Every year, I get the same question: what to do in London on December 25, on Christmas Day, when the British capital slows to a crawl and everything seems closed?
If you've decided to spend Christmas in London in 2026, you're probably wondering what to expect in real terms: no public transportation, museums closed, very few restaurants… and yet a city with a truly special charm on that day.
In this article, I'll walk you through what Christmas Day in London is really like, what you can (and can't) do, and how to make the most of the day if you want to get out, take a walk, or simply experience London in a different way.
London on December 25: what you absolutely need to know
- No public transportation (Tube, buses, trains) runs on December 25.
- Taxis and ride-hailing services are available, but rarer and more expensive.
- Almost all museums and major attractions are closed.
- If a restaurant is open, booking is essential - often with a special Christmas menu.
- The city is extremely quiet: perfect for walking… unsettling for some.
In short, London is almost at a standstill on December 25. It's not a day for classic sightseeing, but a rare chance to experience the English capital in a very calm atmosphere - as long as you plan your transportation and meals ahead of time.
London on Christmas Day: a city asleep
On Christmas Day, London shows a very unusual face. With no Tube, no buses, and most cultural venues closed, the city slows down like it rarely does during the year. Streets are much quieter, traffic is minimal, and neighborhoods that are usually buzzing can feel almost deserted.
That contrast can surprise you - or even throw you off - especially if it's your first time in London. But it's also what makes the day so special: a typically fast-paced city that you can explore at a much gentler rhythm, almost intimately.
Here are a few key things to know:
- The Tube, DLR, Overground, Elizabeth line, trams, and London bus routes do not run on December 25. However, it's usually still possible to rent a bike (Santander Cycles) and ride through unusually quiet streets - depending on availability and the weather.
- Most national rail lines departing from London stop service entirely on Christmas Day, a period traditionally used for maintenance work across the rail network.
- You can find taxis and ride-hailing services, but they are less available than usual and often more expensive.
Keep in mind that Transport for London (TfL), the agency that runs London's transport network, publishes every year the details of transportation during the Christmas period (closures, works, gradual service resumption, etc.).
Given all of this, my first piece of advice for enjoying London on Christmas Day is to choose a hotel or accommodation in a central neighborhood. With no public transit, you'll be able to get around easily on foot - or possibly by bike - without feeling stranded in an out-of-the-way area. You can browse well-rated hotels in central London here.
Neighborhoods like Victoria, as well as Westminster, Covent Garden, or Soho, make it easy to walk to many major sights.
What to do in London on Christmas Day?
On December 25, options are limited - but there are still several ways to enjoy London. Walks, guided experiences, cozy food moments, or quirky traditions: here are the main ideas to fill Christmas Day, depending on your energy and what you're looking for.
Explore London on foot or by bike on Christmas Day
The simplest plan is… to walk. Bundle up in a warm coat and head out to explore near-empty streets, enjoying the Christmas lights as night falls. It's beautiful - and it's free. Many areas are richly decorated, especially around Seven Dials, Carnaby Street, Oxford Street, and Regent Street, not to mention the window displays at department stores like Harrods.
This is perfect if you like walking, photographing the city, or seeing London in a totally different mood from its usual bustle.
In December, it gets dark very early in London, which means you can enjoy the festive lights even in the late afternoon. The downside: cold, damp air, and sometimes rain.
Walking across iconic bridges - Westminster Bridge, Waterloo Bridge, or Tower Bridge - is also a great way to admire the city from a different angle in a surprisingly calm atmosphere.
A few activity ideas:
- Most of London's Royal Parks are open on Christmas Day, so it can be a great time for a nature walk.
- London Walks offers several guided walks every Christmas Day. Themes often include “Christmas Morning, 1660,” which takes you back to the Restoration period, and the “Charles Dickens Christmas Day Walk,” which follows in the footsteps of the famous author. In some years, they also schedule a walk focused on Christmas lights later in the day.
If you enjoy cycling, some companies like The London Bicycle Tour Company run 3-hour guided bike rides to see London's Christmas lights. It's a safe way to cover the most beautifully decorated spots with a guide (helmet included).
See London differently, without too much walking
The next options are especially helpful if you want to limit walking, if you're traveling with young kids, or if the weather isn't great on Christmas Day.
Take a cruise on the Thames
You can try Thames cruises, which sometimes run a few departures on Christmas Day, depending on the year, the operator, and the weather.
It's a relaxing way to see London without much walking, and to admire landmarks like Tower Bridge or the Tower of London from the water.
Christmas Day cruises are popular and often sell out weeks in advance - plan ahead for reservations.
Hop-on hop-off sightseeing buses
Some sightseeing buses may also run on December 25, including Big Bus. Routes and hours are usually reduced compared to the rest of the year, but it's a warm, easy way to see the city without relying on public transit.
You'll pass major sights like Buckingham Palace, Westminster, Big Ben, the London Eye, Covent Garden, St. Paul's Cathedral, and Notting Hill.
Where to eat and drink in London on December 25
On Christmas Day, eating out in London is absolutely possible - but it requires planning and often a bigger budget than usual.
Find a restaurant on Christmas Day
It's obviously impossible to list every London restaurant open on December 25… but they do exist. Booking is strongly recommended, because alongside tourists, many Londoners also choose to mark Christmas Day with a lunch or dinner out.
Restaurants inside hotels are generally the safest bet on this very special public holiday.
To help with your search, platforms like OpenTable are useful - just select December 25, the party size, and your preferred time. That said, not every restaurant that opens on Christmas Day lists availability online, so contacting the venue directly can sometimes help.
Also note: most restaurants offer a special Christmas set menu on December 25, usually more expensive than their regular menu.
Have an afternoon tea on Christmas Day in London
In a different (and very British) category, many upscale hotels and restaurants offer a festive afternoon tea around Christmas. It's a seasonal twist on traditional English tea with winter-flavored pastries and sweets - also typically priced higher than usual.
Served mid-afternoon (around 3–4 p.m.), afternoon tea is an elegant break during a walking day. It's also a good backup if you couldn't book a restaurant for lunch or dinner.
A few classic names: for a chic afternoon tea in London, major hotels are reliable options - The Lanesborough, The Goring, Rosewood, The Ritz London, The Savoy, Claridge's, Brown's Hotel, or The Connaught. These are ideal if you want a refined table, a beautiful setting, and some real comfort. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially during the Christmas season.
Book a Christmas photoshoot in London
If you want an original, easy-to-plan activity on Christmas Day, booking a professional photoshoot in London on December 25 can be a great idea. Because the city is so quiet that day, it's perfect for beautiful shots in iconic places - without the usual crowds.
Many photographers offer private or customized sessions, typically 30 minutes to 1 hour, in areas like Westminster, Covent Garden, St James's Park, or along the Thames. Some packages also include a short video clip as a keepsake.
This is a great fit for couples, families, and solo travelers who want a memorable souvenir of Christmas in London, while choosing an activity that works well with December 25 constraints.
Enjoy a symbolic, traditional moment in London
Christmas Day can also be a chance to experience very symbolic London moments - often steeped in tradition - attended by both locals and visitors.
Attend a Christmas service
Whether you're religious or not, Christmas services can be beautiful moments filled with singing and candlelight. St Paul's Cathedral often publishes a specific program for December 25. Same for Westminster Abbey!
Entry is usually free, but seating can be limited and you may need to arrive early. Many neighborhood churches also hold festive services - check the website of the church closest to your accommodation for the schedule.
Watch the Peter Pan Cup
Every year, members of the Serpentine Swimming Club organize the Peter Pan Cup, a swimming race held on the morning of December 25 in the icy waters of the Serpentine, the lake between Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. The event is named after Peter Pan, created by J. M. Barrie, inspired by the author's walks in these London parks.
With water temperatures often below 5°C (41°F), only the most seasoned swimmers take part - but plenty of spectators come to cheer them on and watch this quirky, very London tradition.
Take a day trip outside London on Christmas Day
A day trip outside London on Christmas Day can be possible in some cases, but it may disappoint you if you're hoping to tour major sites.
Some operators occasionally run small-group tours on December 25 to destinations near London. Before booking, keep a few limitations in mind:
- The vast majority of monuments and tourist sites are closed on Christmas Day - both in London and in nearby cities. For example, the Roman Baths in Bath, Stonehenge, and Windsor Castle are not open on December 25. These tours focus mostly on scenery, historic centers, and walking - not indoor visits.
- Tours are most often led by English-speaking guides. French-language tours may exist, but they're rarer on Christmas Day.
In practice, these excursions can work if you mainly want a change of scenery, to see the English countryside, or to stroll through a town in a very quiet atmosphere. But if your goal is to visit monuments or museums, you may be disappointed.
To check what's actually available for your travel dates, the easiest option is to browse GetYourGuide. Enter December 25, and you'll be able to see which tours are running and exactly what's included.
What to do in London during the Christmas season?
If you're in London around December 25, Christmas Day is just a very specific little pause in what's often a much richer itinerary. Before and after that date, the city gradually comes back to life and offers plenty of holiday-season activities.
A few ideas to consider during your trip:
- Harry Potter Studio Tour, which offers a festive version each year with "Hogwarts in the Snow." The studios are usually open in the days before and after Christmas (but closed on December 25). See options with transportation included.
- December 26 (Boxing Day), a UK public holiday, brings a gradual return to normal. Transportation runs again, more attractions reopen, and nationwide sales begin - making it a big day for shopping.
- Christmas displays and events at major department stores like Harrods (program here), worth checking out if you're in London for several days during the holidays.
Add to that seasonal ice rinks (like Somerset House), the winter fair Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, and London's Christmas markets, perfect for extending the festive mood.
In short, Christmas Day in London is calm and unusual - a day that feels more like an experience than a classic sightseeing day. If you're staying for several days, it creates a great contrast with the city's energy returning as early as December 26.
