London is famous for having many iconic districts such as Hackney, Camden, and Notting Hill. However, the districts which most encapsulate the glamour and luxury of London are Mayfair and Belgravia.
This upscale part of the city is known for elegance, and it is one of the nicest places to visit over the Christmas period.
From classy casinos and posh afternoon teas to winter getaways and magical Christmas shopping, this district has something for everyone.
With so many options to keep you entertained over Christmas, we have put together a list of our favourite Christmas activities in Mayfair and Belgravia to help you get started.
Dinner and Casino Games in the Park Lane Club
Found in the heart of Mayfair, the Park Lane Club is synonymous with true decadence. A visit here over Christmas will make the festive period feel extra special. With a luxury gaming floor, separate gaming terrace, sports bar and top-class restaurant, the Park Lane Club is the perfect place to enjoy yourself this holiday season.
Starting with the gaming floor, the Park Lane Club boasts a selection of classic table games like American Roulette, Blackjack, Baccarat and three card poker.
With so much competition from other casinos and online counterparts, including large selections of online slots for UK players, the Park Lane needs to stand out. It achieves this through its separate gaming terrace. Situated off the main gaming floor, this private terrace offers you the chance to play more than 20 different slot games as well as electronic roulette. On top of this, you can enjoy unrivalled views of Hyde Park while enjoying a Cuban cigar, fruity cocktail or even a flavoured shisha.
After some games you can unwind in the exclusive Park Lane Club Lounge, where executive chef Brahim Hamadouche has curated a delicious menu for guests. With mains like Lamb Bamia and Arabic Sea Bass, the Club Lounge lives up to its reputation for fine dining.
Winter Getaway at Claridge’s Hotel
While London boasts a huge number of top-class restaurants for food lovers, it is sometimes the hotels that can offer you the best dining experience in the city.
Claridge’s Hotel is a perfect example of this, and it one of the best places to enjoy a truly unique experience this Christmas. With more than six different options for restaurants and bars, Claridge’s has something for everyone’s taste.
Claridge’s Restaurant remains the main event, with a seasonal menu of locally sourced produce, it offers that winning combination of classic British dishes with a contemporary twist.
For this season, Claridge’s offers a magical Christmas getaway package spread over three days and sure to create a number of unforgettable festive memories inspired by your stay.
Guests arrive on either the 23 or 24 of December and then relax in true comfort as they get ready for Santa to arrive. Christmas Day includes a horse-drawn carriage ride across Mayfair, plus the most delicious Christmas lunch served in the previously mentioned restaurant.
It comes as no surprise that the hotel was the top-placing London hotel in the 2023 World’s 50 Best Hotels Awards.
Christmas at Harrods
Biel Morro / Unsplash
Harrods is London’s best known department store, if not the world's. It is a must-visit place for tourists and locals alike at any time of the year. However, it is over Christmas when Harrods really comes to life.
It is the ideal place to go if you need some elegant decorations or decadent Christmas goodies. Its wide range of decorations includes beautifully crafted baubles, gorgeous wreaths, nutcrackers, and much more. It is also a great place to pick up any presents you might need, and its selection of Christmas hampers are held in high regard by shoppers the world over.
There is also the yearly tradition of the Harrods Christmas bear. This continues a legacy that started in 1906 and the Harrods Christmas bear never fails to catch the spirit of young and old shoppers during the Christmas period. It is possible to take home your own version of the bear, whether a replica teddy, a branded bag, or a miniature tree decoration.
Festive Afternoon Tea at The Connaught
Damian Russell
The Connaught is another high-end hotel in Mayfair and is offering a Festive Afternoon Tea Menu this Christmas in the Jean-Georges, one of the hotel’s many bar and restaurant offerings.
This Christmas, the menu is being served until the 1 January 2024 and costs from £95 per person.
The menu is designed to take diners on a culinary journey starting with a selection of exotic teas or a glass of champagne, before moving on to finger sandwiches that blend classic English flavours with Southeast Asian touches. Cakes and freshly baked English scones follow to top off an exquisite festive experience.
If you are still feeling the Christmas spirit afterwards, you can grab a glass of champagne in the elegant Coburg Bar and then head down for some VIP treatment in the Aman Spa.
Christmas Grotto at The Burlington Arcade
Anthony O'Neil
If you want a fun way to get into the Yuletide spirit this year, why not check out the range of events and luxury workshops at Burlington Arcade’s festive grotto? There is even a luxury gift-wrapping service to call on if you need help from the experts.
Open from 1 December, its inaugural Christmas grotto boasts an enchanted feel and promises to be a great day out for both adults and children alike.
Curated by celebrated florist Jane Wadham and mural artist Aga Skiba, it is open throughout the festive season.
This is not your traditional Christmas grotto, as it plays host to several festive workshops and masterclasses from renowned experts, including one on Christmas decorations made from seasonal and sustainable materials.
As it is based in the beautiful Burlington Arcade, you can also do a little shopping afterwards for a luxury watch or some fine jewellery.
