Article
Deep and crisp and even more dazzling than ever, Christmas is a chance to experience London at its most magical. From Santa grottoes to festive West End matinees, this city really knows how to put on a show – and for those planning a family Christmas break, The Berkeley is a stepping-stone to moments that become lasting memories.
FESTIVE FAMILY STAYS
It begins in sparkling style at the entrance to the hotel itself, where our Snowfall light canopy means there’s no need to merely dream of a white Christmas. Meanwhile, Feast Off-Piste brings ski season to The Berkeley, with an immersive dining experience inspired by alpine menus. Swapping tables for ski gondolas and with Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland as a glittering backdrop, this Rooftop pop-up promises warming raclette and tartiflette, with ‘ring for champagne’ bells for grown-ups – and gingerbread s’mores perfectly suited to children.
Beautifully appointed suites and design-led rooms set an instantly serene scene, with interconnected spaces promising space for adults to unwind while the youngest guests have fun. After all, we pull out all the stops with tailor-made gifts and soft toys, bathtime-ready goodies, fluffy robes and in-room Christmas movies for the definitive festive film night.
The halls are decked and the tables are turned over to Christmas at The Berkeley, where Cedric Grolet's artful patisserie and Goûtea – his twist on Afternoon Tea – capture the scents and shades of the season. Or take a seat at the Chef’s Counter where the next generation of budding pastry chefs can watch as the Patisserie’s signature illusion cakes take shape. Across the hotel, chefs have curated dedicated children’s menus too, to suit the palates of the youngest foodies.
LONDON’S BEST SANTA’S GROTTOES
Appetites whetted, stepping out into the city could see you skating around landmark London sights and shopping in world-famous stores. But, top of most wish lists when staying in luxury family hotels in London at this time of year is a visit to Santa’s Grotto. 2024 sees him take time out of his busy schedule to create a toymaking workshop in Hamley’s, before nipping to the Natural History Museum in nearby South Kensington for Santa story time (and seasonal book swap) – just a hop, skip and sleigh-ride from The Berkeley. Then of course, there’s Santaland at Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland, neighbouring the hotel. As well as a chance to meet the big man himself, there are thrilling Christmas coasters to ride, ice sculpting workshops to join, Cirque Beserk and Zippo’s Circus shows to catch, a record-breaking observation wheel and an ice kingdom.
ICE RINKS AND LIGHT SHOWS
Ice skating and light trails remain among the must-dos for a family Christmas break in the UK. There are the classic ice-skating rinks to try out, such as the Georgian grandeur of Somerset House, complete with refined dining and skate school for little learners. Or for a more modern backdrop, Battersea Power Station plays host to a super-cool rink – and a fairground to boot.
Those who prefer strolling to swizzling can make a beeline for London’s winter light trails. The most famous is Christmas at Kew, an enchanting experience on an epic scale: a 300-acre installation that illuminates trees, dances across lakes and transforms glasshouses. Or save your Christmas shopping for later and head to Covent Garden, where the shops and market stalls are illuminated with festive lights, adding to the lively, sparkling atmosphere that's perfect for getting into the holiday spirit. Fortnum & Mason is within walking distance of the hotel too, while candlelit Midnight Mass at neighbouring St. Paul’s Church is a beautiful reason to stay up late.
CHRISTMAS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
With must-see pantomimes on the horizon and must-visit Christmas markets popping up across London for the season, there is so much to capture the imaginations and tempt the pocket money of little ones. The Berkeley’s dedicated children’s concierge is on hand to make every second effortless – just as it should be. They can help to curate your entire stay. Or seek out those hard-to-get family West End show tickets. So you needn’t miss a moment.
