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
Fayre Play
Tea Green
MNB
Escape The Past
WST
Murrayfield Experience

Latest Edinburgh News

Michelin success for top new restaurant of the year in Edinburgh

Michelin success for top new restaurant of the year in Edinburgh

Barry Fish, one of Edinburgh’s most celebrated new restaurants of 2025, has earned its place in the prestigious Michelin Guide for Great Britain and Ireland, just 8 months after its launch.

READ MORE
Deer Park Golf and Country Club Tees Up Championship Quality Golf All Year Round

Deer Park Golf and Country Club Tees Up Championship Quality Golf All Year Round

Deer Park is offering golfers the chance to enjoy superb playing conditions 365 days a year, ensuring the course remains in peak form, whatever the weather.

READ MORE
National Galleries of Scotland celebrates Halloween by sharing rare images from Egyptian Book of the Dead

National Galleries of Scotland celebrates Halloween by sharing rare images from Egyptian Book of the Dead

This Halloween National Galleries of Scotland is diving into the special books collection to share the rare work 'Le Livre des morts des Anciens Egyptiens' by Anton Prinner.

READ MORE
Santa Opens a Brand New North Pole HQ at Conifox

Santa Opens a Brand New North Pole HQ at Conifox

Edinburgh’s Ultimate Christmas Experience Arrives in a Spectacular New Purpose-Built Building at Conifox Adventure Park.

READ MORE
Final call for Edinburgh walkers to join autumn challenge

Final call for Edinburgh walkers to join autumn challenge

THE FINAL countdown to Walking Scotland’s Autumn Step Count Challenge has begun, with teams across the country being urged to register before the event starts on Monday, 3 November 2025.

READ MORE
Sail into the festive season with five star luxury floating hotel Fingal

Sail into the festive season with five star luxury floating hotel Fingal

Scotland’s only five-star luxury floating hotel, Fingal, is adding some festive magic to its guest experiences this Christmas and Hogmanay.

READ MORE
First Bus gives Remembrance free travel for all Armed Forces, veterans and cadets

First Bus gives Remembrance free travel for all Armed Forces, veterans and cadets

First Bus is offering free travel for all veterans and UK Armed Forces personnel travelling to Remembrance Day activities of Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day.

READ MORE
Scotland Meats Germany

Scotland Meats Germany

Scotland's favourite beer, Tennent's Lager, has unveiled the world's first ever Square Wurst - a Scottish classic with a German twist - to mark the launch of Tennent's Bavarian Pilsner.

READ MORE
Palm Court at The Balmoral unveils new Elevenses menu

Palm Court at The Balmoral unveils new Elevenses menu

Palm Court at The Balmoral has launched a new ‘Elevenses’ menu, showcasing the pastry team’s viennoiserie skills.

READ MORE
Vault City launches blood red strawberry sour beer for Halloween season

Vault City launches blood red strawberry sour beer for Halloween season

A POPULAR Halloween treat is being reimagined for grown-ups this year, as Edinburgh’s wizards of sour beer unveil their latest spooky special.

READ MORE
Scottish Ensemble brings warmth to wintry nights with Concerts by Candlelight tour

Scottish Ensemble brings warmth to wintry nights with Concerts by Candlelight tour

Concert by Candlelight, Scottish Ensemble's celebrated long-running winter tour, returns for eight awe-inspiring performances in intimate settings around Scotland this December.

READ MORE
Feel the festive cheer at Dobbies Charity Christmas Shopping Night

Feel the festive cheer at Dobbies Charity Christmas Shopping Night

Dobbies is encouraging customers to come along to their nearest store and to be the first to shop exclusive Black Friday offers at its late-night shopping event, in aid of Alzheimer's Research UK.

READ MORE
Red Hot Chilli Pipers announced to headline Ross Bandstand programme

Red Hot Chilli Pipers announced to headline Ross Bandstand programme

With just under three weeks left until Edinburgh’s Christmas events and attractions open to Edinburgh residents and visitors, the full Ross Bandstand programme is unveiled today.

READ MORE
Autumn Offers at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection

Autumn Offers at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection

Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched new offerings designed to inspire cosy autumn getaways and early festive escapes across Scotland.

READ MORE
Mowgli Street Food unveils its Christmas feasting menus

Mowgli Street Food unveils its Christmas feasting menus

Mowgli Street Food restaurants have launched their special Christmas menus - a vibrant celebration of Indian home-style cooking, made for sharing.

READ MORE
50 Scottish entrepreneurs gather in Edinburgh for National Mentoring Day

50 Scottish entrepreneurs gather in Edinburgh for National Mentoring Day

More than 50 entrepreneurs from across Scotland gathered in Edinburgh this week for Edinburgh Mentor Match - a free business speed mentoring session run by Virgin StartUp.

READ MORE
OMNi teams up with local school and partners for Creative Milestone Initiative

OMNi teams up with local school and partners for Creative Milestone Initiative

Edinburgh’s OMNi Centre has teamed up with Scottish artist Helen Denerley and Edinburgh Zoo to deliver a primary school design project for the Dreaming Spires sculpture’s 20th anniversary.

READ MORE
The Scottish Excellence Awards are open for entries

The Scottish Excellence Awards are open for entries

Nominations are open for the highly anticipated Scottish Excellence Awards 2026, a celebration of Scotland's hospitality, foodservice and tourism sectors.

READ MORE
Halloween Events Round Up for Edinburgh Restaurants

Halloween Events Round Up for Edinburgh Restaurants

Take a look at some of the Halloween events taking place in Edinburgh Restaurants this week!

READ MORE
Sterling Home brings festive cheer with heartfelt Christmas donation

Sterling Home brings festive cheer with heartfelt Christmas donation

Leading furniture retailer Sterling Home is lighting up the festive season with a generous donation of Christmas decorations and furniture to children’s hospices and hospitals across Scotland.

READ MORE
Dobbies Garden Centres hosts free to attend winter gardening workshop for kids

Dobbies Garden Centres hosts free to attend winter gardening workshop for kids

Dobbies is hosting a free-to-attend monthly gardening workshop on Sunday 2 November, for children across the country to discover how they can encourage winter birds into the garden.

READ MORE
Simply Greek Opens Vibrant New Home Near the Playhouse

Simply Greek Opens Vibrant New Home Near the Playhouse

Simply Greek, the family-owned restaurant adored for its authentic Greek flavours, is proving a hit with diners in its stunning new home, right across from the iconic Edinburgh Playhouse.

READ MORE
Five star spa in the capital awarded top UK accolade

Five star spa in the capital awarded top UK accolade

The One Spa, one of Scotland’s most luxurious spas, has secured the highest honour from the UK’s most prestigious spa authority.

READ MORE
One more! A quarter of Scots say they will spend their extra hour in the pub as clocks go back

One more! A quarter of Scots say they will spend their extra hour in the pub as clocks go back

To celebrate, Innis & Gunn is hosting 'Sunset Sessions' at its three Taprooms in Glasgow and Edinburgh, with live trad music performances kicking off at 4.50pm - the exact time of sunset!

READ MORE
Illusions, Laughter, Shape Shifters and Dark Mysteries at MagicFest

Illusions, Laughter, Shape Shifters and Dark Mysteries at MagicFest

Unleash your inner magic – MagicFest, Edinburgh’s annual avalanche of illusion, sleight of hand, mystery and laughter.

READ MORE
Snooker Giants Set For Edinburgh

Snooker Giants Set For Edinburgh

The draw and schedule for the BetVictor Scottish Open in Edinburgh is out now and fans are strongly urged to book tickets fast!

READ MORE
Where to spend Christmas in Edinburgh

Where to spend Christmas in Edinburgh

The Scott Hotel and its restaurant, Bonnars, have unveiled its highly anticipated festive packages, offering both luxurious overnight escapes and festive fine dining for visitors and Edinburgh locals.

READ MORE
Edinburghs Hogmanay announces music and comedy programme

Edinburghs Hogmanay announces music and comedy programme

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay has today announced a music and comedy programme spanning four days of the festival, with Scottish talent topping the bill.

READ MORE
Loganair marks four year partnership with CHAS with aircraft naming

Loganair marks four year partnership with CHAS with aircraft naming

Loganair has marked the fourth anniversary of its partnership with Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) by naming one of its aircraft in honour of the charity.

READ MORE
Vittoria Group teams up with Hirundine Whisky for Edinburgh wide partnership

Vittoria Group teams up with Hirundine Whisky for Edinburgh wide partnership

Edinburgh’s top restaurant group is raising a glass to a new partnership with Hirundine Whisky, the premium single malt created by Scottish rugby stars Duhan van der Merwe and Pierre Schoeman.

READ MORE

Sponsored Links

Hilton Glasgow
Mowgli
Renfrewshire Council
Go Ape
Salvation Army
Hilton Glasgow
Hostelworld

Sponsored Links

Children's Classic Concerts
Fayre Play
Tea Green
MNB
Escape The Past
WST
Murrayfield Experience
Hilton Glasgow
Mowgli
Renfrewshire Council
Go Ape
Salvation Army
Hilton Glasgow
Hostelworld

Popular Events

Meet the Gruffal...Oh! Storytelling Event
Join Whirly Gig at Bridgend Farmhouse Cafe for a fun and engaging session including a fox in a suit, a rather dashing owl, and who knows.. maybe there is such a thing as a Gruffal.....O!
Distillery After Dark - Halloween at Holyrood
Distillery After Dark: a Halloween experience like no other - Witchcraft, Hauntings, Murder and the echo of footsteps in the fog…
SLA Fireworks Extravaganza 2025
The Scottish Love in Action Fireworks Extravaganza 2025 is taking place on Sunday 2nd November at Myreside Stadium.
PINK. Women of Italian Graphic Design. From the Origins to Contemporaneity
This powerful exhibition uncovers the overlooked contributions of Italian women graphic designers who helped define eras, influence culture, and craft iconic imagery.
Introduction to Seed Saving (one-day workshop)
This one-day workshop at Lauriston Farm gives an introduction to why we should all be saving seed, and the basics of how to go about it.

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