Are things open during Christmas in London?
On Christmas Day in London, almost all shops, museums, and attractions are closed, and there is no public transport. However, some restaurants, pubs (mostly pre-booked), and hotel bars are open. Key activities include walking in parks, visiting Churches for services, taking pre-booked tours, or visiting Chinatown.Is anything open in London on Christmas Day?
On Christmas Day in London, most shops are closed, but you'll find many pubs (especially chains like Wetherspoons, Greene King), some restaurants (bookings essential!), hotels, and parks open, perfect for festive strolls and meals, with limited transport and attractions like the Peter Pan Cup swim in the Serpentine also available. Essential planning is key for food and travel.Is it worth going to London during Christmas?
Yes, Christmas in London is widely considered magical and worth it for the dazzling lights, festive markets, ice skating, and unique atmosphere, but be prepared for large crowds, high costs, and potentially cold/wet weather; it's best if you embrace the festive spirit while also seeking quieter moments to avoid the overwhelming commercialism and tourist traps, according to a local's guide, Visit London, and Reddit users.What can you do in London during Christmas?
Christmas In London: Best Things To Do- 1.1 Visit Winter Wonderland
- 1.2 Go ice skating at the Natural History Museum
- 1.3 See the Christmas decorations in & around Oxford Street
- 1.4 Visit Southbank Christmas Market
- 1.5 Pair ice-skating at South Bank with a visit to the London Eye!
- 1.6 Shop at Covent Garden
Are shops open on Christmas Day in London Oxford Street?
No, major shops on London's Oxford Street are closed on Christmas Day (December 25th) due to UK laws requiring large stores to shut, though some small convenience stores, pubs, and restaurants may be open, with minimal public transport running and the area still popular for seeing Christmas lights and walking.CHRISTMAS IN LONDON GUIDE (Christmas markets, shopping, lights & things to do)
Is everything closed on December 25 in London?
Yes, nearly everything in London closes on Christmas Day (December 25th), including most shops, restaurants, and public transport, creating a very quiet atmosphere, but some pubs (often for limited hours), hotel restaurants (requiring advance booking), select non-traditional restaurants (like Chinese in Chinatown), and open spaces like Royal Parks are usually available. Planning ahead is crucial for meals and transport, as you'll need to rely on pre-booked options or taxis/rideshares.What is allowed to open on Christmas Day?
On Christmas Day, small shops (under 280 sq meters), petrol stations, pharmacies, and businesses in airports/rail stations/motorway services, plus hospitality venues (restaurants, pubs, takeaways), are generally allowed to open in the UK, while large supermarkets and high-street stores (over 280 sq meters) must remain closed in England and Wales due to the Christmas Day (Trading) Act 2004. However, many smaller businesses and hospitality venues choose to close to give staff the holiday, so checking local times is always best.What is the most Christmassy place in London?
London's most Christmassy spots blend dazzling lights, festive markets, and unique attractions, with Covent Garden (giant tree, snowfall), Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park (sheer scale, rides), and the iconic street lights of Oxford Street/Regent Street/Carnaby Street topping most lists, alongside spectacular displays at Christmas at Kew and traditional charm at Trafalgar Square.What is the most Christmassy street in London?
While central London's Regent Street and Carnaby Street offer iconic, grand displays, the true "most Christmassy street" is often cited as Lower Morden Lane in South London, where residents go all-out decorating their homes for charity, creating a dazzling, local winter wonderland that draws huge crowds and raises significant funds for St Raphael's Hospice.How do I get around London on Christmas Day?
When London's trains and buses stop on Christmas Day, the bikes do not. With no Transport for London (TfL) services or National Rail trains running on December 25th, Londoners are set to rely once again on shared e-bikes to get around the capital, according to new data from micromobility operator Lime.Where to go in London at Christmas for free?
10 FREE things to do in London this Christmas- See The Ice Palace at The Outernet. ...
- Walk a Christmas light trail. ...
- Sing at a carol service off Regent Street. ...
- See the Ever After Garden in Chelsea. ...
- Sip a free hot chocolate in Fitzrovia. ...
- Listen to live jazz at Southbank Centre. ...
- Walk through the Infinity Chamber in Covent Garden.
What is the cheapest month to go to London?
When is the cheapest time to visit London? Usually, the period between January and March is the cheapest time to visit London, due to the cool temperatures, occasional rainfall, and lack of public holidays and events.How cold is London at Christmas?
Winter (December - February)Winters in London are characterised by cold and often rainy weather. The average high between December and February is 48°F (9°C) and the average low is 41°F (5°C).
Is the tube open on Christmas?
You won't be riding one of these on 25 December. As usual, no TfL services run on Christmas Day. That's buses, Tubes, trains, trams, Elizabeth line, Overground, DLR, river boats, cable car, the works.What is normally open on Christmas Day?
Several national restaurant chains usually operate on Christmas Day, though hours vary by location. Commonly open options include Starbucks, McDonald's, IHOP, Waffle House, Dunkin', Denny's, Krispy Kreme and select fast-food chains. Many locations run shorter hours, so checking online before heading out is key.Is 25 and 26 December a public holiday?
UK bank holidays between 2025 and 2026There are two remaining bank holiday dates in 2025: 25 December (Thursday): Christmas Day. 26 December (Friday): Boxing Day.
What is the least Christmassy town in the UK?
Crowned the least Christmassy town in the UK was… Luton. The city scored the lowest on the festive spirit score, making it home to the Grinchiest of souls in the country. Second place went to Bradford, followed by Southampton in third.How to feel Christmassy in London?
🎄10 magical things to do in London during the holidays:- ✨ Admire the Christmas lights on Oxford Street and Regent Street.
- ⛸️ Ice skating at Somerset House.
- 🕯️ The magical displays of Christmas at Kew Gardens.
- 🎡 Explore Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park.
- 🫖 Enjoy an iconic afternoon tea in a festive hotel setting.
What is the most Christmassy bar in London?
London's Most Christmassy BarLocated at 10 Henrietta Street, step into the most gloriously over-the-top festive pop-up with Miracle Bar. Imagine a kitsch Christmas dream draped in tinsel-choked decor, fairly lights on steroids and retro ornaments - enough to make Santa blush this festive season!
Is it worth visiting London during Christmas?
Yes, Christmas in London is widely considered magical and worth it for the dazzling lights, festive markets, ice skating, and unique atmosphere, but be prepared for large crowds, high costs, and potentially cold/wet weather; it's best if you embrace the festive spirit while also seeking quieter moments to avoid the overwhelming commercialism and tourist traps, according to a local's guide, Visit London, and Reddit users.Is Winter Wonderland London free?
Top tips when visiting Winter WonderlandPick the best time: When booking, select a timeslot that suits you – entry at off-peak times is free, standard entry is from £5, and peak time access is from £7.50 per adult ticket. Wrap up warm: Being an outdoor attraction, it can get chilly at times.