• Home
  • Journal
  • A family Christmas in London: Our concierge recommends

A family Christmas in London: Our concierge recommends

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.

You may also like

Pet Friendly Stays - Our Canine Concierge

For many, dogs are part of the family, and their place is with us - even when we travel. In some of Europe’s most beautiful cities, our hotels extend a warm welcome to your four-legged friends, with thoughtful touches in-room, friendly spaces to ‘paws’ together, and a concierge ready with tips for the best local walks. From shaded parks to riverside trails and neighbourhood cafés that set out water bowls at the door, every detail is designed to make them feel as at home as you do.

Serenity in the City

Contrary to popular belief, a sense of wellbeing doesn’t have to follow a set formula. Rather, it’s simply the moments which bring you back to yourself. For some, it’s a morning swim followed by a restorative massage. For others, it’s curling up in a quiet corner with a good book, or a pause beneath a centuries-old fresco in a hushed church. In Europe’s capitals, these precious moments of calm are easier to find than one might expect. Whilst a city break is often imagined as a fast-paced affair, sometimes we discover more when we choose to stand still. 

Little readers, big city

Stories have a wonderful way of colouring the world around us. For children, a book can make a destination feel alive; pavements turn into paths to adventure, statues hint at secret histories, even a hotel suite becomes part of the tale. Across Europe’s great cities, we’ve paired beloved stories with the places that inspired them, from surrealist imaginings in Brussels to a young girl’s journey through London, inviting little readers to explore with fresh wonder.