What’s the saying? It’s the most wonderful time of the year! And that couldn’t be truer, especially when spent in London. The capital springs to life during this period; sparkly lights illuminate the streets, pubs start serving warm mulled wine, and pigs in blankets start cropping up on food menus – small sausages wrapped in a blanket of bacon – a seasonal snack enjoyed in Britain during the Christmas period. But come Christmas Day, things are different: the streets are empty, there are minimal cars on the roads, and everything is a lot quieter, which is actually very cool to see since London is usually choc-a-block.
So if you’re in London on Christmas Day, here’s what you need to know and what you can do on the day for some fun.
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(WA = Wheelchair Accessible)
Does public transport run in London on Christmas Day?
It’s essential to note that the tube, trains and buses don’t run on Christmas Day, so we recommend walking as much as you can – the best way to enjoy a very quiet London that only happens once a year. Pop on your best walking shoes and just wander the streets, taking in the sights and sounds of a rare, quiet London. Top tip: if you go at night, you can enjoy the Christmas lights without all the other people.
Another great way to get about is to rent a bike or an e-scooter. Santander Bikes, Lime Bikes, Tier and Dott are the main companies that offer e-bike and e-scooter services around the city.
You can also take a taxi, you might just have to book in advance. If you’re coming from the airport, you can pre-book a taxi with our reliable partner.
Where to Eat Lunch or Dinner on Christmas Day in London
A classic Christmas dinner is arguably the most important aspect of many people’s day, and there are many places in the city where you can enjoy it for yourself on the 25th.
Image Courtesy of Riding House Cafe via Facebook
Riding House Café
Riding House Café is serving the full works on Christmas Day. It’s located just around the corner from Oxford Circus, so you can pair it with seeing the famous Christmas lights. Use the webpage below to shoot them an enquiry if you want to book for the day, but get in quick as there’s limited spaces.
Riding House Cafe | Fitzrovia and Bloomsbury | WA
Image Courtesy of The Flask via Facebook
The Flask
Dinner at The Flask in Hampstead is for those who want to enjoy dining in a quintessentially British pub next to the warmth of two roaring fireplaces. They’re serving the classics like English turkey and pigs in blankets, plus plenty of other options like a mushroom wellington and beef sirloin with all the trimmings. Take a look at this year’s menu.
The Flask | Hampstead | WA
Image Courtesy of The Canonbury Tavern
The Canonbury Tavern
The Canonbury Tavern in Islington is serving a festive 6-course Christmas set menu for £105 per person, which includes delicacies like ham hock with cranberry terrine and pan roasted sea bream. Yum. Not sold? Check out their full menu before booking.
The Canonbury Tavern | Islington | WA
Image Courtesy of City Cruises
Enjoy a Festive Thames Lunch Cruise
Make this Christmas Day one to remember with a festive cruise along the Thames. Step aboard a City Cruises river boat and take in London’s iconic landmarks in all their glory. As you sail, you’ll be served a traditional four-course Christmas lunch featuring maple-roasted turkey with all the trimmings, crab croquettes and other festive favourites. A vegetarian and vegan menu is also available, so it’s a great option even if you have some dietary requirements in your group. There’ll also be some fun live entertainment and Christmas carols throughout the ride to make sure you leave with all the holiday spirit you can get.
City Cruises Christmas Lunch Cruise | Westminster | WA*
*See more about City Cruises’s accessibility information here.
Image Courtesy of Salaam Namaste
Salaam Namaste
If you want to steer away from the conventional meal, opt for dinner at Salaam Namaste. They’re serving a menu of Indian dishes with a festive flair. This Christmas dinner is also one of the more affordable options on this list of what to do in London on Christmas Day.
Salaam Namaste | Russell Square | WA
Image Courtesy of JOIA Battersea
JOIA Restaurant
JOIA Restaurant is an excellent option for those who want to enjoy a Christmas dinner overlooking the Thames and Battersea Power Station. In true festive style, you won’t leave hungry because JOIA are serving a set menu filled with the restaurant’s signature Iberian dishes and tapas plates including seabass ceviche, turkey, salted cod and so much more. Use the link on their website to contact them about booking a table for Christmas lunch.
JOIA Restaurant | Battersea | WA
Where to enjoy a classic afternoon tea in London on Christmas Day
If you’re not much of a Christmas dinner kind of person, then you could opt for a traditional British afternoon tea instead. A handful of iconic places serve this quintessential treat on Christmas Day; you just have to make sure to book ahead to guarantee a spot.
Image Courtesy of The Ritz
The Ritz
The Ritz serves one of the most famous afternoon teas in London, and for Christmas this year, they’re adding a delightful festive twist. Enjoy a range of 20 loose-leaf teas alongside finger sandwiches, Christmas cakes, mince pies and scones dolloped with clotted cream and jam. The Palm Court, where afternoon tea is enjoyed, will be turned into a wintery Edwardian wonderland decked out with a central Christmas tree and plenty of decorations.
Afternoon Tea at the Ritz | Mayfair | WA
Image Courtesy of Claridge’s
Claridge’s
Claridge’s in Mayfair also hosted a seasonal extravaganza on Christmas Day last year, turning their exquisite afternoon tea into a festive feast for the senses. this included sweet treats decorated with Christmassy designs, and their famous Claridge’s Christmas pudding – an annual ritual that dates back over 100 years. While menus and reservations are not out yet, we’d keep an eye on their page for when it drops because this is not one to be missed.
Afternoon Tea at Claridge’s | Mayfair | WA
Image Courtesy of St. Paul’s Cathedral
How to attend a service at a London church on Christmas Day
Heading to church on Christmas Day is a tradition in some households, and many churches and cathedrals around London host services to commemorate the day. You can either check the timetable of a local church near your hotel and head along to whatever services they’re hosting, or you can go big by visiting an iconic London institution like St. Paul’s or Westminster Abbey.
St. Paul’s is hosting the principal service of Christmas Day, complete with carols for the Choir and congregation. Meanwhile, Westminster Abbey has two services, one in the morning to celebrate Christmas morning and one in the evening, consisting of choral music, scripture readings, and prayers. Although, you’ll have to book ahead if you want to attend either of these places on Christmas Day.
There’s also a service at St Martin’s in the Field in Trafalgar Square.
Advent and Christmas at St. Paul’s Cathedral | City of London | WA
Advent and Christmas at Westminster Abbey | Westminster | WA
Christmas at St. Martin’s in the Field | Trafalgar Square | WA
Fun activities you can do in London on Christmas Day
Although there aren’t loads of places open on Christmas Day besides a handful of pubs, there are a few activities you can get stuck into.
Image Courtesy of Hampton Lido
Take a dip in the Hampton (heated) pool
Taking a dip in the Hampton heated pool on Christmas Day is a traditional, refreshing way to celebrate the holiday season. Swim under the open sky, perhaps even surrounded by a light dusting of snow if you’re lucky, and enjoy doing laps or simply floating in the heated pool. Make sure you book tickets in advance.
Hampton Pool | Hampton | WA
Image Courtesy of Serpentine Swimming Club
Watch The Peter Pan Cup in Hyde Park
If you’d rather watch swimmers from the comfort of your jacket and thick mittens, go watch the Peter Pan Cup. The Serpentine Swimming Club holds an annual swimming race (every year since 1864) in the Serpentine Lido in Hyde Park. Show up at 9 a.m. to see these brave souls do their thing.
Peter Pan Cup | Hyde Park | WA
This is an image of the view from St James’ Park
Enjoy a slow walk through one of London’s parks
All royal parks (which cover most of the major ones in London) are open on Christmas Day, so embrace being British and head for a brisk winter walk. Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens or St James’ Park are great combos for Central London, or head to East London and explore Victoria Park, frequently voted London’s best park by Londoners. For more ideas, we have an article that details all the best parks in London, so head there for some extra inspiration.
Head to Chinatown and eat
Screw tradition and head to Chinatown to chow down on some Chinese food; most places are open as usual. Or simply enjoy the area while there aren’t as many tourists around.
See the Christmas lights on a classic red bus
Hop on board a classic open-top red route bus to enjoy the twinkling Christmas lights on this tour of London’s Christmas lights. Sit back and relax, and you head on a journey through the heart of the city as it comes alive with the illumination of lights and decorations, all while taking in the sights of iconic landmarks like Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and the Tower of London.
London by Night Open Top Bus Tour with Christmas Lights | Haymarket
Soak up London’s festive spirit
On this Christmas walking tour, you’ll start at Covent Garden to see the magical Christmas lights and street performers in Central London. Spend some time browsing the famous undercover market, where you can grab some souvenirs and stocking fillers to take back home. Continue your journey along Oxford Street and visit the renowned Fortnum & Mason — where the king gets his groceries – and Liberty London, before finishing up at Piccadilly Circus where you can end the night getting a drink or a bit to eat nearby.
Christmas Walking Tour | Covent Garden
Enjoy the sights and sounds of London on Christmas Day
This Sights and Sounds of London on Christmas Day Tour fully embraces the rare peace and quiet that sweeps over the city on Christmas Day. Follow your guide as you head on a leisurely exploration of the city’s Christmas-lit streets and landmarks, with a guided commentary along the way.
Sights and Sounds of London on Christmas Day | Victoria
Image Courtesy of Get Your Guide
Embrace the festive season on a tour of Oxford, the Cotswolds and Stratford-Upon-Avon
This Christmas tour of Oxford, the Cotswolds and Stratford-Upon-Avon tour is one of the best ways to experience a traditional British Christmas, countryside style. Head out of the city to explore the historic city of Oxford and retrace the steps of Emma Thompson, Lewis Carroll and C.S. Lewis, who all studied here. Then, visit the cobbled villages that make up the Cotswolds, followed by a final stop at the birthplace of William Shakespeare, Stratford-upon-Avon. Of course, your day will finish with a delicious Christmas lunch with all the trimmings.
Christmas in Oxford, the Cotswolds and Stratford-Upon-Avon | Coach departs from Victoria
The day after Christmas is called Boxing Day, which has some limitations as well. Here’s a list of things you can do in London on Boxing Day.
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Do you know/ have a list of things open/closed on Christmas eve?
I don’t but if you do a Google search you’ll find some lists.
Thanks for this information. We are staying at Malmaison Hotel and visiting London for the first time. Do you know what we can do near that area that its walking distance?
Thanks in advance
Your best bet it to ask the hotel when you check in, they will have some suggestions in that specific area.