Does Eurostar run over Christmas?

Eurostar does not operate any trains to or from London on Christmas Day (December 25). While continental European rail networks remain active on December 25, the UK network shuts down, making this a consistent holiday, with service typically resuming on Boxing Day (December 26) with a limited schedule.

Does the Eurostar run on Boxing Day?

Eurostar starts from London St Pancras International on Boxing Day with the 8.01am to Paris and 8.16am to Brussels and Amsterdam. When you arrive at those cities, the local trains will be running more or less as normal.

Do trains run on the 25th of December?

There will be no National Rail services on Christmas Day as usual this year.

Do trains in France run on Christmas Eve?

On Christmas Day, Paris Métro and regional RER trains will operate on holiday hours, running later into the evening than usual. On Christmas Eve, the trains will follow regular operating hours. Keep in mind, however, that the Eurostar train from London to Paris does not operate on Christmas Day.

Do the trains run over Christmas?

No, nearly all trains in the UK stop running on Christmas Day (December 25th) as a standard practice, with stations closed and no services operating, though some very limited services might exist for specific routes or airports like Heathrow Express, and buses sometimes provide limited coverage for essential travel like hospital routes. Major network upgrades by Network Rail often mean even fewer services on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) and the days following, so it's crucial to check timetables well in advance for any festive period travel. 

Eurostar security staff to strike in run-up to Christmas

Do trains run on 26th December in the UK?

Do trains run on Boxing Day (26th December)? No, EMR does not operate on Boxing Day. The UK rail network is largely closed, so plan to travel before or after 26th December instead.

What are the busiest travel days for Christmas 2025?

Boxing Day (December 26) and the weekend of Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 December are predicted to be extremely busy this year, with big sales impacting road transport. And with workers returning to work on 29 December, rush hour will also return in the mornings and evenings. Try to avoid driving during these periods.

Is December 26th a bank holiday in France?

In France there are 11 bank holidays

In Alsace-Moselle, the 26 of December is also a bank holiday, and some collective bargaining agreement can add other days to this list.

Is it worth going to Paris at Christmas?

December brings Christmas markets and holiday cheer.

Paris may not be one of the biggest Christmas market destinations in the world, but the holiday season is still a popular time to visit! Paris may not have the traditional Christmas markets of Germany or Alsace, but you absolutely get the Christmasy vibe here.

What is the most Christmassy place in France?

If holiday lights, music, and festive food define the spirit of a market, then the very best Christmas Markets in France are in Alsace. Strasbourg, Colmar, Eguisheim, Riquewihr, Kaysersberg, and Ribeauvillé transform into a Christmas wonderland each December.

Do trains run on 27 December?

No trains will run on Christmas Day or Boxing Day. A reduced timetable will operate from 27th December 2025 to 4th January 2026.

Which country doesn't celebrate Christmas on 25 December?

These countries don't celebrate Christmas: Afghanistan, Algeria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bhutan, Cambodia, China (excepting Hong Kong and Macao), Comoros, Iran, Israel, Kuwait, Laos, Libya, Maldives, Mauritania, Mongolia, Morocco, North Korea, Oman, Qatar, Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, ...

What is the difference between Christmas in the UK and the US?

British Christmas focuses more on Boxing Day and an extended, food-centric holiday with traditions like mince pies and crackers, while American Christmas centers more on Christmas Day itself, with a bigger emphasis on Santa Claus bringing many presents under the tree, often preceded by the secularized festivities starting after Thanksgiving, and featuring treats like eggnog. Key differences include food (mince pies vs. cookies/milk for Santa), timing (UK's Boxing Day vs. US post-Thanksgiving rush), and gift-giving customs (UK's stocking vs. under-tree presents).
 

Is the Eiffel Tower open on Christmas?

The Eiffel Tower is open 365 days a year including Christmas Day. Some museums like Musée Jacquemart-André and Institut du Monde Arabe are also open. Seine River dinner cruises operate on Christmas Day, and select restaurants offer special Christmas menus with advance reservations.

Is Paris too cold in December?

Although you may still experience relatively balmy December days in the 50s and even the low 60s this month, it's also possible to have some days when the temperature remains in the low 40s (and even, occasionally, the upper 30s) and then hovers around the freezing mark or drops even lower at night.

What is the best city to visit in France for Christmas?

Alsace. Known as the Christmas capital of France, Alsace creates a magical atmosphere to celebrate the festive season. Explore the emblematic towns and villages that are home to the most beautiful Christmas markets, such as Strasbourg, Colmar, Riquewhir, Eguisheim, Kaysersberg,…

Do French people work 5 days a week?

In France, typical working hours are limited to 35 hours per week five days a week.

What happens on the 26th of December in France?

Boxing Day does not exist! Yes, there is no equivalent to Boxing Day in France. The day after Christmas is a normal working day, and people are often back at work. The only areas of France where this is not the case is the Alsace and the Moselle region, which observes Saint Stephen's Day on December 26th.

Which days to not travel in 2025?

Dates to avoid travel in 2025

• July: 2, 11, 20, 29.
• August: 1, 10, 19, 28.
• September: 9, 18, 27.
• October: 8, 17, 28.
• November: 7, 16, 25.
• December: 6, 15, 24.

Is it better to fly on December 23, or 24?

Flying December 24th or 25th saves serious money. Analysis of over 40,000 flights shows Christmas Eve runs 75% above baseline but still costs less than the surrounding peak days, while Christmas Day offers the best value of the holiday period at just 27% above normal fares.

What are the worst traffic days around Christmas?

Worst days to travel for Christmas

• Friday, December 20.
• Saturday, December 21.
• Sunday, December 22.