Keep up to date with all things festive on our Christmas 2026 in London page.
In London on Christmas Day 2026 and wondering what to do? Looking for something to fill the hours between the presents and the turkey? Here's the lowdown on Christmas Day in the capital.
Is London busy on Christmas Day?
If you're up early enough, you can see London's streets fairly empty. That used to be a novelty, but these days is more likely to trigger lockdown flashbacks. By 11am, the masses are out (and, we noticed in recent, pre-Covid years, the streets get busy earlier every year, largely with tourists here for the holiday season).
What transport runs in London on Christmas Day 2026?
No Tubes, buses, trains or trams run on Christmas Day, leaving walking, cycle hire, taxi, or your own vehicle (the ULEZ and Congestion Charge don't apply on 25 December, but the LEZ does) as your options for getting into and around town. Here's a full guide to public transport in London between Christmas and New Year, including Christmas Day.
What opens in London on Christmas Day 2026?
A smattering of cafes and pubs may be open, but nowhere near as many as normal. One particular thing to note is that a lot of London's toilets, located in cafes, restaurants, pubs and stations, won't be available today. Just something to consider before you fill a flask/your bladder with mulled wine. Here's our full guide to what's open in London on Christmas Day.
Things to do and events in London on Christmas Day 2026
CHURCH SERVICES: Join in with the Christmas Day services at Westminster Cathedral, Westminster Abbey and St Paul's Cathedral. Some events are ticketed and usually sell out in advance, but live streams are often available — check websites closer to the time. Of course, churches all over London run services on Christmas Day; check with your local for details.
GOLDEN TOURS: This company runs tours on Christmas Day, taking you past sights such as Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London over the course of three hours on board a coach. Pick from a morning or afternoon slot (8.30am/2pm)
SWIMMING: While London isn't exactly replete with options for a Christmas Day dip, some pools do open for a few hours, including Hampton Pool. Here's our guide to swimming in London on Christmas Day, though consider yourself warned that you need to book several weeks in advance for some of the options.
PARK RUN: Not all Park Runs take place as usual on Christmas Day, but some do. If you fancy getting in a cheeky 5k before today's slap-up meal, see where your nearest Park Run is happening. At time of writing, Avery Hill (Greenwich), Bexley and Northala Fields are among the London Park Runs confirmed for Christmas Day 2026. 9am start
PETER PAN CUP: Every year, a group of hardy swimmers takes to the icy depths of Hyde Park's Serpentine, in pursuit of the Peter Pan Cup. You can't take part unless you're a member of the Serpentine Swimming Club (and really, would you want to?), but you can drop by and offer your support from dry land. The Serpentine Lido Café, which overlooks the event, is open 8am-4pm Christmas Day, and if you find yourself wandering around the area pre- or post-spectating, the Italian Gardens Café in Kensington Gardens is also open (9am-4pm). Find out more about the history of the Peter Pan Cup here. Free to watch, 9am start
SIGHTSEEING CRUISE: City Experiences run Christmas Day Sightseeing Cruises up and down the Thames, lasting an hour and passing some of London's most famous landmarks, and accompanied by a live commentary (pre-recorded commentary available in other languages). Festive drinks and snacks including mulled wine and mince pies are available to buy on board, and the cruise starts and finishes at Westminster Pier. The same company also offers a three-hour Christmas Day Lunch Cruise (12pm-3.15pm), including a three-course meal on board. Various departures 9.45am-3.45pm
GUIDED WALKS: Guided walks don't stop just because it's Christmas Day. Take a Samuel Pepys themed walk based on Christmas morning 1660, the first time Christmas celebrations were permitted in England for eight years. It begins in Trafalgar Square, at 11am. There's also a Christmas Day Charles Dickens walk, starting in Trafalgar Square at 2pm
JW3 PANTO: London's packed with pantomimes during the festive season, but the only one we're aware of which takes place on Christmas Day itself is JW3's 2026 production, Dick Whittingberg Gets Into a Pickle. It has a distinctly Jewish bent, although of course all and sundry are welcome to enjoy this family-friendly show. Dazzling costumes, colourful sets, foot-tapping songs and indiscriminately-thrown Chanukah gelt are promised. 11am-1pm
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS: What could be more festive that wandering among London's Christmas lights? Today's likely to be one of the quietest days to see them, even with festive sightseers lurking, as the West End shopping crowds aren't around. There's nothing to stop you walking or cycling between the twinkling displays as darkness falls. We've even put together a festive walking route to help you see as much as possible.
