Best for: flappers after an escape back to the Jazz Age
Obviously, Christmas at the legendarily glitzy Ritz is no low-key affair. In the run-up to the big day, this year the hotel has once again partnered with Hamley’s to host a couple of the iconic toy store’s elves in its Royal Suite which shall be transformed into a glittering grotto from Wednesday 6 through to Sunday 10 December. A 30-minute visit shall include searching for your name on the nice list and a personalised gift from Santa himself.
For 25 December, as well as an epic six-course lunch in the Michelin-starred eponymous restaurant, a four-course Christmas dinner is being served there, later in the day. The entertainment is similarly grandiose – Father Christmas is dropping by the lunch with presents for every child, the Ellingtons Quartet will perform Golden Era jazz, a singer shall perform with a pianist, while a caricaturist will work the tables. In the evening, Dee and her five-piece band will encourage you onto the polished dancefloor. Can’t make it on the day? ‘Live at the Ritz’ offers a similar spectacle: four-course supper, live band, accompanied this time with dancers performing the Charleston, vintage tap and the like, from Saturday 18 November to Saturday 30 December 2023. Alternatively, running between the same dates, the prestigious afternoon tea over in the Ritz Club shall include mince pies, Christmas cakes and carols from the Ritz choir.
Quick tip: for goodness sake, remember the dress code or you’ll be spending a lonely day outside Green Park – men must wear a jacket and tie, and jeans, shorts and sportswear are not permitted in any of the hotel’s restaurants or bars.
Address: The Ritz London, 150 Piccadilly, St James’s, London W1J 9BR
