Contrary to popular belief — and the scenes depicted in these photos and these — there's a lot going on in London on Christmas Day. We've already written a guide to things to do in London on Christmas Day 2025. Here are some of the venues that open in the capital on 25 December, although check opening hours, as they most likely differ from normal. Just bear in mind that there's no public transport.
Museums and tourist attractions open in London on Christmas Day
Slim pickings here, as all the big museums and galleries understandably shut on 25 December — for many, it's the only day of the year they close. In previous years Ripley's (later Body Worlds) in Piccadilly Circus opened, but those have shut down for good.
JW3 Jewish Centre in North Finchley does open on 25 December each year (expect when it falls on a Saturday).
Swimming is an option in some parts of town, with various swimming pools and lidos offering Christmas Day dips, including Hampstead Heath bathing ponds, south London's lidos and Hampton Pool.
Fancy catching a film? The W Film Club, which takes place in the private cinema at the W Hotel on Leicester Square, holds two screenings on Christmas Day itself, showing Home Alone and Elf. Anyone can book tickets, whether you're a guest of the hotel or not. Each ticket includes popcorn, with the option to add a cocktail for a small extra charge.
Restaurants open in London on Christmas Day
If you want a full-on Christmas meal out in London, you'll have to get booking, as you'll struggle to find anywhere that takes Christmas Day walk-ins. High-end restaurants and hotel restaurants are your best bet — here are some we know of which open for lunch or dinner on Christmas Day.
Traditionally, many Chinese restaurants in Chinatown open on Christmas Day, if you fancy an alternative to turkey. We've had confirmation that the following will open on Christmas Day 2025: China Modern, Canton, Golden Phoenix, Lotus Garden, Sushi Joy, High Yaki, Sakurado, Orient London, Bunsik and Tsujiri.
Beyond that, it's mainly a case of just turning up and seeing what's open, although if you've got a favourite, it's worth ringing in advance to check Christmas opening hours. Similarly lots of Kosher restaurants dotted around (particularly) north London are open too, but it's best to check ahead.
If you haven't booked and you're getting peckish, your best bet is to head into one of London's larger hotels, as the kitchens should be open to feed guests staying there — though don't bank on getting in without a reservation at these, either.
Cafes open in London on Christmas Day
Eight branches of bougie bakery chain Gail's have confirmed they'll be open on Christmas Day 2025, and even better, they'll be giving away free mince pies. Gail's says that it recognises this can be a difficult day for many, and that their little gesture hopes to combat loneliness within the community. Full details of which branches are open, and opening times, can be found here.
In the past, certain branches of Pret A Manger have been open on 25 December too, although they can be coy about revealing which ones ahead of the 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. Listed here are the pubs that usually open on Christmas Day (and their opening hours that day, where known), though do check before you set off. Again, food will probably need to be booked in advance, or may not be available at all. Plan ahead!
- The Flask, Hampstead (12pm-6pm)
- The Founders Arms, Blackfriars (12pm-6pm)
- The Narrowboat, Angel (12pm-6pm)
- The Pilot, Greenwich
- The Ship, Wandsworth (12pm-5pm)
- The Spread Eagle, Camden (12pm-6pm)
- The Alexandra, Wimbledon — famous for serving up a free Christmas dinner to anyone who'd be on their own on Christmas Day. (Dinner 12pm-3pm, pub open 12pm-6pm)
- For bars, hotels are once again your best option, as many of the larger, more central hotels are likely to already be serving drinks to guests.
Toilets open in London on Christmas Day
If department stores, train stations, coffee shops and museums are your usual go-tos for bathroom breaks, you may struggle to find somewhere today. Duck into one of the pubs above for a drink and to use the bathroom, or else, head into a hotel — most of the larger ones will have bathrooms tucked away somewhere near the lobby. A bit cheeky, but when you've got to go, you've got to go.
