Christmas in Cambridge

From the carolling that rings out from the great chapels of Cambridge to the frost that covers the city parks, there is no finer English city to spend Christmas in - nor a hotel more inviting than University Arms. Enjoy festive dining in Parker’s Tavern, relaxing by the fire in the Library and beautiful city walks in the crisp winter air.

This will be a winter experience full of memories, when seasonal fog wraps the dreaming colleges, the pubs are cosy, and the walks along the River Cam are full of soul.

2-nights from £740 for single occupancy, £1023 for double occupancy. £125 supplement for children between 3 and 12. Age 2 and below are free of charge.

Our flexible itinerary will work for however you and your family want to spend your festive period.

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    Check-in anytime from 4pm

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    Canapés & sherry at 5PM in the Drawing Room

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    Carol Singers from Clare College accompanying the canapés

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    Festive Dinner in Parker’s Tavern between 7PM and 9PM

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    A lazy buffet breakfast in Parker’s Tavern between 7AM and 10.30AM

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    Christmas Day Lunch will be served in Parker’s Tavern

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    Walking tours available at either 10AM or 2:30PM

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    Televised King's Speech at 3PM

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    Christmas Cold Cuts will be served at 7PM in Parker’s Tavern

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    Leisurely Boxing Day Breakfast will be served in Parker’s Tavern

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    Plenty of time to curl up in front of the fire and relax in the library before checkout

Christmas at University Arms, Cambridge

24th - 26th December 2024

There will be feasting throughout Christmas Day at University Arms, beginning with a long, lazy buffet breakfast. The day’s highlight: Christmas lunch showcasing our chef's festive flair and the finest local ingredients. After lunch, settle in for an evening of games in the Drawing Room.

After a day of revelry, wind down with a leisurely Boxing Day breakfast and time spent curled up by the fire in the wood-panelled library. We can also make recommendations for the best Boxing Day walks around the city and further afield, in the Cambridge fens.

Book early to avoid disappointment, with free cancellation until the 3rd of December.

Our festive Afternoon Tea, offers a delicious selection of savouries & sweets created by our pastry team. With traditional festive finger sandwiches and cranberry scones, accompanied by a pistachio Christmas tree with a mince pie filling and Mandarin & Champagne cheesecake. Free-from menu also available. Please note, free-from Afternoon Tea bookings require at least 24 hours to prepare for any allergies or dietary requirements

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University Arms and Parker’s Piece have been the location of choice for great feasts and celebrations throughout Cambridge’s history. The same celebratory spirit that brought 15,000 people onto the green for Queen Victoria’s Coronation in 1838 remains to this day. Few halls in Cambridge can compete with the grandeur, elegance and history of the University Arms Ballroom, especially during the festive season as it becomes adorned with decorations. Whether you are looking for a space for an intimate reception or festive feasting, the Ballroom offers a unique and memorable setting for your Christmas celebration.

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Join us in our ballroom with Emily Tallulah flowers for a luxury festive wreath making workshop. In this 2-hour workshop, you will make a traditional mossed wreath base with lots of gloriously scented blue pine. We will have an abundance of the finest winter offerings; dried fruits, cones, dried flowers, feathers & seed heads, and you can finish your wreath with some beautiful velvet ribbon.

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Ring in the New Year at University Arms with an evening of elegance with our Gala party package. Begin the evening in the Ballroom, welcomed with canapés and Champagne before heading into Parker's Tavern for a 5-course tasting menu, featuring mushroom consommé & truffle, roasted Orkney scallop with BBQ lettuce sauce, crispy fried lamb sweetbreads & bacon with potato, Tunworth cheese & pickled shallots, complete with live entertainment throughout. Finish the evening back in the ballroom for a Gala party, dancing the evening away and toasting to new beginnings before retiring to your bedroom.

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