Christmas at The HAC in London

The tradition of decorating a Christmas tree was introduced to England by Prince Albert, and became a hallmark of the Victorian era. But the trees would’ve been decorated with candles, fruits and sweets. Christmas trees are now a festive staple in homes worldwide.

London’s iconic Christmas trees are a must-see during the season. Don’t miss the famous Trafalgar Square tree—a gift from Oslo each year—or the beautiful displays at Covent Garden and Leadenhall Market, both must-visit spots. 

It doesn’t just stop there, London’s lights are always worth a visit. Oxford street and Regent street are renowned for their lights!

See how we style our Christmas parties at The HAC.

Whilst skating on the Thames itself is no longer a practised tradition as the Thames hasn’t frozen over properly since the early 1800s, ice skating is still a staple winter activity on the Christmas calendar. 

Unfortunately, there’s unlikely to be anywhere as iconic as the river Thames, however, there are still plenty of landmark or historical event venues where you can go and ice skate the day away. The Tower of London (which also happens to be right next to the Thames) sets up a beautiful rink every year, right on the moat. 

If your guest's trip to London is fleeting but they still want to pack in as much London-at-Christmas as they can, then the Tower of London is well connected via tube to make getting around even easier.

If they have more time, then Hampton Court Palace must be on the list! Nestled on the grounds of Henry VIII’s Tudor home, the ice rink at Hampton Court sets the scene for a stunning winter wonderland experience.

For many, Christmas is a time to give back—a tradition popularised by Dickens’ A Christmas Carol and still embraced today. If you’re coming to London for a corporate Christmas party and want to add extra meaning to your visit, there are plenty of wonderful charities seeking volunteers at this time of year.

Whether that’s volunteering at a homeless shelter, handing out hot meals at a soup kitchen, or donating some unused or unwanted items to children’s homes, there is little more fulfilling than supporting those less fortunate. The gift of giving back has become a long-standing tradition at Christmas, perfect for any guests looking to do something more meaningful with their stay in London.

The Victorian era was a period of fascinating new food, and this was no exception at Christmas. With the influence of European styles infiltrating the English festivities, new food, sweets, and cakes started to crop up as a staple on dining tables and they’re still around today.

Plum pudding, now more commonly known as Christmas pudding or figgy pudding, was a very popular dish served at Christmas. Some families even baked a silver coin into the desert and the person who received the slice containing the coin was supposed to be destined for wealth and riches. Alongside this, the Victorians had an affinity for sweets and candies like sugar plums or Nesselrode pudding, a popular European desert containing chestnuts, lemon peel, and dried cherries.

As guests tour the city and all it has to offer at this time of year, a trip to one of the traditional Christmas markets is a must to sample some of the traditional sweets and treats the Victorians loved. Not only can you try some of these popular delicacies, or sip on some classic Christmas drinks like mulled wine, hot gin punch, or wassail punch, but you can experience everything that Christmas has to offer with music, fairground games, and market stalls.

There are countless amazing Christmas markets all over the city, so guests can choose which one they want to go to, based on the location of their company's Christmas party. If you need a few ideas then Coven Garden Christmas Village, Borough Market, or Leicester Square Christmas Market are all hugely popular year on year, with plenty of stalls selling traditional Victorian treats and drinks to catapult you back in time. 

Like what you read and are interested in bringing even more festivities to your corporate Christmas party this year? At the HAC we offer a range of stunning spaces in the heart of the City - just a short stroll from the Moorgate and Liverpool Street. Our historical venue is beautifully styled during the festive season, alongside seasonal dishes from Searcys. 

For more information about our Christmas party packages, or to book a showround of our stunning venues, email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.—we’d love to help you plan your perfect Christmas party!

Looking for the perfect London Christmas party venue? Discover our Christmas party packages at The HAC or book a showround with our events team!