What time does the ham house open for Christmas?

During the Christmas period, Ham House and Garden typically opens from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM (last entry 3:30 PM) for the house, while gardens and the café open from 10:00 AM. The site is generally closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Special festive decorations and trails are available during December, often running until shortly before Christmas.

Where is the most Christmassy place in London?

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.
 

Will anything be open on Christmas Day in London?

Yes, some things are open on Christmas Day in London, but it's very limited, with most major attractions, supermarkets, and public transport closed; expect options in Chinatown, select pubs and hotel restaurants (booking essential), some pharmacies, and parks for walks, but plan ahead as it's a very quiet day with no Tube/bus service.
 

What shops are allowed to open on Christmas Day?

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.

What is normally open on Christmas Day?

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.

A Candlelit Christmas at Ham House in Richmond, Surrey, UK

How long should you leave your Christmas tree up for good luck?

✨ Old tradition says decorations should come down on Twelfth Night (January 5) or Epiphany (January 6) — or you risk inviting bad luck for the year ahead.

Is the 12th night on 5th or 6th January?

If Christmas Day is the first of the twelve days, then Twelfth Night would be on January 5, the eve of Epiphany. If December 26, the day after Christmas, is the first day, then Twelfth Night falls on January 6, the evening of Epiphany itself.

What is the superstition for January 6th?

Medieval Tradition

The theory that it's bad luck to leave decorations up beyond Twelfth Night (around 6 January) is a modern take on the tradition, but doing so used to be normal practice in the medieval period.

What is the most beautiful Christmas street in London?

What is the most Christmassy street in London? As London transforms over the festive period, you'll find Christmas cheer wherever you go. Head to Oxford Street to see some of the city's most dazzling Christmas lights, and don't forget to wander down nearby Carnaby Street for its cool displays.

Where to go in London at Christmas for free?

10 FREE things to do in London this Christmas

• See The Ice Palace at The Outernet. ...
• Walk a Christmas light trail. ...
• Sing at a carol service off Regent Street. ...
• See the Ever After Garden in Chelsea. ...
• Sip a free hot chocolate in Fitzrovia. ...
• Listen to live jazz at Southbank Centre. ...
• Walk through the Infinity Chamber in Covent Garden.

What was filmed at Ham House?

Ham House has been a popular filming location for many period dramas and blockbusters, notably doubling as the sinister Hailsham boarding school in Never Let Me Go (2010) and Vronsky's apartments in Anna Karenina (2012), also appearing in The Young Victoria (2009) and Victoria & Abdul (2017). Its grand interiors and historic gardens also featured in Disney's John Carter (2012) and the TV series The Great and Belgravia.
 

What is the nearest tube to Ham House?

The nearest underground/overground station is Richmond Overground Station. Richmond Overground Station is approximately 1.7 miles from Ham House. There is a regular bus that stops at Ham Street from the station.

When in 2026 will the London Museum open?

The new London Museum, formerly the Museum of London, is set to open its main galleries in late 2026 at its new Smithfield location, with the first part in the historic Victorian General Market, while a second part (Poultry Market) will follow in 2028. The permanent galleries, restaurant, shops, and event spaces in the General Market are scheduled for a late 2026 opening, offering a new experience for Londoners and visitors.
 

Is new year's December 31 or Jan 1?

Today, most New Year's festivities begin on December 31 (New Year's Eve), the last day of the Gregorian calendar, and continue into the early hours of January 1 (New Year's Day).

Why are you supposed to leave your Christmas tree up until January 6th?

You're supposed to leave your Christmas tree up until January 6th because it marks the end of the 12 days of Christmas and celebrates the Feast of Epiphany (Three Kings' Day), honoring the arrival of the Magi to baby Jesus, making it the traditional, festive conclusion to the season, though some superstitions suggest leaving them longer brings bad luck or even goblins. 

What date is bad luck to take the Christmas tree down?

It's considered bad luck to take down your Christmas tree after Twelfth Night (January 5th), the traditional end of the Christmas season, with some believing it brings misfortune for the year ahead, though some medieval tradition suggests waiting until Candlemas (February 2nd) to avoid releasing tree spirits, while others say taking it down too early is bad luck, with the common consensus being the closer to the New Year, the better to avoid lingering "baggage," but always before it dries out and becomes a fire hazard. 

What does the upside down Christmas tree mean?

A Nod to German Tradition in New Ulm, the “Christmas City”

One possible origin dates back to the 8th century, when Saint Boniface (ca. 675–754), an English Benedictine monk and missionary known as the Apostle of Germany, hung a fir tree upside down to represent the Holy Trinity.

When should you take down your Christmas tree according to the Bible?

Jan. 6: Take it down in observance of the Epiphany, a Christian holiday marking the revelation of God in human form in the person of Jesus. Again, some would say leaving your tree up beyond the 5th or 6th brings bad luck.

Are pubs allowed to open on Christmas Day?

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 can adults do for Christmas?

• 10 Creative Christmas Activities for Adults: Make Your Holidays Unforgettable. ...
• Adult Slime Bar: Yeah, I said it. ...
• Gratitude Escape Room: A Holiday Twist on Team Play. ...
• Adult Christmas Pictionary — But Make It Personal. ...
• The Great Christmas Dessert Showdown. ...
• Memory Lane Scavenger Hunt. ...
• Christmas Karaoke: Time to Shine (or Try)

What to do on Christmas Day after opening presents?

1. Relax while the kids play with their presents. You've probably worked super hard to get to this morning, so kick up your feet to relish the joy of Christmas morning. Sip your coffee, and don't worry about picking up wrapping paper.