Christmas is coming! London's most festive hotels this December - special deals and more

Christmas has arrived and whether you’re heading to the capital to pay a visit to Winter Wonderland, are hitting the shops for a big weekend to buy presents, or you already live in London but want to mark the festive season, what better way to celebrate than with a special hotel stay?

Some of London’s best hotels really know how to ring in the season in true festive style, with towering Christmas trees, sparkling decorations and glittering lights. Plus, many London hotels also offer special festive deals throughout December - including special dinner options and Christmas stay packages.

With hundreds of hotels to choose from in London, it can be hard to decide where to stay - and most hotels go all out when Christmas rolls around. We’ve rounded up just a few of our favourite, festive hotels in London to help inspire your seasonal stay.

Our top five ranking includes: 

• The Ritz
• Pan Pacific
• The Landmark
• Claridge's
• Kimpton Fitzroy London 

Below, you'll find more information on the hotels listed, as well as a little sneak peek at some of the festivities they have in store this December. Scroll for our complete luxury hotel guide or use the links above to jump to the relevant section.

If you'd prefer to go chasing the Northern Lights, take a look at our Best Northern Lights deals. 

1. The Ritz

Christmas at The Ritz is set to be a magical affair in 2023, with glittering decorations and an array of glamorous events to get you in the festive spirit.

At the heart of the hotel, a fabulous 25ft Christmas tree kitted out in red and gold stands in the lobby, while Father Christmas himself is set to make an appearance at the hotel. In partnership with Hamleys’, Father Christmas and his Hamleys’ toy shop elves are setting up at the exclusive Hamleys x The Ritz London Christmas Grotto from 8am to 8pm between Wednesday, December 6 and Sunday, December 10, 2023.

Here, guests will be greeted by one of the elves before being escorted through The Ritz to the spectacular Christmas Grotto. The Hamleys’ x The Ritz London Christmas Grotto is strictly by appointment only for the 30-minute experience. Tickets are priced at £250 for three people, inclusive of at least one adult. Additional adults or children, up to a maximum of six people per ticket, are priced at £75 per person. 

But that’s not all that is in store. In the lead-up to December 25, The Ritz’s world-renowned afternoon tea is undergoing a festive makeover with an array of seasonal treats being served up.

The Palm Court has been transformed into an Edwardian winter wonderland, adorned with red and gold trimmings. You can feast on mince pies and Christmas cakes all the while being serenaded by The Ritz choir singing beloved Christmas carols. Each adult will be welcomed with a glass of Ritz Champagne, while each child will receive a charming Ritz teddy bear, and on Christmas Day, Father Christmas will make some special appearances throughout the day.

Christmas Eve will be marked by a spectacular five-course black-tie gala dinner, including a performance by the Wild Tonics musical trio. Tickets are priced at £420 per adult and £225 per child.

And, on Christmas Day, guests can celebrate with a Michelin-starred six-course lunch or four-course dinner, with a special visit from Father Christmas. Just remember, the dress code is black tie.

2. Pan Pacific London

Pan Pacific London is a modern, luxury hotel just a stone’s throw from Liverpool Street Station in Bishopsgate that is all about family festive fun this season. This festive season, on arrival at the hotel, guests will be greeted by the immersive illumination, MOSAIC, a unique reimagining of the traditional Christmas tree made from recycled emerald-green glass and 200 mirrored cubes.

Designed by French artist Arnaud Lapierre, the unique tree is set to the backdrop of the hotel's external ‘orchard of trees’ festive lights.

In order to ensure a stay that promises festive fun for the whole family, Pan Pacific London has launched a special Family Festive Fun package. VIYPs (or very important young persons) can be checked in to the Singa Cub Club,  a children’s programme designed to encourage little ones to make their time at the hotel their own.

Little guests are invited to explore the hotel with their very own goodie basket in hand, complete with a treasure hunt adventure pack and an activity booklet. As part of the turndown service, both adults and children will get their very own snuggly bathrobes - as well as special toys for the youngest visitors.

There are also dedicated swimming hours at the hotel’s 18.5m infinity pool for families of all ages to enjoy. Modern South East Asian restaurant Strait’s Kitchen is offering a special festive menu, with the option to book a four-course pan Asian feast between November 13 and January 6. Here, visitors can tuck into dishes such as snow crab or Peking duck with caviar and hibiscus plum.

And to top it off, on Christmas Day, Santa Claus will even pop in to greet those enjoying their dinner at the hotel.

• You can read our five-star review of a stay Pan Pacific here.

3. The Landmark

London’s luxurious Landmark London, which has been a classic hideaway in the capital since 1899, has transformed into a winter wonderland in time for the Christmas season. Towering Christmas trees clad in ornate baubles and twinkling lights are dotted throughout the hotel, with one giant turquoise and gold decorated tree at the heart of The Landmark’s famed palm-filled atrium.

For those looking to book a seasonal stay, The Landmark is offering an array of Christmas packages. For families, an ‘All I want for Christmas’ package includes an overnight stay in a family room or studio, traditional English breakfast in the Winter Garden, surprise Christmas stockings for the little ones, a little Christmas soft toy for kids, a bottle of Tattinger Champagne for the adults and delicious welcome amenities from Mauro and Daniel, winners of Bake Off: The Professionals 2023.

Meanwhile, those looking for a romantic getaway might enjoy a ‘Christmas in the Capital’ stay, which includes an overnight stay in a luxurious guest room, a traditional English breakfast in Winter Garden, a bottle of Taittinger Champagne, plus delicious welcome amenities from Mauro and Daniel.

Guests can experience the festive season with a speciality afternoon tea menu in the Winter Garden Restaurant or a cosy feast in the Great Central Pub. Festive High Tea in the Winter Garden includes a glass of Champagne, a selection of finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones and an assortment of Christmas inspired cakes. Pre-Christmas lunch and dinner in the Winter Garden restaurant includes a three-course meal and glass of champagne.

And if you want to make Christmas Eve in style, the Winter Garden is offering a special Christmas Eve dinner and glass of champagne on arrival for guests.

Christmas Day will be marked by a special decadent buffet lunch, with unlimited Rose champagne, and once night falls, an opulent dinner will be served beneath the palms.

4. Claridge’s

Claridge's doesn't do things by half, and that includes its Christmas offering. This year, the Mayfair hotel's Christmas tree has been designed by none other than Louis Vuitton. The unique reimagined tree is immersed within two large open, emblematic Malles Vestiaire or ‘Wardrobe Trunks’ towering on top of each other at the height of 5.2 metres. Each signature trunk is adorned with historic Claridge’s travel stickers and an oversized Louis Vuitton luggage tag. The 'tree' is made from 15 vertically placed chrome repurposed trunks, which reflect the surrounding Art Deco architecture.

With a long list of fashion royalty having helped mark the festive season at Clardige's, this is the thirteenth year the luxury hotel has invited a distinguished name and friend to reinterpret the tree in their own distinctive style.

Of course, before guests even step foot through the famous doors, the exterior of the hotel twinkles with Christmas lights from afar, including sparkling trees dotted above the entryway.

Guests can enjoy a timeless Christmas at Claridge's stay, including three nights in either a room or suite, a welcome bottle of champagne and festive treats in the room on arrival and your own Christmas tree when reserving a one-bedroom or signature suite. Little ones will be entertained by Sharkey and George, who will be hosting activities and crafts throughout Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Plus, there are even mince pies and carrots for children to leave on the mantelpiece for Father Christmas and his reindeer helpers.

On Christmas morning, expect carols and specially made stockings, plus the option to indulge in a horse-drawn carriage ride around Mayfair complete with hot chocolate and marshmallows.

Christmas dinner is available in either Claridge's Restaurant or the French Salon and Drawing Room.

5. Kimpton Fitzroy

London's Kimpton Fitzroy is simply glittering this festive season, with stunning lights, lush wreaths and of course, a twinkling Christmas tree adorned with crimson baubles and golden trimmings, surrounded by perfectly wrapped gift boxes. From its dazzling decorations to its scrumptious festive dining options, the IHG Hotels & Resorts property is ringing in the festive season in true style this year.

The hotel is offering a selection of hotel deals this festive season, from special offers on suites to overnight stays perfect for families. You can see all the deals on the Kimpton Fitzroy London website here.

This Christmas, the newly renovated Galvin Bar & Grill is serving up an extra special seasonal menu created by Michelin-starred chefs Chris and Jeff Galvin. Guests can book in for Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Eve, or, why not treat yourself to a festive Sunday lunch in the lead-up to the big day?

Meanwhile, festive cocktails are being served up in Fitz's, the hotel's uniquely glamorous cocktail den. Lounge on the velvet sofa beneath a glittering oversized disco ball, with a delicious seasonal beverage in hand.

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