Looking for things to do once Christmas Day is out of the way? Ready to pry yourself away (temporarily, obvs) from the cheeseboard? Take a look at these things happening in London on Boxing Day. 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, and London's best pantos.
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS: Head into central London to see London's Christmas lights. You could even hop on a bus, and glide through Oxford Street, Regent Street, and Piccadilly with the lights overhead. 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.
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-9.30pm (until 5 January 2025)
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
LIVE MUSIC BRUNCH: Italian restaurant Bocconcino Soho offers a bottomless Boxing Day brunch accompanied by live music. Choose between bottomless prosecco, Aperol spritz or champagne to wash down Italian dishes, while live music plays. From 12pm
BOOZE AND BOROUGH: Footprints of London guide David Charnick offers both a tour around the Borough area, focusing on its links to the booze industry. Hop wagons from Kent, Sussex and Surrey used to unload into warehouses in the area, and was once home to one of London's largest breweries too. 2pm-4pm
HOME ALONE 2: W Film Club returns to W London for the last in its series of festive film screenings. Kick back and watch Home Alone 2 in the hotel's screening room. Tickets include options for cocktails, popcorn, and even the hotel's après-inspired afternoon tea if you fancy going all out for a festive treat. 4pm-6pm
DIAMOND LIFE: Celebrate the 40th anniversary of London-based Sade's album Diamond Life with a full live band performing tracks from the award-winning album. Expect a blend of smooth jazz, soul, and RnB. Note: the event is not in association with Sade and Sade will not be performing. 5pm-9pm
BOXING DAY CABARET: For a lively Boxing Day evening, head to the Two Brewers in Clapham where drag queens Ember and Marsha Mallow perform live, accompanied by DJ Amy LaQueefa, until 3am. 5pm-3am
BOXING DAY PUB QUIZ: Test your general knowledge, your niche obsessions — and maybe even your ability to make a paper aeroplane — at Big Penny Social's Boxing Day pub quiz. It's £2 entry per person with a chance of winning a £100 bar tab. 7.30pm-9pm
PENGUIN PARADE: Go for a wander in the Fleet Street direction, and keep an eye out for 12 sculptures of penguins. The Penguin Parade trail is on for a few more days, with each sculpture individually decorated — a great one if you want to get the kids out of the house for a couple of hours. FREE, until 5 January 2025
