Is it worth visiting London on Christmas Day?

Christmas in London is truly an enchanting time to visit. There's a certain magic that can be felt throughout December. The lights are brighter, smiles are larger, and the city's attractions look even more beautiful than usual. Read our guide for a full run-down of recommended activities.

Is it worth going to London during Christmas?

Absolutely! Visiting the UK, especially London, during the Christmas break is a magical experience. The city comes alive with sparkling lights, festive decorations, and a cheerful atmosphere. Ice skating rinks, Christmas markets, and the iconic Christmas lights along Oxford Street create an enchanting ambiance.

Is London busy on Christmas Day?

It's the one day of the year when London feels quiet, so immerse yourself in a different side of this enchanting city on Christmas Day in London. Southbank Christmas Market. Image courtesy of India Roper-Evans/Southbank Centre. Soak up plenty of seasonal cheer with our guide to what to do in London on Christmas Day.

Is anything in London open on Christmas Day?

It's mainly the chain pubs you'll find open on 25 December — Young's, Greene King and Wetherspoons are good bets. Nicholson's even serves Christmas dinner. Listed here are the pubs that usually open on Christmas Day (and their opening hours that day, where known), though do check before you set off.

How to travel on Christmas Day in London?

Is public transport running on Christmas Day? Everything stops running on Christmas Day: the tube, buses, TfL Rail, DLR, Overground, trams, river buses, the cable cars and National Rail. The only transport available will be taxis, private hires and Dial-a-Ride.

Things to Know about Visiting London at Christmas Time | London in the Winter | Things to Do

Is the underground in London open on Christmas Day?

On Christmas Eve, public transport starts to wind down from early evening, and night buses and the Night Tube do not run. On Christmas Day, public transport in London, including buses, trams, London Underground and London Overground trains, does not operate.

Is it free to drive into London on Christmas Day?

The Congestion Charge is a £15 daily charge if you drive within the Congestion Charge zone 7:00-18:00 Monday-Friday and 12:00-18:00 Sat-Sun and bank holidays. No charge between Christmas Day and New Year's Day bank holiday (inclusive). The easiest way to pay is by setting up Auto Pay.

Where to eat on Christmas Day in London?

Is the Tower of London open on Christmas Day?

Yes, the Tower of London is open during December, except for December 24, 25 and 26. What are the Tower of London timings during Christmas? On Christmas, the Tower of London is closed.

What is open in London on December 26th?

Sea Life: The London Sea Life Aquarium will be open on the 26th of December. Westminster Abbey: Westminster Abbey will be open for sightseeing on the 26th of December from 9.30 am to 3.30 pm. Winter Wonderland: Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park will be open on the 26th of December.

Do trains 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.

Where is the best place to go for Christmas in London?

London's most famous attractions and monuments such as Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, St Paul's Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, and Wembley Stadium look all the more spectacular during Christmas. Walk along the festive streets of London with an audio guide and be a part of the city's Christmas scene.

Is traveling on Christmas Day busy?

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 are light.

Is London crowded on Christmas Day?

The run-up to Christmas is hectic. People are rushing around doing last-minute shopping, but from Christmas Day until the New Year, London is less busy than usual, so this can be a great exploration opportunity.

Can you visit Westminster Abbey in December?

The Abbey is open for visitors throughout December.

Is it cheaper to fly to London on Christmas Day?

So, what's the best way to find the cheapest flights to London? Avoid traveling on peak days: Holidays like Christmas Day, Christmas Eve, and New Year's Eve will typically cost a fortune. Choose early morning or overnight flights: International flights are cheaper during these 'inconvenient' times of the day.

What can I do on Christmas Day in London?

Is the Tower of London free?

Tower of London only ticket prices (excl donation): Members: Free. Adult: £35.80. Child age 5-15: £17.90.

Will anything be open on Christmas Day in London?

Some pubs and restaurants DO open on Christmas day but they usually shut around 2pm latest so staff can go home and be with families, and those that ARE open even for limited hours require booking months in advance. Your best bet is to ring your hotel and see if their restauraunt is open (more likely) and book.

What is the most Christmassy street in London?

London's Lower Morden Lane is known as the most 'Christmassy' street as all the houses are covered in festive Christmas lights 🎄

How much is the Savoy on Christmas Day?

The cost of the Christmas Day Lunch at The Savoy is £220 per adult and £105 for children under 12-years-old.

What is the most beautiful street in London during Christmas?

1. Regent Street. One of the best displays of Christmas lights in London is along Regent Street. This is where it all started…the tradition of hanging Christmas lights in London started on Regent Street in 1954.

What is traffic like on Christmas Day?

Generally most trades people and haulage drivers are also not working so no vans, trucks etc. You'll be mostly sharing the roads with Uber drivers, a few taxis and a people driving over to a family Christmas but your route into Victoria is unlikely to be one that many people are using.

Is ULEZ free over Christmas?

London road user charging

If you do need to pay, charging days run from midnight to midnight, every day of the year (except Christmas Day). You can pay by midnight on the third day following the journey or up to 90 days in advance.

Is Red Route free on Christmas Day?

Transport for London (TfL) would like to remind all motorists that parking and traffic regulations on the London's red route network are enforced on public holidays over the festive season.