On Christmas Day in London, there is no public transport (no Tubes, buses, or trains). The best ways to get around are by walking, cycling (Santander Cycles), using private hire vehicles like taxis or Uber (must book in advance), or driving. The central London Congestion Charge is suspended from 25 December to 1 January.
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.
Nothing opens on Christmas day except churches for services, parks, tour buses to see the sights from outside, chinatown and select restaurants for prebooked only meals. There is no public transport at all on Christmas day either. To get anywhere youd need to walk or use taxis.
The only transport running on Christmas Day is taxi and private hire services, along with limited options like bike rentals and some coaches. All tube services and most public transport cease operations on 25 December, making taxis the primary option for getting around.
Is there anything to do on Christmas Day in London?
🎵 Listen to carols - there are free events in Trafalgar Square, as well as at St Paul's Cathedral ✨ See the Christmas lights, including crowns around Bond Street, shooting stars at Oxford Street, angels on Regent Street and winter lights installations on the South Bank and at Canary Wharf 🎁 Browse a Christmas market - ...
CHRISTMAS IN LONDON GUIDE (Christmas markets, illuminations, ice skating & things to do)
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.
Christmas Day activities range from relaxing at home with movies, games, baking, and gift opening to getting out for winter walks, attending services, enjoying festive city tours (like London's lights), visiting historic homes decorated for the season, or catching a ballet like The Nutcracker. Volunteering, like helping at a community meal for the elderly, offers a meaningful alternative.
Is there any public transport on Christmas Day in the UK?
No, virtually no public transport runs in the UK on Christmas Day (December 25th); all major services like buses, Tube, Overground, DLR, Elizabeth Line, and National Rail services shut down completely, though black cabs, some private hire cars (like Uber), cycle hire, and electric scooters might be available, especially in London, with fares often higher. You'll need to rely on walking, pre-booked taxis, or private vehicles, as this is a universal shutdown for public transport.
"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.
Yes, driving into central London on Christmas Day is generally free from the Congestion Charge and the ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) charge, as both are suspended for the day (and often between Christmas and New Year's Day). However, the Low Emission Zone (LEZ) for heavier vehicles still operates, and some tunnel charges (like Blackwall/Silvertown) might apply, so always check your vehicle's status and TfL's official site for specific details.
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.
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.
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.
Assuming you don't mind spending part of your holiday in the air, Christmas Day or Christmas Eve are the best days to fly during the last two weeks of the year. While airport crowds dramatically increase in the days before and after the holiday, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day crowds remain light.
Are taxis available on Christmas Day? Some taxis are available, but fares increase on Christmas Day. Check details before travelling and book in advance to avoid extended waits.
With fewer drivers on the road, there is the potential to earn more from fewer rides. You may choose to work on 25 December, picking up fares from people heading back from the big Christmas lunch with family or in the pub, but you may prefer to take the time for yourself and enjoy spending the day with your loved ones.
What transportation is open on Christmas Day in London?
Buses and trains all shut down. All public transport is closed. Only transport avaliable is taxis. People generally don't do anything or go anywhere on christmas day.
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.
As usual, there will be no service on the majority of public transport on Christmas Day and no services on some parts of the network on Boxing Day, including the Elizabeth line. A Sunday service will operate on the London Underground, London Buses and on London Trams.
The "5 Things for Christmas Rule" (or "Five Gift Rule") is a popular gift-giving guideline that limits each recipient to five thoughtful presents, typically structured as: something they Want, something they Need, something to Wear, something to Read, and something special/to Share (or Do). This method encourages quality over quantity, focusing on meaningful items that cover different aspects of a person's life rather than endless toys or clutter.
During Christmas Day people choose to do lots of different things. Many choose to watch festive films, some attend church and some go for an afternoon walk. One activity that many people participate in is listening to the Queen's speech.
