Christmas Day in London is the only day of the year when London comes to a standstill: There is no public transport and most shops are closed.
Is anything open in London 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.
Are stores closed on Christmas Day in London?
It is against the Christmas Day (Trading) Act 2004 for shops over 280 square metres to open in Christmas Day in England and Wales.
Are shops open in London on Christmas?
Christmas Holidays
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.
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 everything closed on Christmas Day UK?
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.
Do all shops close Christmas Day UK?
Workers in any shop that opens on a normal Sunday may have special employment rights. There is no automatic right for workers to have public holidays off, including Christmas Day and Easter Sunday, unless it’s in their contract.
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 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)
Is the London tube open on Christmas 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.
Is Christmas a good time to go to 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.
Where can I eat on Christmas Day in London?
The best Christmas dinner at hotels in London
- Dinner by Heston, Knightsbridge.
- Whitcomb’s at The Londoner, Leicester Square.
- Sea Containers, South Bank.
- Hélène Darroze at The Connaught, Mayfair.
- The Northall at Corinthia Hotel London, Whitehall.
- Angler, Moorgate.
- The Broadcaster, White City.
- Galvin at Windows, Mayfair.
Are stores closed on Christmas Day?
Most grocery stores, malls and other retail stores close up shop for the holiday, including: ALDI.
Is Tesco open on Christmas Day UK?
Here are the Christmas 2021 and New Year’s shopping opening hours for Tesco. Want to know when supermarket chain Tesco will be open and closed this Christmas? Tesco stores will be shut on Christmas Day – Saturday, December 25.
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.
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 people go out on Christmas Day?
People tend to go out a lot more over the festive season with the holy trinity of Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and St. Stephen’s day being probably the most popular days to let your hair down. Christmas Eve though has always been a horrible night to go out and we all know it.
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.
Are pubs allowed to open on Christmas Day?
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 shops closed on Christmas Eve in London?
Luckily, many shopping centres across east London are still open tomorrow – Christmas Eve – so that shoppers can grab presents for family and friends. Below is a list of opening times on December 24 for shopping centres across east London. Asda is opening early on Christmas Eve, and will be open from 6am.