The Ultimate Christmas Business Trip: How to Mix Work and Festivities in London

The Ultimate Christmas Business Trip: How to Mix Work and Festivities in London

London during the festive season is a magical blend of work and play. As a business traveller, it’s the perfect time to experience the festivities in London and the city’s vibrant Christmas atmosphere while still maintaining productivity. The key to making the most of this time is knowing how to balance business commitments with the festive charm that London has to offer. From festive meeting venues to after-work activities, this guide will show you how to create the perfect blend of work and Christmas cheer during your trip.

Best 10 Places for Business Meetings in London with a Seasonal Twist

London offers a wide variety of venues that perfectly combine professional settings with festive décor. Here are 10 excellent places to host your business meetings during the Christmas festivities in London:

1. The Ritz London Known for its luxury, The Ritz is beautifully decorated for Christmas, offering a sophisticated yet festive atmosphere. Its stunning Christmas trees and elegant décor make it a perfect setting for high-end meetings.
2. Claridge’s A timeless London hotel, Claridge’s is famous for its grand Christmas tree and stunning decorations. The hotel’s meeting rooms are well-equipped for business discussions while being enveloped in festive glamour.
3. The Shard – Aqua Shard For a more modern setting with a view, Aqua Shard on the 31st floor of The Shard offers breathtaking views of the city and a seasonal ambiance. It’s perfect for impressing clients or holding meetings with a holiday twist.
4. The Ivy The Ivy offers a cosy yet stylish atmosphere with gorgeous Christmas decorations. Located in the heart of the West End, it’s ideal for a festive lunch meeting with a touch of luxury.
5. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland – The Magical Ice Kingdom For a unique meeting experience, consider hosting your business discussions at Winter Wonderland. The pop-up festive venues here offer an atmosphere filled with holiday spirit, especially in the Magical Ice Kingdom, which offers a truly memorable setting.
6. Covent Garden’s Christmas Market Covent Garden is transformed into a magical Christmas hub. The market, twinkling with lights and festive stalls, provides an excellent spot for informal meetings or to network with colleagues.
7. The Langham One of London’s most iconic hotels, The Langham offers a winter-themed bar and seasonal décor perfect for an elegant business meeting. It’s ideal for discussing important matters in a refined yet relaxed setting.
8. Somerset House Somerset House offers a beautiful, festive setting with its grand ice skating rink. It’s a fantastic place for an informal business gathering after a meeting, allowing your clients or team to experience a little holiday magic.
9. London Christmas at Hyde Park Hyde Park’s Christmas attractions offer a range of options for winter-themed business events. From cosy chalets for intimate meetings to festive venues, it’s an excellent spot for mixing work with holiday cheer.
10. The Corinthia Hotel For a blend of luxury and holiday charm, The Corinthia Hotel offers an outstanding setting for meetings. Their festive afternoon teas and seasonal offerings make it a great spot to discuss business in a relaxed atmosphere.

How to Enjoy Christmas in London While Staying on Track with Work

Balancing work and the festive activities in London may seem challenging, but with a little planning, you can make the most of your time. Here are a few tips for keeping your productivity high while soaking in the Christmas spirit:

1. Plan Meetings Efficiently Schedule your meetings during the daytime when the city is buzzing with activity. Early morning meetings allow you to keep your afternoons free for festive exploration. Be sure to prioritise important meetings and ensure your schedule allows flexibility for personal activities.
2. Stay in Central Accommodation Opt for accommodation that offers both convenience and comfort, such as Urban Stay’s serviced apartments. These provide a perfect blend of home-like facilities, allowing you to work from your apartment or unwind after a busy day. With many locations near key business districts and Christmas attractions, serviced apartments offer great flexibility. Explore Urban Stay’s locations here.
3. Use Downtime Wisely If you find yourself with gaps between meetings, use the time to explore Christmas markets, admire Christmas lights, or attend a festive event. The Christmas markets along the South Bank and Leadenhall Market are great for quick breaks and offer local products that make unique gifts.
4. Maximise Online Options In today’s business world, not every meeting requires a face-to-face interaction. Take advantage of video calls and virtual meetings, freeing up time for sightseeing. You can enjoy the holiday festivities in the evening without the worry of missing important calls or deadlines.
5. Set Clear Boundaries It’s tempting to get swept up in the festivities, but remember to set clear work boundaries. Set expectations with your clients or colleagues about when you’re available, ensuring you have time to both work and enjoy the city.

Top Festive Activities in London for After-Work Relaxation

Once your meetings are done for the day, it’s time to unwind and enjoy London’s Christmas offerings. Here are the best festive activities to enjoy after work:

1. Ice Skating at Somerset House or Natural History Museum. One of the most iconic Christmas activities in London, Somerset House hosts a beautiful ice skating rink. It’s a great way to relax after a productive day of meetings, offering both a fun and festive experience.
2. Visiting Christmas Markets London’s Christmas markets are a must-see. From the Southbank Centre Winter Market to the Christmas by the River market near London Bridge, these offer a wide range of food, gifts, and festive cheer.
3. Christmas Lights on Oxford Street The Christmas lights on Oxford Street are one of London’s most famous festive displays. After a day of meetings, take a stroll down this iconic street and enjoy the sparkling lights.
4. Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is a family-friendly event that offers a variety of activities, including an ice rink, circus shows, and fairground rides. It’s a great way to enjoy the festive spirit in a lively and fun setting.
5. Festive Afternoon Tea If you prefer a more relaxed activity, consider indulging in a festive afternoon tea. Many London hotels, such as The Ritz and Claridge’s, offer seasonal afternoon tea options, providing a wonderful chance to relax and enjoy Christmas treats.

Conclusion

A Christmas business trip to London offers the ideal mix of work and festive cheer. By selecting the right venues for your meetings, staying in central accommodation, and balancing your schedule to include festive activities, you can enjoy the best of both worlds. From Christmas markets to ice skating and luxurious hotel Christmas decorations, London is the perfect city to celebrate the holiday season while staying on top of your professional commitments.

To ensure your stay is comfortable and convenient, consider booking one of Urban Stay’s serviced apartments. With prime locations and excellent amenities, these apartments offer the perfect base for a productive and festive stay in London. Check out our locations here, and make your Christmas business trip one to remember!