Curating family-friendly itineraries in the United Kingdom’s eclectic capital is the speciality of our award-winning Concierge team here at Brown’s Hotel. For families joining us for Christmas in Mayfair, we present our expert recommendations for memorable activities combining fun with festive cheer.
Discover the magic of Christmas
London’s premier department stores transform into glittering havens at Christmas. This year, visit Santa’s Grotto at Hamleys and Harrods’ Swarovski Secret Forest Grotto, where children can relish meeting Santa and unpacking their goodie bags as parents shop for covetable gifts. For colourful stalls, ice sculptures, fairground rides and all the festive trimmings, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland never fails to delight, or, for a more traditional treat, enjoy the spectacular acoustics of the Royal Albert Hall with a carol service.
Marvel at the seasonal lights
London’s famed festive light displays are all within walking distance of Brown’s Hotel, with the first twinkles right on our doorstep in Albemarle Street. Make a scenic loop past the glittering theatres of Piccadilly Circus on to Covent Garden’s festive market, then to Carnaby Street, where this year’s lights celebrate a fittingly eco-aware aquatic theme. Alternatively, wander over to Oxford and Regent Streets, festooned with angels, snowflakes and gleaming baubles, and stop by the Royal Academy of Arts to pick up a tasteful holiday greetings card or two.
Let off steam outdoors
Nothing inspires inexhaustible enthusiasm in little ones like the promise of a visit from Santa Claus, and keeping them active on Christmas Eve is key to ensuring they nod off later. For animal-lovers, we recommend horse-riding at Hyde Park Stables, with private and group lessons offering a picturesque trot through the ancient trees, or glide out across the ice at Somerset House’s al fresco courtyard rink, celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.
Enjoy unmissable festive theatre
Adapted for the stage by Jack Thorne of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child fame, A Christmas Carol returns to The Old Vic for a third year and is a high-octane, colour-saturated introduction to the Dickens classic. For a feel-good family musical, look no further than Irving Berlin’s new production White Christmas at the Dominion Theatre, or for an ethereal display of grace and precision that captivates little ones, prepare to be awed as over a hundred dancers bring the Nutcracker to life at the Coliseum.
To ensure you experience the best of London’s fabulous displays, Christmas trees and festive produce, join us on Brown’s Christmas Walking Tour or Christmas Unwrapped Tour. Book your stay, tour or both by emailing reservations.browns@roccofortehotels.com or calling +44 207 493 6020.
There’s something wholly restorative about a Sicilian winter, two words not often paired together. A slower pace of life takes hold, as cool mornings lead into soft, golden afternoons, summer’s haze giving way to fresh breezes and crystal-clear skies. Once a winter secret, now shared as Villa Igiea remains open throughout the season.
A cornerstone of the Florentine Renaissance, and widely considered one of the most influential artists of all time, Sandro Botticelli's legacy continues to impress over half a millennia since his death. His captivating depictions of mythological themes, characterised by graceful lines and pale hues, have inspired generations of creators across art, film, and fashion. Today, along the walls of the Botticelli rooms within the Uffizi Gallery, crowds queue ten-deep just to catch a glimpse of his most iconic works, The Birth of Venus and La Primavera.
As Christmas comes to Europe, it’s the perfect time for literary-minded families to write their own festive stories. This year, embrace the magic of the written word on a snow-dusted adventure, exploring cobbled city streets and uncovering clues and treasures at every turn. Guided by favourite characters who have inspired generations, embark on a unique excursion with your little ones before returning home to one of our warm hotels to tell Yuletide tales, gathered around a crackling fire.
