5 London Christmas Experiences To Tick Off Your Bucket List
There’s something undeniably magical about London at Christmas. The city is draped in twinkling lights, reindeer peep out at you from behind shop windows, and restaurants serve up their finest platters of roasts, puddings and afternoon teas. So, if you’re all set to celebrate Christmas in the city, we’ve found the perfect spot to have a truly magical holiday. Situated in the heart of London, Strand Palace transforms into an enchanting wonderland every year, offering plenty of festive things to do in and around the hotel. Read on for our list of unmissable experiences to book this season.
In Partnership With Strand Palace
1. Plan a festive staycation
If you’re looking to soak in some Christmas spirit, there’s no better place to be than London. Whether you’re looking for a staycation with the family, a party with friends and colleagues or just a magical time with someone you love, a luxe staycation is a chance to really immerse yourself in the festivities that the city has to offer.
The iconic hotel comes alive during the festive season and makes the perfect spot for a staycation.
Offering a great Christmas stay option is Strand Palace, which boasts stylish and cosy single, twin, double, king and studio rooms with room rates that start from £159 – a steal deal for a London hotel. Plus, the hotel’s location close to the Charing Cross, Waterloo and Tottenham Court Road stations gives you easy access to all of London’s buzziest Christmas spots.
2. Book a decadent dining experience
London’s restaurants go above and beyond to create the most stunning festive menus, and whether you’re looking for a quiet, intimate spot or a lively restaurant with plenty of cheer, there’s something for every palette. On our radar is the exquisite Haxells Restaurant & Bar at Strand Palace, which serves a two or three-course festive set menu with scrumptious seasonal dishes like roasted Norfolk turkey, vegan Wellington filled with maple-roasted sweet potato and seared seabass served on preserved lemon couscous. For dessert, you’ll be spoiled for choice with an indulgent Christmas pudding with brandy sauce and a winter berry Eton Mess with cinnamon-infused Chantilly cream on the menu. The festive day feast also offers a buffet with all your favourites, including roast turkey with all the trimmings, smoked salmon and a lovely selection of desserts.
3. Visit iconic London spots
London has plenty of much-loved Christmas traditions and events to look forward to just around the corner from Strand Palace. From sipping on mulled wine at Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland and singing carols at the Royal Albert Hall to ice skating at Somerset House and watching the Covent Garden Christmas tree lights switch on, there are plenty of festive experiences planned over the next few weeks that are easy to get to from the hotel.
London’s has a host of much loved Christmas traditions and events to look forward to just round the corner from Strand Palace.
Walk under the sparkling lights of Oxford Street, catch a musical or festive show at the West End, explore the Dolce and Gabbana festive pop-up [opening on November 8th], or perch yourself at a cafe and soak in the holiday spirit – there’s something for everyone here.
4. Try a themed afternoon tea
What’s a visit to London without a delicious afternoon tea? London’s afternoon teas get a festive makeover this season with themed desserts, cocktails and entertainment. For an enchanting experience, head to Strand Palace‘s Snow Palace afternoon tea which promises an array of festive goodies. From sage and onion roast turkey brioche buns and smoked salmon sandwiches to a scrumptious Arctic reindeer white chocolate mousse and winter forest cherry gateau, you can expect to be whisked away to winter wonderland.
Kids will love the Snow Palace ballerina and of course, the chance to do a little meet and greet with Santa Claus.
Plus, don’t miss the Snow Palace cocktails and mocktails while you enjoy some fabulous live entertainment. PS: Kids will love the Snow Palace ballerina and, of course, the chance to do a little meet and greet with Santa Claus (available on select weekends – visit strandpalace.co.uk for more info).
5. Throw a legendary Christmas or New Year’s party
Whether it’s an intimate Christmas party or a grand New Year’s bash, London goes all out this season. Book a private dining room or a table at your favourite restaurant, or host a grand soiree at the Strand Palace for a special celebration. You can book customised packages here for parties, which will give you an assortment of canapés like spiced duck filo crisp and vegan trifle with drink options that include wine and festive cocktails, all served in a gorgeous, festive atmosphere.
Whether it’s an intimate Christmas party or a grand New Year’s bash, London goes all out this season.
And if you still don’t want the night to end, head to the Gin Palace afterwards, an elegant cocktail bar at Strand Palace that serves an array of gin, wines, spirits and hand-crafted cocktails.
372 Strand, London WC2R0JJ
www.strandpalacehotel.co.uk
