Mayfair at Christmas

Welcome and introduction to the tour, including a brief overview of the evening and the extraordinary stories guests will encounter along the route.

Discover the remarkable story of how two Norwegian spies helped introduce the traditional Norwegian Christmas Tree to Trafalgar Square, an extraordinary tale of wartime intrigue and festive tradition.

Hear how Lord Nelson spent Christmas at Elba in 1796, overseeing the evacuation of the British garrison, alongside other lesser-known stories hidden within one of London's most famous squares.

We will also reveal the connection between Trafalgar Square and the passengers of the ill-fated Titanic, including where some purchased their tickets for the voyage.

Pass the statue of Captain Robert Falcon Scott and hear the extraordinary story of his 1910 Antarctic expedition, including the dramatic circumstances surrounding Christmas Day in the frozen wilderness.

Discover the mysterious Banksy statue and explore Pall Mall's remarkable association with London's private members' clubs.

Step into the world of British espionage and the Cambridge Five, as we uncover the connections between London's elite clubs, spies, Ian Fleming and his legendary creation, James Bond.

Hear stories connected with such illustrious institutions as the Reform Club, Royal Automobile Club and Carlton Club.

Arrive at St James's Palace, built by Henry VIII between 1531 and 1536 on the site of a former leprosy hospital.

Step back into the lavish world of the Tudor court and discover how Christmas was celebrated with extravagant banquets, ceremony and royal festivities.

Learn about the historic Chapel Royal at St James's Palace and its significance to the Royal Family.

We also uncover the fascinating world of Elizabethan espionage, when secret networks, coded messages and political intrigue were woven into the fabric of court life.

St James's Street is a remarkable bastion of royal history and traditional luxury, home to heritage houses whose stories stretch back centuries.

Discover where Winston Churchill purchased his cigars, the celebrated milliner associated with his iconic hats, and the historic hatmaker connected with James Bond.

Explore one of London's greatest concentrations of Royal Warrants, where craftsmanship, discretion and tradition have long been hallmarks of British luxury.

Along the way, discover the location of London's last recorded duel and the remarkable story behind it.

Founded in 1664, Jermyn Street owes its development to Henry Jermyn, under the patronage of Charles II.

Today, its historic streetscape is transformed for Christmas, showcasing some of London's most distinguished luxury and fashion houses.

Admire the spectacular Christmas windows of Fortnum & Mason and hear how its famous hampers played an important role in supporting British troops during both World Wars.

Then pause to admire the extraordinary Fortnum & Mason Advent Calendar, a festive spectacle in its own right.

Enter the elegant Burlington Arcade, opened in 1819 and stretching approximately 179 metres beneath its celebrated canopy.

Walk beneath glittering chandeliers and exquisite Christmas decorations while discovering a remarkable collection of luxury boutiques and specialist retailers.

Meet the Beadles, guardians of the Arcade's unique traditions, still recognisable in their distinctive traditional frock coats.

Discover the unusual rules governing behaviour within the Arcade, and the famous visitor who enjoys a very particular exemption.

Arrive on New Bond Street, internationally renowned for its extraordinary concentration of luxury brands and prestigious retail houses.

At Christmas, the street becomes one of London's most spectacular festive settings, with breathtaking light displays and elaborate flagship decorations.

Uncover stories of spies, espionage, intrigue and double-crossing hidden behind some of the world's most famous luxury names.

Pause at the Allies Sculpture and discover the story behind the remarkable bench depicting Winston Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt, with an opportunity for a memorable photograph.

We will also explore some of the historical traditions that have helped shape the way Christmas is celebrated in Britain.

Pass the historic location associated with the birth of Queen Elizabeth II.

Then pause to experience one of London's most extraordinary Christmas displays, a spectacular combination of heritage, luxury and festive illumination.

Conclude the evening at the legendary Connaught Hotel.

Experience “The Silence”, a final Christmas moment designed to bring the evening to a memorable close, alongside the hotel's beautifully decorated Christmas tree and an unexpected twist.

The Connaught also carries a remarkable wartime history. During the Second World War, Charles de Gaulle made his home here, residing in Suite 103 for almost two years while working with the Free French and Allied leadership.

From the hotel, he attended strategic meetings connected with the planning of D-Day.

A fitting finale to an evening where royal history, wartime intrigue, espionage, British luxury and Christmas tradition come together in the heart of London.