Looking for things to do at Christmas in London? Here are some ideas…
For some, Christmas is a time to flee the big city and bundle up at home. But for many of us, it’s the best time of the year to explore all that London has to offer. No season better sings the praises of our multicultural, multinational and multicoloured capital. Whether it’s the giant Christmas trees adorned with twinkling lights or buzzing highstreets that echo with buskers’ carols, getting out in London is a sure-fire way to feel the spirit of Christmas. If you’re looking to celebrate the season in style this year, read on for a range of festive suggestions, from cosy grottos to guided wreathmaking workshops or even a nutcracker inspired afternoon tea.
FESTIVE AFTERNOON TEA, CHRISTMAS DAY LUNCH AND SEASONAL COCKTAILS – A CLASSIC CHRISTMAS IN LONDON AT THE DORCHESTER
The Dorchester invites guests to experience the magic of a classic Christmas in London (as pictured above), launching festivities on 20 November 2021 as the hotel reveals its stunning festive décor. There will be a flurry of snowflakes on the hotel façade and a magnificent Christmas tree will stand next to a giant clock counting down to Christmas. Guests will once again be able to pen and post a letter to Father Christmas, or new for 2021, enjoy a hidden festive cinema snug showing a range of much-loved classic films alongside movie snacks and hot chocolate. The Bar at The Dorchester is a cosy corner of the hotel to enjoy winter cocktails such as the Naughty or Nice and Snowflake Negroni, overseen by Bar Manager Giuliano Morandin who celebrates his 40th Christmas at the hotel this year. The festive season will also be in full swing at The Grill at Dorchester, with seasonal menus and live music throughout Christmas and New Year. Head Chef Tom Booton proudly presents a modern twist on traditional British dishes, with festive set menus throughout December as well as special celebratory feasts on Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve. Afternoon tea at The Promenade has been a part of Christmas at The Dorchester since 1931, with this year’s special menu served alongside live music and surrounded by spruce trees. On weekends throughout the season, The Dorchester will also welcome a talented school choir to perform traditional carols as guests enjoy festive pastries and warm scones.
HOW: Festive set menus throughout December star from £50pp, celebratory feasts on Christmas Day from £350pp and New Year’s Eve from £380pp.
THE BILTMORE’S BALLERINA AFTERNOON TEA
Available throughout the month of December, The Ballerina inspired Afternoon Tea at The Biltmore, Mayfair, will allow guests to escape from the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping and settle into the hotel’s cosy terrace, surrounded by foliage covered walls, festive lighting, cushioned seating and heaters. Culture and cake hungry guests of all ages will marvel at the Biltmore’s in house prima ballerina, who will be dancing a thirty-minute rendition of highlights from The Nutcracker whilst watching guests tuck into the Biltmore’s festive afternoon tea. Expect a selection of finger sandwiches, delicate Christmas themed sweet bites and steaming cups of hot chocolate (with plenty of marshmallows). For parents wanting to go all out this year on overdue Christmas spirit, why not book someone-on-one time for little ones with Father Christmas at the hotel’s in-house Grotto! And if that wasn’t enough, the Biltmore are even offering a bespoke festive lunch or five course tasting menu on Christmas Day. A sure way to make an occasion of Christmas this year and spend the day with loved ones in style.
HOW: Festive Afternoon Tea at Café Biltmore for Christmas in London will be available from 1st– 24th December. Price: £55 for adults and £35 for children. Champagne Afternoon Tea £70 (Prima Ballerinas will be performing on the 4th, 11th and 18th of December) Book Here
WREATH-MAKING AT PAGE8 WITH THE REAL FLOWER COMPANY
This November, Page8 is partnering with The Real Flower Company to host a wreath-making workshop for Christmas in London. Located at St Martin’s Place Lane, London, Page8 sits opposite the famed National Portrait Gallery and is just a short walk from the bustling shops and restaurants of Covent Garden and Soho. Guests can immerse themselves in the festive buzz of Trafalgar Square and get into the Christmas spirit with twinkling lights adorning the hotel façade. The Page 8 team will welcome participants of all levels to learn how to make a wreath from scratch, equipped with frames, foliage and all necessary materials. Festive refreshments and seasonal bites will be available throughout the course of the workshop, provided by Page Common, the hotel’s artesian café, where the wreath-making will be taking place. If wreathmakers wish to extend their stay, Page8 has a Japanese inspired restaurant Bisushima located on the hotel rooftop and comfortable beds waiting in affordable yet luxurious rooms. Whether you are a budding amateur or a well-seasoned florist, the Page8 wreath-making workshop makes the perfect gift for a loved one (or for yourself) this festive period.
HOW: Wreathmaking rates start at £90pp. 8th November, 13:00 – 15:00, 30th November, 18:30 – 20:30, 7th December, 18:30 – 20:30, 9th December, 18:30 –20:30. Book here.
A GOURMET CHRISTMAS AT THE STAFFORD LONDON
The Stafford London is a magical place to celebrate this festive season, with over 100 glittering Christmas trees and more than a century of tradition. Guests booking a festive package this December for Christmas in London can enjoy mulled wine or hot chocolate on arrival, a classic afternoon tea with a festive twist during their stay, then wake up to a decadent full English breakfast before taking in the festive atmosphere of the Capital. The culinary delights do not stop there, with The Game Bird restaurant and the hotel’s stunning private dining rooms offering tempting festive menus throughout the season, including Christmas Day. Whether an intimate Christmas Day lunch in The Game Bird (five courses, £250pp), a sparkling cocktail in the famed American Bar, or an extravagant Christmas party in the hotel’s 380-year-old Wine Cellars, The Stafford London offers a magical festive experience for all occasions.
HOW: Nightly ratesat The Stafford London start from £395 a night in December.
