CLICK HERE TO ADD YOUR EVENT

Macdonald Hotels survey reveals the activities Brits will miss the most this festive season

A survey conducted by Macdonald Hotels, parent company of Macdonald Holyrood Hotel, reveals the activities Brits will miss the most this festive season.

Macdonald Hotels survey reveals the activities Brits will miss the most this festive season

Article Source: Macdonald Hotels
Last Updated: 2 December 2020 15:19

Survey reveals the activities Brits will miss the most this festive season
Research conducted by Macdonald Hotels, parent company of Macdonald Holyrood Hotel.

The office Christmas party tops the list of the festivities Brits are most disappointed about missing out on this year.

The survey of more than 8,700 people carried out by well-known UK hotel group Macdonald Hotels, the parent company to Macdonald Holyrood Hotel in Edinburgh, analysed the attitudes of Brits as they prepare for what is set to be the most restrictive Christmas in generations.

With many workers separated from colleagues for almost 10 months, it appears that most Brits were looking forward to catching up at the annual celebration.

Restrictions on gatherings and social distancing guidelines mean that people are unable to spend time with family and friends enjoying the activities that make the holidays special.

34% of people identified their workplace party as the activity they will miss the most, while 32% were most frustrated that they could not visit a Christmas market this year.

The cancellation of pantomimes (13%), school and church nativity plays (12%) and Christmas carol concerts (7%) have also caused disappointment amongst Brits.

Siann Reid, general manager of Macdonald Holyrood Hotel said: “Some people dread the annual ‘works night out’, but with many of us isolated from colleagues for most of the year, there is a real desire to catch up off the clock over some mulled wine.

“While I am sure there will be plenty of Zoom holiday parties taking place this year, I think many would agree it’s not the same.

“Unfortunately, this festive season is going to look very different, but there are still lots of things we can do to keep the magic of Christmas alive.”


The same survey also found that 83% of people would feel safe visiting a hotel, restaurant or bar when they open for the festive season. As it stands hospitality venues will re-open in England on 2 December, while Scotland is set to lift restrictions on 11 December.

Siann Reid continued: “We can’t recreate the extravagant Christmas markets and, unfortunately, we won’t be able to host large holiday parties for people and their colleagues, but Christmas has definitely not been cancelled at Macdonald Holyrood Hotel.

“We operate in a Tier 3 location, meaning we can still accept guests from our area for an overnight stay or festive dining experience. We look forward to welcoming those we can over the festive period.”


Macdonald Holyrood Hotel operates to the highest standard of hygiene, with regular and thorough cleaning process. The hotel’s policies are summarised in its ‘Safe & Sound’ strategy which identifies the steps taken to keep all guests safe. All bookings allow free changes, and in many cases are completely flexible, letting guests amend or cancel their trip within 24 hours of their stay.

For more information, please visit www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/our-hotels/scotland/edinburgh/macdonald-holyrood-hotel-and-spa


Sponsored Links

Children's Classic Concerts
The Society for Reproduction and Fertility
Wonder & Co
Escape The Past

Latest Edinburgh News

February at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

February at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

From Valentine's Day to Rugby, discover Virgin Hotels Edinburgh's events this February!

READ MORE
Fayre Play spreads the love with free tickets across Edinburgh

Fayre Play spreads the love with free tickets across Edinburgh

Edinburgh's favourite fairground-themed night out, Fayre Play, are sharing the love this Valentine’s season with an exciting giveaway across the city.

READ MORE
The List set to launch Eat & Drink 365, brand new food guides for Edinburgh and Glasgow

The List set to launch Eat & Drink 365, brand new food guides for Edinburgh and Glasgow

The print publication will launch in Edinburgh this May with a separate Glasgow edition planned for later in the year.

READ MORE
EH Rewards by Edinburgh Marriott Hotel Holyrood

EH Rewards by Edinburgh Marriott Hotel Holyrood

Local Edinburgh residents are invited to take advantage of some exciting offers at the Edinburgh Marriott Hotel Holyrood.

READ MORE
Roll a double two to WIN as Duck & Waffle Edinburgh celebrate 2nd Birthday

Roll a double two to WIN as Duck & Waffle Edinburgh celebrate 2nd Birthday

Duck & Waffle Edinburgh in St James Quarter is celebrating its second birthday this week, and all guests are invited to play a special birthday game that can see you dine for free.

READ MORE
Lunar New Year at St James Quarter

Lunar New Year at St James Quarter

It’s the Year of the Snake, and as people in Edinburgh prepare to celebrate Lunar New Year, St James Quarter had an exciting line-up of celebrations taking place at the weekend.

READ MORE
Three community projects are to receive funding to plant more trees in cities and towns across Scotland

Three community projects are to receive funding to plant more trees in cities and towns across Scotland

A community orchard, tree planting and community wellbeing initiative and a local nature reserve are the first projects to benefit from the Urban Forestry Programme.

READ MORE
Free and great value half term activities at Dobbies

Free and great value half term activities at Dobbies

Dobbies Garden Centres is offering great value entertainment for families this February half term.

READ MORE
itison Us charity call out

itison Us charity call out

itison Us have thousands of free respite experiences available for small Scottish charities.

READ MORE
Blank Street pop up tram stop serves free coffee 7th and 8th February

Blank Street pop up tram stop serves free coffee 7th and 8th February

Buzz worthy brand, Blank Street is coming to Edinburgh with the Blank Street Express Line, an immersive tram stop pop-up, designed to inject some magic into the mundane.

READ MORE
Pavilion Festival Unveils 2025 Lineup with James, Ewan McVicar, Annie Mac, Ben Hemsley, Happy Mondays and more

Pavilion Festival Unveils 2025 Lineup with James, Ewan McVicar, Annie Mac, Ben Hemsley, Happy Mondays and more

Pavilion Festival has today announced the huge lineup for its third year on Ayr Beach with James, Annie Mac, Happy Mondays, Ewan McVicar, Ben Hemsley and more playing live!

READ MORE
Limited Edition Whisky Launched in Edinburgh

Limited Edition Whisky Launched in Edinburgh

A limited edition whisky has been produced celebrating Edinburgh Castle’s iconic One O’Clock Gun with only 288 bottles made exclusive to Historic Environment Scotland.

READ MORE
Celebrate Lunar New Year at St James Quarter Edinburgh

Celebrate Lunar New Year at St James Quarter Edinburgh

It’s the Year of the Snake and as people in Edinburgh prepare to celebrate Lunar New Year, St James Quarter has its exciting line up of celebrations taking place this weekend.

READ MORE
Romance and Relaxation at The Leddie

Romance and Relaxation at The Leddie

The Leddie, Aberlady's boutique hotel and restaurant, has today unveiled its latest Valentine-focused event programme to bring people together in a cosy and intimate setting.

READ MORE
Trust launches storm appeal following extensive damage across Scotland

Trust launches storm appeal following extensive damage across Scotland

The National Trust for Scotland has launched an appeal to support emergency work needed to deal with the devastating destruction caused by Storm Éowyn.

READ MORE
Leith Theatre Perseveres on 20 Year Journey to Save Building

Leith Theatre Perseveres on 20 Year Journey to Save Building

Leith Theatre Trust is proud to announce a significant milestone, the securing of a 50-year lease for the much-loved Leith Theatre.

READ MORE
Love is in the Air with the Love Birdie Deal at Volcano Falls

Love is in the Air with the Love Birdie Deal at Volcano Falls

This Valentine’s is the perfect time to try something different and Volcano Falls has just the thing!

READ MORE
Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show launches a mythical map of Scotland with lead Scottish tour company

Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show launches a mythical map of Scotland with lead Scottish tour company

The biggest show of its kind in Scotland has partnered with Andy The Highlander to create an Enchanted Map of Scotland's most enchanted locations.

READ MORE
Scottish hospitality group serves up new digital loyalty scheme to cut customer bills

Scottish hospitality group serves up new digital loyalty scheme to cut customer bills

Scottish hospitality group, Signature, has launched an innovative new digital loyalty scheme to help cost-conscious customers save money dining out.

READ MORE
Alice Cooper to play Edinburgh Playhouse for first time in 20 years

Alice Cooper to play Edinburgh Playhouse for first time in 20 years

Alice Cooper announces two exclusive UK shows for 2025 with at date at Edinburgh Playhouse in July!

READ MORE
Flight Club announces epic competition to celebrate 10th Birthday

Flight Club announces epic competition to celebrate 10th Birthday

The Social Darts bar, with venues in Glasgow and Edinburgh, turns 10 this year and kicks off the year-long celebrations with a seriously cool competition!

READ MORE
The Real Mary Kings Close announces special tours for February half term

The Real Mary Kings Close announces special tours for February half term

This February half term, The Real Mary King’s Close invites visitors to step back in time and discover the intriguing stories of Edinburgh’s past with three captivating experiences.

READ MORE
World renowned tattoo artists gather for 12th annual Scottish Tattoo Convention

World renowned tattoo artists gather for 12th annual Scottish Tattoo Convention

Almost 200 tattoo artists from across Scotland, and the globe, will gather in Edinburgh for the twelfth Scottish Tattoo Convention – Scotland’s longest running tattoo event.

READ MORE
Eat Out Edinburgh returns this March

Eat Out Edinburgh returns this March

Back with a bang, Eat Out Edinburgh returns to the city this March offering a month of incredible deals, discounts and events from the capital’s best bars and restaurants.

READ MORE
Scottish Golf events go LIVE for 2025

Scottish Golf events go LIVE for 2025

Top amateurs and handicap golfers can now sign up for one or more of Scottish Golf's 33 championships in a packed 2025 schedule.

READ MORE
Live Music Now Scotland announces unparalleled new award

Live Music Now Scotland announces unparalleled new award

Live Music Now Scotland is delighted to announce a funding award of £150,000 from Elizabeth Lornie's Charitable Trust.

READ MORE
Bongo into February and March at The O2 Academy

Bongo into February and March at The O2 Academy

Bongo's Bingo is returning to Edinburgh with a run of spectacular winter shows including an 80s special and triple-whammy of St. Patrick’s Day specials.

READ MORE
Pavilion Festival returns to Ayr Beach with Saturday lineup curated by Ewan McVicar

Pavilion Festival returns to Ayr Beach with Saturday lineup curated by Ewan McVicar

Pavilion Festival Presents: Ewan McVicar B2B Ben Hemsley, special guest Annie Mac, along with DJ Seinfeld, Sally C, Robert Hood (Floorplan) and more on Saturday 3rd May!

READ MORE
BBC Debate Night returns for 2025

BBC Debate Night returns for 2025

BBC Scotland's topical TV programme Debate Night returns this month and they are searching for people to be part of the big studio audience.

READ MORE
The Scottish Colourists Book Launch

The Scottish Colourists Book Launch

The Scottish Gallery Press is delighted to launch a new, 80 page hardback book, offering a fresh history of The Scottish Colourists.

READ MORE

Sponsored Links

Scotonomics
EU Footlights
Fayre Play
ATG
Edinburgh Dungeon

Sponsored Links

Children's Classic Concerts
The Society for Reproduction and Fertility
Wonder & Co
Escape The Past
Scotonomics
EU Footlights
Fayre Play
ATG
Edinburgh Dungeon

Popular Events

Rewind Back to the 80s & 90s
REWIND is back and it's bigger, bolder and better as a Day Party at The Liquid Room on Saturday 22nd March!
Chicago
Chicago returns to razzle dazzle theatres across the country in 2025, don't miss your chance to see it when it returns to the Edinburgh Playhouse in February!
AC/DC
AC/DC, the legendary multi-million-selling band, has announced they will conclude their 'POWER UP' tour at Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh on Thursday 21st August!
Chinese Brush Painting Class
Held at the Confucius Institute campus in Edinburgh, this five-week Chinese Brush Painting course starting on Wednesday 19th February, explores a variety of subjects.
Sam Newbould Quintet
Don't miss the Sam Newbould Quintet, an award winning five piece international line-up emerging from the vibrant Amsterdam jazz scene, at Traverse Theatre on Monday 7th April!

Popular Listings

Corn Exchange Haddington Edinburgh Playhouse Festival Theatre Edinburgh Howden Park Centre Livingston Kings Theatre Edinburgh National Museum of Scotland O2 Academy Edinburgh The Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh Traverse Theatre Usher Hall