It may be the most wonderful time of the year, but with the pressure of accommodating the throngs of visiting family and friends, Christmas can also be one of the most stressful seasons. This year, let someone else do the hard work so you can spend some quality time with your nearest and dearest on a seasonal staycation. 

From five-star central London hideaways to sprawling country estates, Britain’s best luxury hotels have put together some truly indulgent packages to help you celebrate Christmas in style – with all the trimmings and none of the clean up. Whether you’re into carols and champagne or mince pies and mulled wine, these are the most magical hotels to which to head for a truly memorable Christmas stay…

The Waldorf Hilton, Covent Garden

Ensure Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year with a stay at The Waldorf Hilton. Armed with special Christmas menus, a Winter’s Tale festive afternoon tea, and glamorous decorations, the hotel has a festive package to suit every taste. On 8 December, book the beautiful Waldorf Tea Dance in the hotel’s historic ballroom – home to Latin dance classes since 1910 – where guests will be treated to a whimsical Be Our Guest A Winter’s Tale afternoon tea set to a soundtrack of live music from a five-piece band performing ballroom classics while you dine and dance the afternoon away.

On the big day itself, The Waldorf’s Timeless Christmas celebration offers seamless hospitality and delectable dishes at The Palm Court, serving a quintessentially festive five-course menu with all the trimmings. Starters include Dorset crab with pickled watermelon or roasted carrot tartare, while the delectable intermediate course of spiced lobster and salmon ravioli is followed by a classic bronze turkey or mushroom and chestnut Wellington. From £129 per person, guests will also be greeted with sparkling champagne and be treated to live music performances throughout the day to ensure a memorable celebration.

Visit tasteofwaldorf.co.uk

The Cavendish, Peak District

Having recently undergone a major refurbishment with interior designer Nicola Harding, a festive break at The Cavendish Hotel promises relaxed evenings by log fires, crisp winter walks through the Peak District’s stunning scenery, and delicious, locally-sourced festive menus. Thanks to the hotel’s position on Chatsworth Estate, guests are granted doorstep access to not only one of England’s most beautiful working houses’ grounds, but also its roster of magical Christmas activities. Discover Chatsworth House in all its glory as it’s transformed into a beautiful Christmas wonderland, with more than 20,000 baubles across 48 Christmas trees in the house, thanks to complimentary access as part of the Christmas at The Cavendish package. The three-night stay, from Christmas Eve to 27 December, also includes a grand Christmas Eve dinner, traditional Christmas lunch and celebratory Boxing Day fare courtesy of award-winning chef Adam Harper. 

Christmas at The Cavendish runs from 24-27 December 2024 and is priced from £874.50 per person. 

The Lygon Arms, Cotswolds

For those dreaming of an idyllic Christmas in the Cotswolds, The Lygon Arms’ three-night Christmas Celebrations experience promises delicious food, fine wine, roaring fires and beautiful natural surroundings – and furry friends are invited to join the fun too. Guests at The Lygon can make the most of the hotel’s location in the heart of Broadway, which transforms into a winter wonderland every year and is renowned for its late night Christmas shopping. 

Arrive on Christmas Eve and enjoy a welcome from carol singers, along with a three-course Wellington feast, paired with a glass of champagne. Wake up on Christmas Day to a glass of bubbly in bed before immersing yourself in the celebrations, starting with a delicious breakfast and then a four-course Christmas dinner. On Boxing Day, walk off the foodie indulgence by exploring the rolling hills of the Cotswolds before returning to The Lygon Arms to enjoy a light buffet lunch at The Grill by James Martin. As the festive celebrations come to a close on 27 December, round off your stay with a decadent breakfast and a trip to the relaxing spa – where even pooches can enjoy a treatment or two…

The Lygon Arms’ Christmas Celebrations runs from 24-27 December 2024 and is priced from £1,950 per room. 

The Belfry Hotel, Warwickshire

Wrap yourself up in the magic of the festive season with a Christmas break at The Belfry Hotel. The award-winning hotel, in the idyllic North Warwickshire countryside, is the perfect winter hotspot for couples, families, and friends looking to breath in the crisp winter air with a walk around the grounds, indulge in seasonal flavours with a mouthwatering meal at the 2AA Rosette Ryder Grill, and celebrate with a festive drink at the award-winning Brabazon Bar.

For a truly magical experience, gift the family a stay at The Belfry on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Arrive on 24 December to be greeted with mulled wine, hot chocolate and seasonal treats, before indulging in a mouth-watering festive afternoon tea while live carol singers perform an array of Christmas classics. Youngsters can visit the Elves Christmas Mail Room to post their letters to Santa before reuniting with the whole family for a spectacular ‘around the world’ buffet supper in the Ryder Grill. An appetising full English breakfast is available on Christmas morning, followed by a sumptuous lunch and a light supper in the early evening, where every child will receive a gift. Families can also prolong the magic and extend their break to include an overnight stay on Boxing Day too, where they’ll be treated to a three-course Boxing Day dinner.

The Christmas break at The Belfry runs from 24-27 December 2024 and is priced from £469 per person. 

The Dorchester, Mayfair, London

Looking for a London Christmas to remember? Look no further than The Dorchester, the five-star Grand Dame fringing Hyde Park. Book the festive stay package and arrive on Christmas Eve to immerse yourself in the hotel's festive celebrations, followed by a traditional Dorchester Christmas lunch complete with all the trimmings and live entertainment on Christmas Day. On 26 December, guests can enjoy either breakfast or a Boxing Day brunch, followed by late check-out to allow time to explore one of London’s greatest parks. 

The Dorchester’s Festive Stay package is available from 24-26 December 2024 and priced from £2,310 per night. 

45 Park Lane, Mayfair, London

Just moments away from its glamorous older sister, The Dorchester, head to 45 Park Lane to indulge in the ultimate festive stay in the five-star hotel’s penthouse terrace suite, where 360-degree views across London make for the most memorable Christmas backdrop. The suite, which spans the entire top floor of the hotel and is accessed via a private lift, offers total privacy for guests as well as personalised service from a dedicated butler. Book a one or two-night stay over Christmas to enjoy an array of exclusive treats including a decadent Christmas Day lunch in acclaimed American steak restaurant, Cut. 

45 Park Lane’s festive package runs from 24-27 December 2024 and is priced from £1,650 per night. 

The Torridon, Scotland

Nestled amidst the Scottish Highlands, The Torridon offers an enchanting setting for Christmas. From the moment guests arrive, they'll find the estate transformed into a winter wonderland, beautifully adorned for the season with countless Christmas trees. Those looking for an extended stay over the festive break can pick from a three- or five-day package beginning on Christmas Eve, which kicks off the festivities with a decadent afternoon tea. Indulgence continues on Christmas Day with a lavish breakfast, champagne, and a sumptuous Christmas lunch complete with all the trimmings, before spending the afternoon relaxing by the crackling fire and playing board games. Come evening, a light supper of delicious sweet and savoury platters will be served. Boxing Day awakens with a hearty Scottish breakfast, preparing you for the annual festive treasure hunt. 

Christmas at The Torridon runs from 24-27 December 2024 and is priced from £1,788 per night. 

Wildhive Callow Hall, Peak District

Those looking for a quintessentially cosy English Christmas should look no further than Wildhive Callow Hall. The hotel, set in 35 acres of woodland, has curated a two-night festive package perfect for celebrating with friends and family in the beautiful Derbyshire countryside. Arrive on Christmas Eve to be welcomed with afternoon tea in one of the hotel’s elegant sitting rooms, cosy up by the crackling log fire before a champagne reception and three-course dinner that features tasters of what’s to come on the big day. On 25 December, enjoy a leisurely breakfast and work up an appetite by venturing into the Peak District before champagne kicks off the six-course Christmas lunch. Finally, on Boxing Day, all residents are invited to blow off the cobwebs by cycling along the Tissington Trail or embarking on a restorative rural walk. 

Christmas at Wildhive Callow Hall runs from 24-26 December 2024 and is priced from £1,742 per room. 

Lympstone Manor, Devon

Offering a magical escape on Devon’s Jurassic coast, Lympstone Manor is a luxurious and relaxing haven during the most hectic time of the year thanks to its signature tasting menus by chef Michael Caines MBE, wine pairings from the hotel’s very own vineyard, a festive afternoon tea and relaxing family stays. December marks the start of Christmas festivities at Lympstone Manor, with festive touches across all menus, including homemade mince pies, indulgent turkey sandwiches, and French pâtisserie-inspired cakes.  

Decorated in full splendour, Lympstone Manor will come alive for its three-night Christmas package. Arrive on Christmas Eve to be welcomed with warm homemade mince pies, mulled wine and the sounds of a live brass band, before dining on Caines' eight-course tasting menu and being chauffeured to Midnight Mass at Exeter Cathedral. Christmas Day starts with a champagne breakfast followed by a festive five-course Christmas tasting menu for lunch or dinner, while Boxing Day offers a tour of the hotel’s vineyard and wine tasting experience. 

Christmas at Lympstone Manor runs from 24-27 December 2024 and is priced from £1,162 per room. 

Saltmoore, Yorkshire

Perfectly positioned between the sweeping sea and the heather-clad North York Moors, Saltmoore is a carefully restored coastal haven that will open just in time to celebrate Christmas. Those who wish to be some of the first through its doors should book the festive package, commencing on 24 December with a local choir singing traditional Christmas songs on the terrace, which will be lit with roaring fires and accompanied by freshly baked mince pies, warm mulled wine and luxury hot chocolates.

On Christmas Day, guests can indulge in a hearty Yorkshire breakfast, followed by a stroll to the sandy shores of Sandsend Beach or across the Yorkshire moors, and return in the afternoon to a traditional five-course Christmas lunch by head chef Adam Maddock (formerly of the Fife Arms). Begin Boxing Day at your own pace with brunch served in the Brasserie and take advantage of The Sanctuary at Saltmoore – the hotel’s spa and wellbeing space – to enjoy rejuvenating treatments by Wildsmith Skin, an awakening cryotherapy chamber session or simply unwind in the relaxation room. Christmas has never looked so serene. 

The Christmas at Saltmoore package runs from 24-26 December 2024 and is priced from £1,700 for two adults. 

The Gallivant, Camber Sands

This December, The Gallivant invites guests to an exclusive adults-only Christmas House Party by the sea, filled with invigorating walks along the expansive Camber Sands beach, hot toddies in front of a roaring log fire and delicious festive menus. From 24-27 December, the festive package will include welcome mince pies and tea in the sitting room followed by a Christmas Eve a la carte dinner, before an indulgent foodie experience on Christmas Day, starting with a champagne breakfast and canapes. Then move onto a three-course Christmas lunch, followed by fruit cake and tea with board games and merriment, before an a la carte supper tray for those in need of a final bite. Boxing Day begins with the option of a sea swim and yoga or simply a lie-in and brunch – you choose how you’d like to kick off Twixmas… 

The Gallivant Christmas House Party runs from 24-27 December 2024 and is priced from £745 per room. 

The Grove, Hertfordshire

The most magical time of the year sees The Grove transform into a winter hideaway where guests are invited to enjoy wintry walks and yuletide activities topped off with a visit from Santa on Christmas Day. From 24-27 December, take advantage of a luxury three-night stay beginning with a choice of breakfast in bed, a family-friendly buffet at The Glasshouse or breakfast at The Stables. Christmas Day lunch is served with plenty of champagne, while burnt-out adults should make use of the Sequoia Spa before taking children to meet Father Christmas, his little elves and reindeers. 

The Grove Christmas package runs from 24-27 December 2024 and is priced from £2,295 per room. 

Cowley Manor, Cotswolds

Cowley Manor is a 17^th-century manor house nestled in the picturesque Cotswold countryside, surrounded by 55 acres of natural lakes, Victorian cascades, and enchanting woodland. Renowned chef Jackson Boxer consults on the culinary offering, ensuring an exceptional dining experience, while interiors have been reimagined by Dorothée Meilichzon, drawing inspiration from Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland – making this darling country bolthole a top choice for Christmas. 

From 24-27 December, the Christmas at Cowley package includes a three-night stay with an in-room Christmas tree, dinner on Christmas Eve by Jackson Boxer, cooked breakfast and continental buffet each morning, five-course Christmas Day lunch with champagne, evening buffet and gifts for each guest. 

The Christmas at Cowley package runs from 24-27 December 2024 and is priced from £989 per night. 

The Lanesborough, Hyde Park Corner, London

Few London hotels do Christmas decorations quite like The Lanesborough. Every December, the grand residence is transformed into an enchanted country house filled with stunning seasonal displays and this year's, titled ‘Regency revelry’, has been created by florist Leanne Roberts-Hewitt. The festive installation will encompass the hotel’s exterior, with luxurious pine garlands which will swag across the top balcony facade, decorated with warm, festive lighting, and finished with oversized green and gold bows. 

Extend your stay over the big day itself with the The Lanesborough’s Christmas in Residence package. Featuring your an artfully-decorated Christmas tree in your room or suite, the package includes complimentary English breakfast every morning and a sumptuous five-course Christmas Day lunch at The Lanesborough Grill. Upon request, join a Christmas Eve service at St Paul’s Church in Knightsbridge, or a last-minute shopping trip to Harrods thanks to your on-call chauffeur. You will also be able to access the award-winning Lanesborough Club & Spa, which boasts a hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam room and gym. 

The Lanesborough’s Christmas in Residence package runs from 24-26 December 2024 and is priced from £1,190 per night. 

The Goring, Belgravia, London

Brimming with merriment and magic during the festive season, Christmas at The Goring is always a delight. With the Royal Parks, magical theatres, seasonal markets and London's finest shops all within walking distance of The Goring’s welcoming doors, friends and families will undoubtedly have a wonderful stay. The exclusive Christmas package includes a three-night stay, champagne in your room on arrival, full English breakfast, and, most importantly, dinner with all the trimmings in the Michelin-starred Dining Room on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day. 

The Goring Christmas Experience runs from 24-27 December 2024 and is priced from £1,345 per night. 

The Mayfair Townhouse, Mayfair, London

The Mayfair Townhouse’s Dandy Christmas package is the perfect way to enjoy Christmas in London without breaking the bank, thanks to the hotel’s ‘dandy’ discount of 10 per cent on rooms or 30 per cent on suites from 15-27 December. Just a stone's throw from Green Park, the capital’s premier shopping locations and restaurants, as well as Hyde Park, famous for Winter Wonderland, the Townhouse truly comes to life in December. The high-end hotel, boasting 172 rooms and suites, is hosting a more subtle celebration during the most wonderful time of the year, gifting all Dandy Christmas guests with extra treats including freshly baked mince pies, a tin of Fortnum & Mason’s finest cookies and complimentary festive cocktails for two in The Dandy Bar. It’s the little things… 

The Dandy Christmas package is available from 15-27 December 2024 and priced from £398.70 per night. 

The Chelsea Townhouse and 11 Cadogan Gardens, Chelsea, London

Festive pop-ups, magical family experiences, and glittering Christmas lights – Chelsea is certainly the place to be during the festive season. When booking a bolthole in SW3 this year, look no further than sister Relais & Châteaux properties, 11 Cadogan Gardens and The Chelsea Townhouse, who will be pulling out all the stops for guests who book between 16 November to 30 December. Expect a little extra sparkle with festive cocktails, thoughtful gifts, Laurent-Perrier champagne and festive afternoon tea all included, so you won’t have to lift a finger. 

Both hotels, just a stone’s throw from one another, can also provide tickets and recommendations to all the greatest spots in the city over Christmas – a real treat if you have little ones in tow. Arranged to ensure your little VIPs won’t have to queue for long, your itinerary could include visits to the Harry Potter studios, London Zoo in Regents Park, Harvey Nichols and Harrods. 

Christmas in Chelsea is available at both The Chelsea Townhouse and 11 Cadogan Gardens from 16 November to 30 December 2024 and is priced from £620 per night. 

Cliveden House, Berkshire

This festive season, celebrate in style with Cliveden’s three-night Christmas House Party. From expertly curated dishes, paired with indulgent Laurent-Perrier Champagne, to seriously luxurious rooms and suites, Christmas at Cliveden is guaranteed to impress. House party guests will arrive on Christmas Eve to be dazzled by elegant decorations and the smell of mulled wine, before a traditional afternoon tea is served. Later, enjoy a champagne canapé reception with carol singers, followed by a delicious three-course dinner. 

Christmas Day celebrations start with a bountiful breakfast before spending the morning exploring the glorious grounds or relaxing in the spa, swiftly followed by a delicious Christmas Dinner like no other and buffet supper. After a well-deserved Boxing Day lie-in, a delicious brunch buffet will be served followed by an exclusive Butler’s Tour to soak up Cliveden's iconic history while the evening brings another delightful black tie dinner with plenty of live entertainment. 

Cliveden House’s Christmas House Party runs from 24-27 December 2024 and is priced from £4,980 per room. 

Chewton Glen, Hampshire

Featuring more than 200 Christmas trees, delicious dining and sparkly experiences for all the family, you don't want to miss out on Chewton Glen this festive season. As one of England’s original country house hotels, experience the height of luxury with Chewton Glen’s three-night Christmas Party from 24-27 December. Guests will be welcomed with a glass of champagne before indulging in Chewton Glen’s festive afternoon tea, featuring seasonal delights such as mince pies and mulled wine, on Christmas Eve. The evening will be filled with festive cheer, with a champagne reception and carols for guests, leading into a five-course feast with live entertainment. 

Christmas Day celebrations begin with a delicious breakfast, followed by a festive trail, pre-lunch canapés and champagne, and a four-course lunch with live entertainment. The fun won't stop on Boxing Day, which will be full of experiences for all to enjoy, concluding with a black tie dinner and evening entertainment. Chin chin. 

Chewton Glen’s Christmas Party runs from 24-27 December 2024 and is priced from £5,580 per room. 

Four Seasons Hampshire, Hampshire

Roaring fires, Christmas markets, family time and festive feasts, all set amidst 500 acres of serene English countryside: Christmas at Four Seasons Hampshire is the most wonderful time of the year. Throughout the festive season, the hotel will play host to a series of magical activities set to delight children and adults, ranging from its Off Piste ski lodge serviced by a warming Alpine menu featuring cheese fondue and bratwurst, to family pantomime performances. 

Arrive at the five-star hotel on Christmas Eve and kick off the festivities with a warm welcome drink and holiday snacks, followed by an elegant dinner, carols, stockings and a luxurious hamper in your room. Enchanting Christmas Day celebrations include a delicious breakfast, Santa’s visit and, of course, a grand feast, while on Boxing Day, enjoy special activities, brunch and seasonal drinks. Finally on 27 December, the Christmas joy continues with breakfast and a pantomime performance.

Four Seasons Hampshire’s Christmas Magic package runs from 24-27 December 2024 and is priced from £520 per room. 

Cameron House, Scotland

Nestled among 400-acres of beautiful Scottish countryside, where wintry woodlands and twinkling lights are plenty, there is no better five-star destination to celebrate the most magical time of the year than Cameron House. From 24-27 December, book a one- to three-night stay in one of the luxury hotel’s enchanting classic bedrooms featuring the finest Scottish fabrics, furnishings and artwork.

On Christmas Day, guests will be spoilt for choice with a host of entertainment and culinary experiences. Start the day by welcoming the man in red himself as he sails in from the loch aboard the Wee Warrior before delivering gifts to little guests in his lavish grotto. Naughty or nice, guests can take their pick for Christmas Day lunch in the hotel’s restaurants, La Vista, The Clubhouse and Cameron Grill – each with its own festive menu and entertainment, from magicians to musicians and caricaturists. For a truly magical feast, head to the Christmas Day Banquet with a champagne reception and canapés whilst pianists, saxophonists and live singers provide the perfect background music. The King’s Speech will also be shown in the sumptuous surrounds of the hotel’s cinema, while other highlights include a Christmas quiz in The Tavern or jingle all the way to live music at The Great Scot’s Bar, complete with an extensive list of seasonal cocktails.

Cameron House’s Christmas packages are available from 24-27 December 2024 and priced from £1,440 per room. 

Coworth Park, Ascot

Less than an hour from London, the Dorchester Collection’s country house hotel and spa is nestled next to Windsor Great Park and will be celebrating the holidays with festive stays, dining events and games to get the whole family into the spirit. The festive season will commence with the unveiling of Coworth Park’s Christmas decorations on 24 November, while various winter set menus and a festive afternoon tea will be available in the Michelin-starred Woven by Adam Smith, The Drawing Room and The Barn. For the duration of the season, the latter will be transformed into a chic après-ski lodge where guests can enjoy piping-hot mulled wine or hot chocolate in the Windsor countryside. 

Arrive on Christmas Eve to join Coworth Park’s Christmas Party and be whisked through a magical entrance into a woodland home. Prepare to unwind with champagne afternoon tea served in The Drawing Room’s delightful Nordic winter wonderland, accompanied by festive carols. Children are welcomed with a story in the Oak Room and Christmas card-making or family board games in the Garden Room. After a three-course dinner at Woven by Adam Smith or The Barn, optional transfers to Holy Trinity Sunningdale for Midnight Mass are available, followed by hot drinks in the Drawing Room. On Christmas Day, Father Christmas will be making a visit before the traditional dinner, and post-lunch festivities will take place in the Mansion House, with an open house buffet style dinner and live entertainment from 7pm. The festive fun continues on Boxing Day with a leisurely brunch and activities including assorted country pursuits, with cream tea served in the Drawing Room. 

Christmas at Coworth Park runs from 24-27 December 2024 and is priced from £4,770.

Heckfield Place, Hampshire

Heckfield Place is a beautiful Georgian family home at the heart of a 438-acre Hampshire estate that’s less than an hour from London. In the run up to Christmas, guests can enjoy warming hot chocolate or mulled wine while strolling around the on-site festive markets; book wreath-making workshops and tablescaping sessions. Those looking for Christmas breaks, however, can book from Christmas Eve when Father Christmas and his reindeer will arrive outside next to a hot chocolate hut. Back in the Drawing Room, enjoy live music, followed by a choir and dinner in Green Michelin-Starred restaurant Marle soundtracked by a jazz trio.

On Christmas Day, guests are invited to feast at Marle, followed by a long walk in the property’s expansive grounds. In the evening, cosy up and listen to live music in the drawing room before a Christmas supper at Hearth. Come Boxing Day, get outside and enjoy Heckfield's surrounding natual beauty and embrace country life with duck herding and a leisurely stroll across the estate, before heading indoors for a festive film favourite in Heckfield Place’s very own cinema room.

Festive at Heckfield starts from £600 per night.

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