What to do alone at Christmas in London or Europe?

[Alathea]

hey guys, I recently broke up with my boyfriend (thanks to mumsnet for the emotional support while making the decision to not turn back as the guy was physically and verbally abusive) and I don't have family members (parents and grandparents have passed away). I know you might think that is a little too early to plan for Christmas but I want to plan the best Christmas I can possibly have on my own. I hate the idea that I am going to be alone but as of now, it doesn't look like I have options. Any ideas? I would prefer a snowy place (Austria or Switzerland for example) but I don't know how to ski. Also, I WFH so I can't go too far away or to a place without internet as I will most likely have off from work only between 23rd Dec- 2nd Jan. I am also considering going to New York but I need a visa (working on applying for it right now just in case I decide to go but as with any visa process, I might or might not get it). Any ideas? Thanks in advance xx

Is it realistic to plan a holiday abroad, aren't you more likely to end up disappointed. I would plan to be in the UK and to be honest think about it being at home and plan something lovely for yourself there as how will you know which bits won't be in local lockdown?
Lots of nice treats, zoom calls with friends, good book you've been looking forward to reading... It is going to be an odd christmas all round this year I think.

There are some lovely places to stay in London. I stayed at a gorgeous boutique hotel called Number Sixteen on a solo trip a couple of years ago. It’s a beautiful Georgian townhouse in South Kensington (a very pretty residential street), so not in the slightest bit corporate (it’s part of the Firmdale group but has the most charming feel to it, as it’s so small). I’d love to stay there again. They have lovely teas and food and it’s a great base to walk around the very nice parts of London (wander down the Kings Road, stop for tea and cake, pop to the Natural History Museum which is beautifully decorated and has the ice rink and carousel outside, walk along Brompton Road to see the Harrod’s Christmas windows, pop into Fortnum & Mason on Piccadilly to buy delicious treats and champagne for your room, there’s a fabulous big Waterstones a few shops down to buy some good books to enjoy, wander through the wonder of Burlington Arcade, have dinner at Browns in Mayfair, book Christmas Eve afternoon tea at Claridges, pop over to one of the Firmdale sister hotels like Charlotte Street Hotel to their cinema or Ham Yard Hotel for Christmas Day lunch near Regents Street, go to Selfridges on Boxing Day morning for the best of the sales).

⬆️ I like this plan more than my expected Christmas hosting my tricky MIL!! Hope you have an amazing Christmas OP x

Additionally, I’ve always wanted to have breakfast at The Wolseley and tea at The Ritz (followed by a walk through Green Park). So I’d add those to the list, too

@JinglesWish

There are some lovely places to stay in London. I stayed at a gorgeous boutique hotel called Number Sixteen on a solo trip a couple of years ago. It’s a beautiful Georgian townhouse in South Kensington (a very pretty residential street), so not in the slightest bit corporate (it’s part of the Firmdale group but has the most charming feel to it, as it’s so small). I’d love to stay there again. They have lovely teas and food and it’s a great base to walk around the very nice parts of London (wander down the Kings Road, stop for tea and cake, pop to the Natural History Museum which is beautifully decorated and has the ice rink and carousel outside, walk along Brompton Road to see the Harrod’s Christmas windows, pop into Fortnum & Mason on Piccadilly to buy delicious treats and champagne for your room, there’s a fabulous big Waterstones a few shops down to buy some good books to enjoy, wander through the wonder of Burlington Arcade, have dinner at Browns in Mayfair, book Christmas Eve afternoon tea at Claridges, pop over to one of the Firmdale sister hotels like Charlotte Street Hotel to their cinema or Ham Yard Hotel for Christmas Day lunch near Regents Street, go to Selfridges on Boxing Day morning for the best of the sales).

⬆️ I like this plan more than my expected Christmas hosting my tricky MIL!! Hope you have an amazing Christmas OP x

these ideas are lovely, thank you so much!!! I need to make a list with these to have it available for the day or to make an itinerary. I hope you have an amazing Christmas too xx