Keep up to date with all things festive on our Christmas 2026 in London page.
Looking for things to do once Christmas Day is done and dusted? Ready to pry yourself away (temporarily, obvs) from the cheeseboard?
Take a look at these things happening in London on Boxing Day 2026. Note that many venues will have different opening hours from usual, so check before you set off.
TRANSPORT: First things first: check which buses, trains and Tubes are running over the Christmas period before you make any plans, as there's likely to be disruption to usual public transport schedules this week.
WEEKEND WALKS: This week is practically one long weekend anyway, so grab your walking boots and head out on one of our weekend walk routes. See a part of London you haven't visited before, and best of all, it's free — unless you stop in a pub for a pint or two...
ICE SKATING: Get out and about on one of London's many ice skating rinks, twirling and pirouetting to your heart's content at venues ranging from central London courtyards to outer London palaces. Not all will be open today, so check before you go.
THEATRE SHOWS: If the pre-Christmas frenzy left you with no time to head to the theatre, why not check out the festive shows which are still on? We've picked the best theatre shows in London this Christmas, as well as the best shows to take the kids to, and London's best pantos.
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS: Head into central London to see London's Christmas lights. Need to stretch your legs? Follow this self-guided festive walking route around central London to visit several lights and window displays in one go.
AFTERNOON TEA: If you're not absolutely stuffed by the Christmas Day festivities, why not head out for a festive afternoon tea on Boxing Day. London has a raft of these to choose from this year, and though a couple end on Christmas Eve, many are still being served through until January.
WILDERNESS GARDEN: Hampton Court Palace holds another of its popular Garden Open Days, where the public can access the grounds without paying the usual admission fees. Note that this time, only the Wilderness area is open, with the rest of the gardens and the Palace itself closed for the day. Still a decent option if you want to blow the cobwebs away. FREE, ALL DAY
WINTER WONDERLAND: The Hyde Park behemoth is open until the new year, and in the past we've found it's a bit less crowded after Christmas — though note you'll need to book a ticket for entry this year. 10am-8pm (until 3 January 2027)
LIANE CARROLL: As is something of a Boxing Day tradition, jazz vocalist Liane Carroll performs songs from her back catalogue, classic jazz tunes, and a few festive numbers in a 'cold turkey' show at Ronnie Scott's in Soho. She's joined by bassist Roger Carey and drummer Russell Field. 12pm
AMELIE: French romance/comedy film Amelie is among the films on the Boxing Day programme at Leicester Square's Prince Charles Cinema. Kick back and watch as Amelie moves to Paris and becomes a waitress at the Café des Deux Moulins. 5pm
DJ LUCK & MC NEAT: UK Garage music DJ Luck & MC Neat celebrate three decades in the industry with a special Boxing Day club night at Camden's Jazz Cafe. The full-throttle rave spans sentimental classics, anthems & dubs from across all 30 years of their careers, covering the absolute best of UK Garage going all the way back to the mid-90s. 10.30pm-3am
BEANO ART TRAIL: In recent years, Snoopy, penguins and The Snowman have been the subject of a festive art trail around the Fleet Street area. This year it's Dennis & Gnasher, as Beano celebrates 75 years. 12 sculptures of the chaotic duo, each designed by a different artist, appear in the local area, to be tracked down during a festive exploration. FREE, until 15 January 2027
