Features

An English Christmas

9 Dec 2019 by Akanksha Maker

Back in 2010 when I was studying in the English capital, I celebrated a very special Christmas in London. An unforgettable experience, the memories of that festive time are still etched in my mind. Oh, how the lights came on in mid-November and dramatically changed the skyline and my perception of the city. A love affair began; and never ceased.

Almost a decade later, Christmas still breathes the same exuberance here. As a business traveller, perhaps the experience here would be a little more luxurious but with the signature dramatic flair that’s straight out of a Charles Dicken’s novel. Mulled wine, starry winter markets and bejewelled Christmas trees; walking on London’s streets during yuletide is a classic fairy tale-like frame. Here are a few experiences you must consider if you’re visiting London during Christmastime.

The view from Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard

Christmas Shows

For fans of theatrical escapism, a private service called ‘Theatre In The Clouds’ offered by Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard is quite interesting. Commissioned for the festive season, the light-hearted Christmas play Four Calling Birds is being performed at the hotel’s luxury suites for up to 25 guests per show until December 12. Set in London’s highest luxury hotel suites, team this intimate experience with a stay at this hotel that comes with a host of other benefits and beautiful views of London town.

If Christmas carols warm your heart, the stay package ‘A Kensington Tale’ at The Kensington is a good idea. Apart from curated experiences like a special Christmas lunch, the hotel gives you two tickets to carols at the Royal Albert Hall that’ll bring out the true essence of the season.

There’s nothing like watching a Christmas classic with mulled wine, minced pies and seasonal small plates. The Berkeley is making this happen with its ‘Rooftop Winter Cinema’. Watch two all-time favourites Home Alone and The Holiday that are screened every evening this winter. Cosy up in warm blankets and pick from macaroni and cheese, wild mushrooms and traditional tartiflette (a Savoy dish) to temporarily escape to Lapland.

Retail therapy

No visit to London is complete without a stop at Selfridges. This month, the iconic department store is offering a range of festive services. If you’re running low on gifting inspiration, opt for Elfridge gift services, which as the name suggests, sets up an appointment with Selfridges’ in-house gifting experts (or elves, if I may) to help you with your last minute gift lists. You can also view a 15-minute light show everyday starting December 12, that’s projected on Selfridges’ 42-feet in-house Christmas tree. Its futuristic, fairy tale-inspired windows and in-store décor themed on ‘A Christmas for Modern Times’ at the newly opened F. A.O. Schwarz flagship store is worth a visit too.

Speaking of Selfridges, a mention of Harvey Nichols comes naturally. If you’re staying until January 7 at The Lanesborough hotel in London, your trips to Harvey Nichols become quite effortless. That’s because the department store has partnered with this Hyde Park hotel to offer a chauffeur driven service to the former. A dedicated butler will also accompany you to take care of your shopping bags whilst you lose yourself in London’s preferred shopping district.

Delicate Delicacies

Christmas is incomplete without special meals and a lovely midday escape to Intercontinental London Park Lane may be ideal for cold wintery afternoons. Called ‘Twelve Days of Christmas’, this afternoon tea experience is inspired by the eponymous carol. Hosted at Wellington Lounge, children from two London schools fill your ears with the sound of traditional carols as you enjoy dishes like maids a milking (chocolate tart with milk bavaroise) and geese a laying (orange macarons). You can also pick from the likes of winter spiced scones and creamy sandwiches that would pair well with the on-offer Perrier-Jouët champagne.

Heartwarming Stays

There’s nothing like a getaway in some of London’s most luxurious hotels to celebrate Christmas. For a sophisticated yuletide break in Mayfair, pick The Beaumont. Its stay packages during the week of Christmas are designed to recreate a romantic world with candle-lit vintage movies, mulled wine and homemade mince pies. The ‘Christmas Day Away’ package includes the above along with a special gift and even a room upgrade subject to availability. You can also treat yourself to traditional three-course Christmas meal with a glass of champagne at The Colony Grill Room in the hotel.

A stay at The Connaught on December 24 is another way of bringing your storybook Christmas to life. A two-night stay at this Maybourne Hotel Group property welcomes you with a personally addressed letter written by Father Christmas himself. A charming journey around Mayfair on a horse-drawn carriage, Christmas Eve carols and a decadent festive lunch are some of the other perks of this stay. If your own Christmas tree is on your wish list, then an upgrade to a one-bedroom or signature suite would be a good idea.

For the connoisseurs of all good things, Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill has collaborated with Molton Brown for a very special experience this winter. Guests staying at Premium Balcony suites are welcomed by Christmas trees covered in festive Molton Brown baubles —  each containing miniature products for them to use. There will also be a hamper waiting in the room, which features an assortment of handpicked goodies, including a Molton Brown gift duo, a small bottle of wine, a luxury rose and oud candle, a lose leaf tea selection and a book of infamous Churchill quotes.

Chrimbo Celebrations

If you are looking to roll out the red carpet for your nearest and dearest friends this December 24, London Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square and London Marriott Hotel Maida Vale have customisable Christmas party packages that may be of interest to you. Depending on your style of entertainment, pick between the Classic, Extra Sparkle or All The Trimmings packages. Christmas bubbly bars and red carpet arrivals replete with a sparkling décor are some of the signature elements that can make up your Christmas Eve celebrations in these Marriott hotels of London. The latter is also curating a festive menu with the likes of roast turkey and Christmas pudding at its restaurant Carluccio’s.

Winter Markets 

Here are four of our favourite winter markets that are held in London until January 5, 2020: 

Winter Wonderland

Where: Hyde Park

Southbank Centre Wintertime Market

Where: Belvedere Road

Christmas in Leicester Square

Where: Leicester Square

Christmas by the River

Where: The Queen’s Walk

The world’s most fashionable Christmas trees 

Every year, Claridge’s partners with a famous fashion designer to design its in-house Christmas tree. Alber Elbaz of Lanvin, John Galliano of Dior and Karl Lagerfeld of Chanel are some of the eminent names who have designed these quirky trees. This year, shoe designer Christian Louboutin has lent his expertise for the design of the tree that was unveiled on November 21, 2019. 

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