Public transport does not operate on Christmas Day and has a reduced service on Boxing Day and the Christmas bank holidays. Most London attractions and shops, as well as many restaurants, are closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
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.
Where is the best place to shop on Boxing Day in London?
Where better to get the best of the Boxing Day sales than London? If you prefer to do your shopping indoors, the likes of Westfield London and Westfield Stratford City have department stores and big name retailers. For more bargains, head to London's popular shopping districts like Regent Street and Oxford Street.
Are trains, tubes and buses running on Boxing Day? Tube services resume on Boxing Day, but a chunk of it will still be closed. Buses will also start running from about 5.30am (so you can hit up those Boxing Day sales).
In the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Trinidad and Tobago, Boxing Day is a popular shopping holiday. Boxing Day sales are common, and shops often allow dramatic price reductions. For many merchants, Boxing Day has become the day of the year with the greatest revenue.
The Tower of London is generally open every day except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day. Opening hours vary between summer and winter seasons and also during school holidays. Check the official website for more information before planning your visit.
Boxing Day is celebrated on Dec. 26 by the United Kingdom, its commonwealth countries and some former colonies. Stores run shopping deals, similar to Black Friday, and fans cheer on sporting events such as soccer, cricket, rugby, horse racing and hunting.
No train services run on Christmas Day. No train services run on Boxing Day, except for a handful of airport transfer services. Train services run as usual but may end a bit earlier on New Year's Eve.
On Christmas Day, public transport in London, including buses, trams, London Underground and London Overground trains, does not operate. A reduced public transport service runs on Boxing Day. Some taxis are available, but fares increase on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
High-end restaurants and hotel restaurants are your best bet — here are some we know of which open for lunch or dinner on Christmas Day. Traditionally, many Chinese restaurants in Chinatown open on Christmas Day, if you fancy an alternative to turkey.
The underground will typically restart on boxing day (see https://www.timeout.com/london/things-to-do/transport-in-london-over-christmas-and-new-years-eve for last year), so you might be able to get into central London and back on boxing day. Shops will be open but busy.
Traditionally, Boxing Day was a day for heading out, and you might well feel drawn to the idea of escaping the house after spending Christmas Day cooped up. If you don't fancy a traditional panto (oh yes you do!) or a football match, you could join thousands of others and have a wild swim, or simply a good long walk.
Most restaurants, cafes and tourist attractions will also be open on this day. Some tourist attractions in London close completely from December 24th to 26th, such as the Tower of London and the British Museum.
A day after Christmas, the biggest festival for Christians all over the world which commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ and indulging in festive joy, celebrations and get-togethers, Boxing Day is about giving money, gifts, and donations to the poor, in service positions, or those in need.
Heathrow Express, TfL Rail and London Underground Piccadilly line services between Heathrow and Acton Town will be closed on Boxing Day. Heathrow Express and TfL Rail services will resume on Monday 27 December and the Piccadilly line works will continue until 30 December.
Is there a London congestion charge on Boxing Day?
You need to pay a daily charge if you drive within the Congestion Charge zone 07:00-18:00 Mon-Fri, 12:00-18:00 Sat-Sun and bank holidays. No charge between Christmas Day and New Year's Day bank holiday (inclusive).
National Express will run services on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year's Day. Tony Johnstone what about the drivers who want to see their bairns open presents on Christmas Day? who want to spend a bairns first Christmas with them?
Boxing Day shopping is a tradition in the UK. It's a day of the year where retailers offer fantastic low prices, and shoppers open up their wallets for the year's biggest savings. In fact, in 2021, consumers planned on spending nearly £250 on average in the post-Christmas sales.
Boxing Day is a bank holiday, so most of the country don't have to work. It's generally spent with family, for some that's spending a few days with the same relatives for Christmas, for others it involves visiting other relatives you didn't get to see Christmas day.
The 26th of December is still pretty impressive, as many venues open their doors for dedicated meals, massive club nights and more. So if you're stuck for ideas, look at our guide to the best Boxing Day events in London and revel in the period synonymous with charity, leftovers and shopping sales.
