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.

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

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Edinburgh News

Dinosaurs roar to life in a Jurassic takeover at Livingston Designer Outlet

Livingston Designer Outlet goes Jurassic crazy this July with lifelike dinosaurs, ranger training and endless photo opportunities for the whole family to enjoy.

Fife & Forth Bridge Steam Train Journey Announced

Departing on Saturday 29th November 2025 at from Edinburgh Waverley, this enchanting lunchtime journey will be led by the iconic 60532 Blue Peter.

Edinburgh International Film Festival announces 2025 Programme

Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) has today announced its programme of screenings and events for its 2025 edition.

GreenFox Energy powers up Party at the Palace with first solar festival stage in Scotland

Party at the Palace will host Scotland’s first solar-powered festival stage, the GreenFox Energy Breakthrough Stage, twinning clean energy and the joy of live music.

Gilded Balloon announce a star studded line up for special 40th anniversary shows

Gilded Balloon has unveiled a huge line-up of comedy stars to take part in a special ‘40 Years of Fringe’ in conversation series, to celebrate the venue’s 40th anniversary.

SAY Award opens submissions for eligible albums

Scotland’s national music prize – the Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award – has opened submissions for 2025’s £20,000 prize.

Edinburgh International Film Festival announces 2025 Festival Footprint

Ahead of its programme launch on 2 July, EIFF venues will include Filmhouse, Cameo Cinema, Vue Omni and a new pop-up screen at National Galleries Scotland: National.

New dining chapter begins at Edinburgh restaurant inspired by famous author

One of Edinburgh’s most popular city centre restaurants has started a new dining chapter at its famous Castle Street venue.

Garner Hotels Debuts in Scotland with the Opening of Garner Hotel Edinburgh in Haymarket

IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) today announces the opening of Garner Hotel Edinburgh - Haymarket, a 195-room flagship hotel bringing a fresh energy to the city’s West End.

Edinburgh pupils discover the world of beekeeping with educational day at Fort Kinnaird

Pupils from local Edinburgh primary schools swapped the classroom for beekeeping as they had the chance to visit Fort Kinnaird’s thriving beehives for a day buzzing with educational fun.

Magic of Christmas set to make Edinburgh sparkle this Winter

Edinburgh started to unwrap its annual Christmas present, with the announcement of this year’s festive celebration dates and a first hint of what to expect this year.

Nicola Benedetti brings the Edinburgh International Festival to NHS Hospital with Live Performance

Edinburgh International Festival Director and Scottish violinist Nicola Benedetti performed alongside guitarist Plínio Fernandes as part of a series of NHS Festival Sessions.

Cineworld announces 1 pound Family Films all summer long

Cineworld has today announced £1 Family Films, running every week from July 25, so that families can be more childish together all summer long.

Great value summer holiday activities at Dobbies Garden Centres

This summer, gather the whole family and head to Dobbies Garden Centres for a day of fun-filled activities that will keep costs down.

Plenty of summer family fun at Vue venues across Scotland

Family favourites and animated adventures are heading to the big screen this summer holiday at Vue venues across Scotland.

How funkiest charity shop in Edinburgh is helping homeless

The Bothy Boutique in central Edinburgh is the retail arm of The Breakfast Bothy, a small grassroots charity supporting people in the community who are experiencing homelessness.

Five star campsite near Edinburgh named best in Scotland

Drummohr Camping and Glamping Site at Musselburgh was named Camping Site of the Year in the 2025 Scottish Hospitality Awards.

Fringe Happening at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

With the Fringe Festival right on the doorstep, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is once again hosting a fantastic array of shows and activities!

Newtongrange Primary School ends academic year on a high with prestigious UNICEF UK Gold Award

Pupils at Newtongrange Primary School have even more reason to celebrate the end of a successful academic year, having just been awarded the UNICEF UK Gold Award.

First Look inside newly refurbished Filmhouse cinema

Edinburgh’s landmark cinema Filmhouse has today revealed images of its new screens and spaces ahead of its public reopening tomorrow Friday 27 June.

FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores returns on 5th and 6th July

Summerfest, the FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores, is back on the 5th and 6th of July with lots of things to see and do!

Widest ranging exhibition of Italian Renaissance drawings in 50 years to be staged in Edinburgh

Drawings by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Titian will be among 45 Italian Renaissance drawings going on display in Scotland for the first time this October.

Inspiring climate action through the Edinburgh Climate Festival

Edinburgh Climate Festival returns on 28th June. A free festival that aims to celebrate & inspirate climate action in our local communities.

Earlybird tickets drive buzz for 2026 Scottish Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Home Show

The biggest show of its kind in Scotland returns with Earlybird tickets and a give-away with headline sponsor Border Caravans!

Pret gets ready for Pride with free glow up and goodies

This weekend, in celebration of Edinburgh Pride, Pret A Manger is turning up the sparkle with an in-shop glow-up station!

July events at Dobbies Garden Centres

Check out July at Dobbies with it's Little Seedlings Club on rainforests and Grow How on pest control and healthy gardens!

Fist Look: Inside new Cafe Calton which offers stunning Panoramic views of Edinburgh

Cafe Calton, located at the top of Calton Hill and offering panoramic views of Edinburgh, has opened in Edinburgh.

Casting announced for the new production of Miss Saigon at Edinburgh Playhouse

Michael Harrison, in association with Cameron Mackintosh, is delighted to announce the full casting for a major UK and Ireland tour of MISS SAIGON, including a run at Edinburgh Playhouse.

Scottish Legend Dougie MacLean to Lead Opening Weekend Big Singalong at the Edinburgh International Festival

A lineup of world-class musicians at the forefront of their fields are today added to the Edinburgh International Festival programme.

East Lothian community revives woodland ecosystem with help from Loganair GreenSkies fund

A community-owned woodland in East Lothian is undergoing a remarkable transformation thanks to a grassroots replanting project supported by Loganair’s GreenSkies Community Fund.

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

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.

Sponsored Links

Latest Edinburgh News

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Listings