Take a break from the shopping to rediscover the true Christmas spirit, by singing some carols. Here's where you can across Kent:

ST MARY'S CHURCH, WEST MALLING

The Christmas Carol Concert on Wednesday, December 11 will be in support of the Heart of Kent Hospice and feature Peter Brice and his Vox Cantium Choir. There will be Yuletide music with carols old and new, readings and plenty of audience participation. The concert starts at 7pm, with doors open at 6.30pm. Entrance is free, with donations welcomed. Details at hokh.org, email fundraising@hokh.co.uk or call 01622 790195.

WHITSTABLE CHORAL SOCIETY CAROL CONCERT

Taking place on Saturday, December 14 at 7.30pm, at St Alphege Church, High Street Whitstable, the concert will be conducted by David Flood, with organist Spencer Payne. Tickets cost £8 and £3 for ages 12 to 18, with under 12s free. Tickets are available from Gatefield Sounds in Whitstable High Street, and Music Bay in Mortimer Street, Herne Bay.

MAIDSTONE CHORAL UNION, ALL SAINTS CHURCH

There will be a traditional Christmas carol service, with carols for the choir and the audience on Saturday, December 14. Wassail, Alexander L’Estrange’s modern carols, will also be performed. Tickets are available online at maidstonechoralunion.org.uk, from the tourist office at Maidstone Museum, on the door or from choir members.

KENWARD TRUST CAROL SERVICE, YALDING

The charity's annual Christmas Carol Service will be at St Peter and St Paul’s Church in Yalding on Saturday, December 14 at 3pm until 4.30pm. Find out more at kenwardtrust.org.uk or call 01622 814187.

HEMPSTEAD VALLEY CAROL CONCERT

The Gillingham centre is holding its traditional carol concert on Sunday, December 15. Stores will close at 4pm and the Marks and Spencer Mall will be the venue for the concert from 4.45pm, accompanied by the Medway Band. Local churches including Parkwood Christian Fellowship and school children from Deanwood Primary School, Rainham will be taking part in this family favourite. Details at hempsteadvalley.com

CAROLS IN THE OAST, MARDEN

There will be carols in the Oast at Little Mill Farm, Underlyn Lane, Marden, on Sunday, December 15 at 6.30pm, followed by mince pies and mulled wine. Kevin Deacon will be playing the old church organ, dubbed The Beast. Due to limited numbers, entry is by ticket only available for the Church Office in the Vestry Hall. Call 01622 831890 or email office@mardenchurch.org.uk

LEAF HOTEL, DOVER

Four local primary schools and the P&O choir will get together on Wednesday, December 18 from 5pm to 7pm to sing Christmas Carols. The schools are Priory Fields School, St Mary’s Church of England Primary School Dover, Whitfield Aspen School, and Langdon Primary School. The singing will be in the Grand Marquee at the hotel in Singledge Lane, Whitfield. The event is free and anyone can come along.

THE BARROW HOUSE, EGERTON

On Tuesday, December 17, there will be a Chorus of Carols in the bar at around 8pm. No booking is required, anyone can come along.

ALL SAINTS’ CHURCH, MAIDSTONE

The annual service of Seven Lessons and Carols by candlelight at All Saints’ Church in Mill Street, Maidstone, is on Saturday, December 21 at 4.30pm. It will feature Astley Brass, directed by Andrew Williamson with Lionel Marchant and Philip Horley on organ. There’s also a christingle service for families at 4pm on Christmas Eve. Details here.

CHRISTMAS AT THE FRIARS, AYLESFORD

There will be Carols by Candlelight on Friday, December 13. The traditional carol singing will be accompanied by the Medway Towns Brass Band and there will be rinks and mince pies on sale afterwards in the 13th century Pilgrims' Hall. Details here.

ROCHESTER CATHEDRAL

At Rochester Cathedral, there will be a festival of nine lessons and carols on Saturday, December 21 at 7.30pm and also on Saturday, December 22. A crib service will be held on Christmas Eve at 3pm. The Christmas services are un-ticketed but you'll need to and open to arrive in good time to get a good seat. Details can be found at rochestercathedral.org

CANTERBURY CATHEDRAL

There will be Christmas classics for the whole family to enjoy at a carol-singing service at the Cathedral. Youngsters over the age of two are welcome to join Canterbury Choral Society and Youth Choir on stage at 7pm on Saturday, December 14. Tickets are available at marlowetheatre.com

There will be a service with seven lessons and carols on Monday, December 23 at 7.30pm. The same service will be repeated on Christmas Eve at 3pm. For other services and to find out more visit canterbury-cathedral.org Look out for the impressive crib scene as you enter the Cathedral.

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