world-famous cathedral choir, conducted by Stephen Darlington.

 * Jackie Oates/Rising Voices Community Choir, MIDWINTER CAROLS, Exeter College Chapel. Tonight, 7.30pm www.wegottickets.com Enjoy a carol concert with a difference. This folk-inspired evening, with Oxford’s award-winning folk singer/fiddle player Jackie Oates, is guaranteed to get you in the festive spirit with its traditional carols, tender lullabies and rousing choruses.

* Cathedral Singers of Christ Church, CHRISTMAS BY CANDLELIGHT, Christ Church Cathedral. Tomorrow, 8pm 01865 305305 or www.ticketsoxford.com The atmospheric setting of Christ Church Cathedral by candelight makes the perfect backdrop for festive music by Rutter, Whitbourn, Gabrieli and Willocks. Join in with favourite Christmas carols, and enjoy a glass of wine or juice in the cloisters during the interval (included in the ticket price). With organist David Bannister, directed by John Padley.

* Christ Church Cathedral Choir, JOURNEY TO BETHLEHEM, Christ Church Cathedral. Saturday, noon Follow the shepherds, angels, Mary and Joseph through the Cathedral to the crib and enjoy an hour-long service that is suitable for all ages, including young children.

* CAROLS AROUND THE TREE, St Giles Church, Oxford. Saturday, 4pm Another perfect event for youngsters. Come and sing favourite Christmas carols around the tree, take part in the Nativity and enjoy tea and mince pies.

* CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT, St Margaret of Antioch, Binsey, Saturday, 3.30pm A service of seven lessons and carols in the intimate setting of this ancient church. Look for St Margaret’s Well in the churchyard – the inspiration for Lewis Carroll’s ‘treacle well’ in Alice in Wonderland.

* Charivari Agréable, CHRISTMAS BY CANDLELIGHT, Exeter College Chapel. Saturday, 7.30pm 01865 305305 or www.ticketsoxford.com Enjoy a baroque Christmas with this exceptional early music ensemble. Featuring music by Handel, Purcell and Monteverdi, with favourite Christmas carols.

* CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT, St Giles Church, Oxford. Sunday, 6.30pm Another traditional service of Nine Lessons and Carols by candlelight, followed by mulled wine.

* Choir of St Mary Magdalen, CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT, St Mary Magdalen Church, Beaumont Street, Oxford. Sunday, 7.30pm The church’s professional choir, directed by Will Dawes, performs music by Ord, Sweelinck, Howells, Warlock, Dering and Leighton, and there will be carols for audience participation.

* Christ Church Cathedral Choir, SERVICE OF NINE LESSONS AND CAROLS, Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford Sunday, 6pm, and Christmas Eve, 3pm. This traditional service of Nine Lessons and Carols in the Cathedral is the perfect prelude to Christmas Day. Tickets were issued in advance in early December, but admission may be possible at the door on the day.

* Elsfield Singers, CAROL SERVICE, St Thomas of Canterbury, Elsfield. Sunday, 6pm Join the Elsfield Singers for a service of carols and readings in this atmospheric rural church, famous as the last resting place of John Buchan. Followed by seasonal refreshments.

* CRIB SERVICE, St Frideswide Church, Oxford. Christmas Eve, 3pm Come and see the crib being built, and hear the Christmas story in this family-friendly event.

* CRIB AND CHRISTINGLE SERVICE, St Clement’s Church, Oxford. Christmas Eve, 4pm A family-friendly service with carols and stories around the crib, and festive refreshments served afterwards. Includes a collection for The Children’s Society.

* CRIB SERVICE, St Nicholas Church, Marston, Oxford. Christmas Eve, 4pm A special service for pre-school children and their parents, grandparents and friends.

* FAMILY CAROL SERVICE, St Nicholas Church, Marston, Oxford. Christmas Eve, 6pm A service of music and readings for all the family. Featuring the Junior Choir, directed by choir founder James Kennard.

 * CHRISTMAS CRIB EUCHARIST, Parish Church of SS Mary and John, Oxford. Christmas Eve, 6pm A 50-minute family-friendly service with lots of carols and very little talk. Light your own candle at the crib, and take part in Holy Communion.