Does the London Underground close on Christmas?

Yes, the London Underground completely closes on Christmas Day (25 December). No Transport for London (TfL) services run on Christmas Day, including buses, trains, trams, Elizabeth line, DLR, and river services. Services generally finish early on Christmas Eve, and there is a limited, reduced service on Boxing Day.

Is the London Underground closed on Christmas Day?

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. Some transport will also finish early on Christmas Eve, so don't get caught out by that.

Do tubes run on 26th December?

Between 20 Dec 2025 and 5 Jan 2026, most TfL services will run as usual, but there are some key changes: ✅ Christmas Eve (24 Dec): Reduced service after 8pm ❌ Christmas Day (25 Dec): No services (except taxi & private hire) 📦 Boxing Day (26 Dec): No Night Tube or Night Overground 🎆 New Year's Eve (31 Dec): Some ...

Does everything close in London on Christmas Day?

Public holidays in the UK are known as bank holidays. These are days when banks are closed, most Londoners get the day off and local children are out of school. Luckily for visitors, a vast majority of London attractions remain open on bank holidays with the exception of Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day.

Is there any public transport on 25th December in London?

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.

Group of friends enjoy Christmas dinner on London tube

Is anything open on 25th December in London?

There will be no public transport on the 25th, most places will be closed, make sure you book somewhere to eat, mainly pubs, restaurants or hotels. All supermarkets will be closed, you may find a small shop open. China Town will be open, some parks will also be open.

Is Tube working on Boxing Day?

Yes, the London Underground (Tube) runs on Boxing Day (December 26th), but with a reduced Sunday timetable, not a full service, and there's no Night Tube; the Elizabeth line and some Overground lines often have significant closures or no service, so it's crucial to check the TfL website or TfL Go app for specific details before travelling. 

Is it worth going to London on Christmas Day?

London takes on a special charm during the festive season, with each neighbourhood offering its own take on tradition and celebration. Whether you're a London local or new to the city, the perfect Christmas day balances unique experiences and familiar rituals.

Is 25 and 26 December a public holiday?

UK bank holidays between 2025 and 2026

There are two remaining bank holiday dates in 2025: 25 December (Thursday): Christmas Day. 26 December (Friday): Boxing Day.

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. 

Do taxis run on Christmas Day?

Yes, taxis generally run on Christmas Day, but with significantly reduced availability, higher holiday rates (often double or more), and a strong recommendation to book well in advance, as they become the primary transport option when public transit shuts down. Expect fewer drivers, higher demand, and premium pricing, so pre-booking is essential to ensure you get a ride, according to www.eaglecarsuk.com and www.supremetaxis.co.uk/christmas-taxi-service-in-oxfordshire/. 

Is Christmas Eve a busy travel day?

Yes, Christmas Eve is a very busy travel day, especially in the afternoon and evening, with millions driving, flying, and taking trains as people rush to reach family and celebrations, making roads congested and airports crowded, although Christmas Day itself can sometimes be less busy for flights if you're already there. 

What to do in London on Boxing Day?

Must-Experience Events on Boxing Day in London

• Boxing Day Shopping in London. ...
• Holiday Rides and Christmas Extravagance. ...
• Christmas at Kew Gardens. ...
• Welling in London in its Parks. ...
• West End Performances and Live Music. ...
• River Thames Cruises. ...
• Seasonal Visits to Dining and Pubs. ...
• Boxing Day in London: Make the most of it.

Is there a tube on 24 December?

A complete travel guide.

Christmas Eve (Saturday 24th): Services finish early and there's no Night Tube. Christmas Day (Sunday 25th): No public transport. Between Christmas and New Year: Tubes, trains and buses run weekend or altered services.

Is there anything to do on Christmas Day in London?

On Christmas Day in London, you can watch the Peter Pan Cup swim in the Serpentine, walk through parks like Richmond or Hyde Park, see the festive lights in areas like Covent Garden, attend a Christmas service at St Paul's or Westminster Abbey, or book a special Christmas lunch/cruise, as most shops and attractions are closed, requiring advance planning for dining and transport.
 

Do the trains still run on Christmas Day?

Train services run as usual but may end a bit earlier on Christmas Eve. No train services run on Christmas Day. Almost no train services run on Boxing Day, except for a handful of airport transfer services and some Chiltern Railways services. Train services run as usual but may end a bit earlier on New Year's Eve.

Is xmas Eve working day?

Are Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve normal working days? These are not public holidays so they are normal working days. Normal Sunday rules will apply if they fall on Sundays. Every Christmas and New Year the business puts pressure on staff to work extra hours, often at short notice.

Is December 31 a legal holiday?

The holiday also provides an opportunity for workers to take a well-deserved break before returning to their regular routines in January. According to Proclamation No. 727, s. 2024, December 31, 2025, is declared a special (non-working) holiday in the Philippines.

Is 26 December a working day in the UK?

Neither the 23rd or 24th are bank holidays (national holidays) in the UK. The 25th and 26th are. A lot of people will book them off though - especially if they're at the start of Christmas week. People might be off work, but it isn't an official holiday - that's reserved for the 25th and 26th this year.

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.
 

Where is the most Christmassy place in London?

For the ultimate Christmassy feel in London, head to Covent Garden for its giant tree and lights, Regent Street for its iconic angel lights, and Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park for a massive festive market and carnival; while Chelsea's Sloane Square offers charming local lights and markets, creating a wonderfully festive atmosphere.
 

Are there Ubers in London on Christmas?

"will I be able to get an uber on Christmas day?" Almost certainly. They will name their price though. Personally if I had to make a planned journey anywhere on Christmas Day I would book it in advance with a proper taxi or minicab firm, and agree a fixed price when booking.

Will tubes run on Christmas Day?

On Christmas Day, public transport does not operate, while Boxing Day services run on a reduced timetable with some routes closed. If you're wondering “do trains run on Christmas Eve?” – yes, but services finish earlier than usual, and the London Underground on New Year's Day operates with limited timetables.

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 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.