Behind the Festive Lights: How London’s Residential Amenities Stay Operational Over Christmas

Planning Early for a Seamless December

Preparation begins long before December arrives. By early autumn most amenity management teams are already coordinating festive rotas, confirming staff availability and identifying which amenities will see the highest demand.

No two developments operate the same way. Some request full operational coverage across Christmas and New Year, while others prefer a reduced service or specific closures for deep cleans or maintenance resets.

Detailed operational planning includes:

• Rotas & Staffing - Managing festive leave while maintaining full operational cover, ensuring residents experience the same seamless service they receive all year round.

• Resident Communication - Providing clear, timely updates on opening hours, booking windows and any seasonal arrangements to keep expectations aligned and avoid last-minute issues.

• Supplier Coordination - Working closely with partners and suppliers to ensure their holiday schedules align with site requirements, preventing any disruption to residents or operations.

Seasonal Touches That Make a Difference
The festive season naturally shifts how residents use their spaces, placing even greater emphasis on comfort, community and seamless service.

Many residents choose to stay in London for Christmas, welcoming guests, hosting in shared lounges or enjoying private screenings in the cinema room.

During this time, amenity teams enhance the experience with simple, thoughtful touches that feel natural to the setting:

• Festive Refreshments - Seasonal drinks offered in residential spaces.

• Seasonal Wellness - Spa treatments, skincare guidance and light wellness activities tailored for winter.

• Community Experiences - Christmas films, cocktail sessions and relaxed gatherings that bring neighbours together.

Each of these small gestures adds warmth and belonging, strengthening community and reinforcing the value of amenities as an effortless extension of home.
Operational Focus During the Festive Season

The festive period introduces a different pace to amenity operations. Keeping everything running seamlessly requires foresight, precision and calm, proactive management.

Key priorities include:

• Equipment Maintenance - From saunas and pools to cinema systems, all core assets undergo thorough pre-Christmas checks to minimise the risk of mid-season faults and ensure a smooth resident experience.

• Cleaning & Presentation - With increased footfall, cleaning schedules are elevated to maintain impeccable standards. Teams ensure every towel, glass and touchpoint reflects the level of quality residents expect during the busiest time of the year.

Team Morale and Recognition

Behind every seamless festive operation is a team who adjust their own Christmas plans to keep the amenities running smoothly. Acknowledging their commitment is just as important as any operational preparation. 

Reflecting on the Year and Looking Ahead

For an amenity management company, December isn’t just the end of the calendar year - it’s a time to reflect on performance, resident satisfaction and operational consistency. Reviewing how each development’s festive period runs helps refine future planning: understanding what residents valued most, what operational gaps emerged and how service delivery can be elevated even further next year.
Christmas in London’s residential developments isn’t defined by decorations or seasonal events - it’s defined by continuity of care. At Zasbi, we’ve mastered the balance: delivering the same calm, consistent, resident-first service all year round, even as demand intensifies over the festive period. Every detail counts - from perfectly set sauna temperatures to seamless cinema bookings and beautifully presented lounges. When managed well, these touchpoints blend effortlessly, creating a festive season that feels seamless for residents and sustainably delivered by the teams who support them.

Michael Parsons, Managing Director, Zasbi Limited