Most London attractions are closed on Christmas Day, but some continue to open their doors at this special time of year: JW3 ice rink in north London is one of the city’s only ice-skating rinks open on Christmas Day. If you fancy a family walk, London’s Royal Parks remain open during the festive period.
Where can I go on Christmas Day in London?
Christmas Day in London ideas and events
- See London’s streets sparkle.
- Go for a dip in Hampton Pool.
- Head to Chinatown.
- Cycle around the city.
- Walk off all the turkey and trimmings.
- The Peter Pan Cup.
- Go to a London park.
- Christmas at Leadenhall Market.
Are shops closed in London during Christmas?
If visiting over Christmas, then be aware that there’s no public transport at all on Christmas Day. Also, all shops, and most restaurants are closed. It is however a magical time to visit the city as you can wander the almost deserted streets and see London in a way you will likely never see again.
Are pubs open in London over Christmas?
Pubs and bars open in London 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.
Are pubs open Christmas Day UK?
Are pubs allowed to open on Christmas Day? The government have not introduced any extra Covid restrictions for Christmas and Boxing Day – meaning that pubs are allowed to open on Christmas.
What can I do on Christmas Day?
Something Relaxing
- Watch your favorite Christmas movie(s). Choose your family favorite, or check this list for something you haven’t seen.
- Give yourself an at-home facial.
- Go walking in a winter wonderland.
- Drive around to look at Christmas decorations.
- Light a fire.
- Take a hot bath.
- Give yourself a festive manicure.
Is Covent Garden open on Christmas Day?
10 months ago. Covent Garden is an area not a venue. It is always open. Some of the shops will of course be closed on Christmas Day but the whole place will still be busy…
Are shops open Christmas Day UK?
Rules for large shops in England and Wales
Shops over 280 square metres: can open on Sundays but only for 6 consecutive hours between 10am and 6pm. must close on Easter Sunday. must close on Christmas Day.
Are shops allowed to open on Christmas Day UK?
It prevents shops over 280 m2/3,000 sq ft from opening on Christmas Day in England and Wales. Shops smaller than the limit are not affected.
Christmas Day (Trading) Act 2004.
Long title | An Act to prohibit the opening of large shops on Christmas Day and to restrict the loading or unloading of goods at such shops on Christmas Day. |
Dates |
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Is Christmas in London worth it?
Christmas is a truly enchanting time to visit the city. There’s a certain magic that can be felt throughout December. The lights are brighter, smiles are larger, and London attractions look even more beautiful than usual. Read our guide for a full run-down of recommended activities.
Is everything in London closed on Christmas Day?
Most London attractions are closed on Christmas Day, but some continue to open their doors at this special time of year: JW3 ice rink in north London is one of the city’s only ice-skating rinks open on Christmas Day. If you fancy a family walk, London’s Royal Parks remain open during the festive period.
Where can I eat on Christmas Day in London?
The best London restaurants open on Christmas Day
- Mimmo La Bufala. Restaurants. Italian.
- Salaam Namaste. Restaurants. Bloomsbury.
- Bluebird. Restaurants. Contemporary European.
- Kahani. Restaurants. Indian.
- Cadogan Arms. Bars and pubs. Wine bars.
- The Flask. Bars and pubs. Pubs.
- Decimo. Restaurants. Spanish.
- Le Vacherin. Restaurants. French.
Can you buy alcohol on Christmas Day UK?
Off-licences are not allowed to sell alcohol at all on Christmas Day. Boxing Day, 26 December 2021 (Sunday)- Licensed premises may sell alcohol 12:30 – 23:00, and those with a late licence may sell alcohol until 1:00, or with further additional permitted hours until 02:00. Off-licences may sell alcohol 10:00-22:00.
Do restaurants open on Christmas Day UK?
Increasing numbers of London restaurants are opening their doors on Christmas Day and just as many pubs are open for food as well as the traditional afternoon pint or glass of port. We’ve picked some of the finest, so come and salivate over the sweetest set menus this Christmas in London.
Do all shops close Christmas Day UK?
Almost all stores across the UK are shut on Christmas Day, but there are also a handful of retailers that won’t open on Boxing Day either. Opening hours can vary from branch to branch, so check your local store times before you make the trip. Most big retailers will have their opening times listed on their websites.
Can pubs open all day on Christmas Day?
Off-licences in pubs can open from 10am to 10pm, and off licences in shops from 10am to 10pm. On Christmas Day the hours are 12.30pm to 10pm.
What three things you will do on Christmas Day?
25 Things To Do On Christmas Day To Make It The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year
- Create decorations.
- Marathon movies.
- Go iceskating.
- Attend a tree lighting ceremony.
- Get a picture taken with Santa.
- Bake cookies.
- Spend time outdoors.
- Read Christmas cards aloud.
What do you do on Christmas Day if you don’t celebrate?
- Treat yourself to a present, so you don’t feel left out.
- Head out and eat Chinese food.
- Watch a movie, or binge on a TV series people have told you about.
- Go to a park and watch folks play with their new toys.
- Go on holiday to somewhere warmer.
- Catch up on work you were going to do.
- Volunteer somewhere.
What do British do on Christmas Day?
Christmas Day is a public holiday. It is a day off for the general population, and schools and most businesses are closed. In 2022, it falls on a Sunday, and some businesses may choose to follow Sunday opening hours. Family dinners are a popular way of celebrating Christmas Day.
Is the tube open on Xmas day?
Christmas transport and travel
There is no public transport on Christmas Day. Public transport, including buses, trams, London Underground and London Overground trains, do run on Boxing Day, but on a reduced service. On Christmas Eve, public transport starts to wind down from early evening and there are no night buses.
Are museums in London open on Christmas?
Note – this is the 2017 article, for Museums open over Christmas in 2021, click here. With many people taking an extended break over Christmas, it helps to know which museums are going to be open so that you can have some ideas of where to visit.
London Museums open over Christmas.
Bethlem Museum of the Mind | |
Sun 24th | ❌ |
Xmas Day | ❌ |
Boxing Day | ❌ |
Wed 27th | ❌ |