Is anything open on Boxing Day in London?

Yes, many places are open on Boxing Day (December 26) in London, particularly in the West End, for major shopping sales (Selfridges, Harrods, Liberty), top attractions like the London Eye, and many pubs, restaurants, and cinemas. Ice rinks, Winter Wonderland, and West End shows are generally open, though public transport operates a reduced service.

Is Boxing Day busy in London?

Yes, London is very busy on Boxing Day, especially in shopping areas like Oxford Street and Covent Garden due to major sales, with crowds of bargain hunters and tourists, though some attractions and transport might have reduced services, so planning ahead for travel and dining is essential.
 

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. 

Which stores participate in Boxing Day?

Many major UK retailers participate in Boxing Day sales, including Amazon, Argos, ASOS, Boots, Currys, John Lewis, and M&S, offering significant discounts on tech, fashion, beauty, and homeware, though some, like Aldi, Lidl, Next, and most John Lewis stores, often remain closed or have limited hours, so checking specific store times is crucial.
 

Is the V&A open on Boxing Day?

Christmas Eve: Often an early closing, typically around 2:45 PM. Christmas Day & Boxing Day (December 25th & 26th): The museum is generally closed. New Year's Day (January 1st): The museum might open later, for instance, at 11:00 AM or 11:30 AM, or in some cases, remain closed for the day.

What is Boxing Day? The Day After Christmas in the UK Explained

Is anything in London open on Boxing Day?

Boxing Day Shopping in London

Most shops are open early, thus it is an ideal shopping day when the bargain hunters want to experience the colourful atmosphere in the London shopping world.

What should I do on Boxing Day in London?

On Boxing Day in London, you can embrace the sales on Oxford Street, enjoy festive ice skating at rinks like Somerset House, catch a West End show, explore Christmas markets (if still open), take a winter walk through parks or to see lights, visit museums like the British Museum, or relax in a traditional pub with a roaring fire, but always check opening times as they vary. 

Will everything be open on Boxing Day?

No, not everything will be open on Boxing Day (December 26th); many major retailers, especially supermarkets like Aldi, Lidl, and M&S, close to give staff a break, while others (like Tesco, Asda, Primark) open with reduced hours, so you must check individual store hours online before you go shopping. Entertainment venues, pubs, and parks usually remain open, but it's best to verify specific times. 

Is Primark open Boxing Day?

Yes, Primark is generally open on Boxing Day (December 26th) across the UK, but with reduced or varied hours, so you must check your specific local store's times on their website as they often open later and close earlier than usual for the post-Christmas sales. Most stores participate in Boxing Day sales, making them popular destinations, but always use the official Primark store locator to confirm hours before visiting. 

Can I go shopping on Boxing Day?

Many large chains like John Lewis or Debenhams traditionally open their doors early in the morning, enticing customers with discounts that can reach up to 70% off. However, not all businesses choose to operate on Boxing Day.

Are trains open on Boxing Day in London?

Do trains run on Boxing Day? Few train services run on Boxing Day, except for some airport transfer services. The Elizabeth line and most Overground lines do not operate on Boxing Day and some train stations are closed. Expect a reduced Sunday service on buses, the Tube and trams, as well as engineering works.

Is Tube running on 25th December?

A guide to TfL services over 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.

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.

Where to shop in London on Boxing Day?

If you prefer to do your shopping indoors, the likes of Westfield London and Westfield Stratford City have big name retailers. For more bargains, head to famous shopping streets like Regent Street and Oxford Street, or the luxurious boutiques and labels on offer in Bond Street and Covent Garden.

Do London Underground run on Boxing Day?

Yes, the London Underground (Tube) runs on Boxing Day, but with a reduced, Sunday-style service, starting later (around 7-8 AM), ending earlier, and with many lines having specific closures or disruptions, plus no Night Tube; the Elizabeth line and Overground usually have more significant closures, so checking Transport for London (TfL)'s website for real-time updates is crucial before travelling. 

Where to go on Boxing Day in the UK?

For Boxing Day in the UK, popular options include hitting the huge sales in cities like London (Oxford Street), enjoying festive events like ice skating or Winter Wonderland, taking bracing winter walks in country parks (Hampshire, Exmoor), visiting National Trust properties for Christmas displays, or seeing family-friendly pantomimes and theatre shows across the country. Many traditional attractions, from museums to historical castles (Windsor, Tower of London), also offer unique experiences.
 

Is M&S open Boxing Day?

No, most M&S stores are typically closed on Boxing Day (December 26th) as a standard practice to give staff a break, though this can vary with some smaller food stores or petrol station outlets potentially open, so checking your local M&S store hours is always best.

Is Primark owned by Zara?

Primark is owned by Associated British Foods. Primark offers products including: baby, children's, women's and men's clothing, accessories and footwear; beauty products; housewares and confectionery. The company is known for its fast fashion and lower prices than competitors.

What do Londoners do on Boxing Day?

Things to do on Boxing Day in London

• Pay a visit to one of London's pop-up ice rinks. ...
• Ensconce yourself in a cosy pub. ...
• Head out on a winter walk. ...
• Watch some flicks at the Prince Charles Cinema. ...
• Have a night out at the panto. ...
• Enjoy some top-tier Christmas lights.

Is Harrods open on Boxing Day in London?

Whether you're hunting for luxury goods or simply soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of London on Boxing Day, Harrods awaits you with open doors—and plenty of bargains.

Where to eat on Boxing Day in London?

535 Restaurants open for Boxing Day in London

• Bocconcino Soho. Promoted. ££££ ...
• Hachi Japanese BBQ Restaurant. 4.7. ££££ ...
• ROBATA. Promoted. ££££ ...
• The Ivy Soho Brasserie. 4.2. ££££ ...
• Cecconi's. 4.6. ££££ ...
• Bill's Restaurant & Bar - Soho. 4.4. ££££ ...
• Bocconcino Mayfair. Promoted. ££££ ...
• Hard Rock Cafe London Piccadilly Circus. 4.6. ££££

Will London be busy on Boxing Day?

There are good sales that start on the 26th, and many stores open early. There can be big crowds, so brace yourself. Additionally, some museums and attractions reopen on Boxing Day, many tours start to run again, and the city begins to show signs of post-Christmas life.

Who do British people visit on Boxing Day?

Although this tradition has taken various new shapes, the objective is still retained in the festive practices of UK nationals. Many people utilize this public holiday to visit their relatives and loved ones they didn't see all year. Hence, meeting your friends and families is also one of the traditions of Boxing Day.

Do the trains run on Boxing Day in London?

Yes, some London trains run on Boxing Day (December 26th), but it's a very limited service with most lines shut, especially National Rail, due to engineering works; expect reduced Sunday-level service on some Tube/bus routes and special, limited services on specific operators like Chiltern Railways (Marylebone-Oxford) and Southern (Victoria-Gatwick/Brighton/Sutton). Major lines like the Elizabeth line are typically closed, and you must check National Rail's website or Transport for London (TfL)'s Journey Planner for exact times before traveling.