Christmas holidays and closures 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.
Is everything 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.
Is anywhere open in London on Christmas Day?
Many churches are open on Christmas Day in London for special festive services. Take a look at what some of London’s most spectacular churches offer for visitors on December 25 (some Christmas Day services require tickets).
Are shops allowed to open on 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 closed on 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.
Is Christmas a good time to visit London?
Yes, December can be a good time to visit London. The weather gets cold in the city with an average temperature of 7ºC and the city is all decked up in Christmas decorations, making it ideally suitable for all visitors.
Is Christmas in London worth it?
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and while London, the current number one in the QS Best Student Cities index, is known for being expensive, it’s also packed full of things to do. London at Christmas is no exception, as the city comes alive with a huge array of activities guaranteed to make you feel festive.
Are pubs open in London over Christmas?
Eat, Drink and Be Merry at a Restaurant or Pub
Not all pubs are open on the 25th but some will be open for Christmas lunch and/or a festive beverage.
Is the tube closed on Christmas?
Is public transport running on Christmas Day? Everything stops running on Christmas Day: the tube, buses, TfL Rail, DLR, Overground, trams, river buses, Emirates Air Line and National Rail.
What can you do on Christmas Day London?
However, here are some options for things to do and see.
- Go swimming in Hampton Pool.
- Watch the Peter Pan Cup.
- Visit one of London’s incredible parks.
- Go on a Christmas hop on hop off tour.
- Go for a Christmas boat ride along the Thames.
- Go ice skating at JW3.
- Go experience spookily quiet London.
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Do pubs open on Christmas Day UK?
Christmas Day is a different matter, and many pubs will be closed, or open at lunchtime only. It depends where you are, and whether you are in town or country.
Does Primark work on Christmas?
Primark won’t be closed on December 26, and for the most-part, across the Christmas period, stores will be operating as usual.
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.
Is it illegal to open shops on Christmas Day?
Christmas is one of only two days in the year when larger stores in the UK are required to close by law (the other being Easter Sunday). This is enshrined in the law which also subjects larger stores to 6 hours opening on a Sunday.
What is open Christmas Day?
Here’s the list of stores open on Christmas Day:
- 7-Eleven.
- Albertsons (with holiday hours)
- Casey’s (It may open after 10 a.m. on Christmas Day)
- Circle K/Couche-Tard.
- Cumberland Farms (You might even get a free cup of coffee)
- CVS (Expect shortened hours)
- Rite Aid.
- Starbucks (Hours will vary by location)
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.
Is it crowded in London during Christmas?
Of course, most of London’s attractions and places of interest will be open around Christmas time. As Christmas is very busy for Londoners, British visitors, and international tourists, we strongly recommend you book and reserve your spot at your must-see London attractions. For instance, you can book the following.
How cold is it in London during Christmas?
AVERAGE DECEMBER TEMPERATURES
As we near Christmas, daytime highs tend to be mostly 6-7 C (mid-40’s F) and early morning lows around 3-4 C (upper 30’s F). A few mornings will see temperatures dipping down to around -1 to -2 C (30 F). The coldest temperature recorded in London in December was -12 C (10 F).
Is it cold in London in Christmas?
Winter (December – February)
Winters in London are characterised by cold and often rainy weather. The average high between December and February is 48°F (9°C) and the average low is 41°F (5°C). However, freezing temperatures are not uncommon and snow is not unheard of.
Where is the most Christmassy place in London?
Oxford Street
Perhaps the most famous place to view Christmas lights in London is Oxford Street. Oxford Street has not yet confirmed dates for 2022, but chances are that lights will be installed at the beginning of November.
Is London or Paris better for Christmas?
After spending Christmas in London, I can confidently say London is one of the BEST destinations in Europe for Christmas and should be near the top of the list. London blew Paris out of the water when it came to decorations and Christmas lights.