Is there anything open in London on Christmas Day?
Practically everything in London is closed on Christmas Day, including most shops, attractions, and all public transport. However, you can enjoy pre-booked hotel lunches, select restaurants in Chinatown, and various pubs. Royal parks are open for strolls, and specific tours operate, including Golden Tours.
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.
Shops are responsible for determining if they meet the criteria to trade. Businesses permitted to trade include dairies, petrol stations, pharmacies, restaurants or cafes, hairdressers, and barbers. Farmers and crafts markets also fall into this category, provided they meet certain conditions.
Are shops open on Christmas Day in London Oxford Street?
No, major shops on London's Oxford Street are closed on Christmas Day (December 25th) due to UK laws requiring large stores to shut, though some small convenience stores, pubs, and restaurants may be open, with minimal public transport running and the area still popular for seeing Christmas lights and walking.
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.
Christmas in London: What You NEED To Know Before You Go
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.
No, the London Underground (the Tube) does not run on Christmas Day; all Transport for London (TfL) services, including buses, Overground, DLR, and the Elizabeth Line, cease operations on December 25th for a full shutdown, with services resuming on Boxing Day (December 26th) with reduced hours, BBC https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwyld08qzgno, Time Out https://www.timeout.com/london/news/london-travel-disruption-christmas-and-new-year-2025-full-list-of-closures-and-alterations-122425, and Londonist.
Several national restaurant chains usually operate on Christmas Day, though hours vary by location. Commonly open options include Starbucks, McDonald's, IHOP, Waffle House, Dunkin', Denny's, Krispy Kreme and select fast-food chains. Many locations run shorter hours, so checking online before heading out is key.
Restaurants, pubs and more to visit in the capital. London will be eerily silent on Christmas Day because most shops, restaurants and transportation services will be closed.
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.
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.
No, almost all major UK stores are closed on Christmas Day due to the Christmas Day (Trading) Act 2004, which mandates closures for large shops, including all major supermarkets like Tesco, Asda, Aldi, Sainsbury's, and M&S. While small convenience stores (under 280 sq m) and petrol station shops can legally open, many still choose to close, so checking locally for potential small shops or pharmacies (which can also open) is best for last-minute needs, The Sun notes.
No, not all McDonald's locations close on Christmas; many remain open with reduced hours, but it varies by franchise, so you must check your local store using the McDonald's app or restaurant locator on their website to confirm if your specific restaurant will be open on Christmas Day.
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.
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.
Is there public transport on Christmas Day in London? No, on Christmas Day, public transport in London, including buses, trams, London Underground and London Overground trains, does not operate.
Yes, some restaurants are open on Christmas Day in the UK, but most are closed, so booking months in advance is crucial, especially for traditional meals, with hotel restaurants, upscale establishments, some Chinese restaurants in London, and specific chain locations (like some McDonald's, KFC, or Gail's) being the most likely options, while many pubs offer only drinks during limited hours.
Yes, Christmas in London is widely considered magical and worth it for the dazzling lights, festive markets, ice skating, and unique atmosphere, but be prepared for large crowds, high costs, and potentially cold/wet weather; it's best if you embrace the festive spirit while also seeking quieter moments to avoid the overwhelming commercialism and tourist traps, according to a local's guide, Visit London, and Reddit users.
For a UK Christmas, consider magical city breaks in London, Edinburgh, or Bath, cozy countryside escapes in the Cotswolds or Lake District (Keswick), or a snowy adventure in Aviemore (Cairngorms) for winter wonderlands, with options ranging from bustling markets and lights to quiet, historic charm or forest lodges, according to outlets like That Travel and Macdonald Hotels https://www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/news/magical-places-for-christmas,,.
Yes, some pubs do open on Christmas Day, but it varies greatly; many open for limited hours (often lunch only, e.g., 12-3 pm) or offer pre-booked Christmas lunch, while many others close entirely to give staff the day off, so you need to check with specific pubs well in advance. Expect shorter hours and booking requirements if they are open, as it's a popular, but limited, offering.
What national chain restaurants are open on Christmas Day?
Your options are limited if you want to dine out on Christmas Day. The big picture: Many McDonald's, Starbucks and Dunkin' locations are open, while major chains including Chili's, Taco Bell, Chipotle, Olive Garden and Outback Steakhouse are closed for the holiday.
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.
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/.
