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 2025. 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 TfL bus, and glide along 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. 11am-9.30pm (until 1 January 2026)
SNOOPY: Stretch your legs and get some fresh air as you seek out Snoopy. 12 sculptures of the fictional beagle lying atop his kennel have been dotted around the Fleet Street Quarter, each individually decorated on a festive theme. Simply stroll around the area looking out for them, or download the map to help you locate them. FREE, until 16 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
THE JURASSIC FART: Take the kids along to Southbank Centre for Operation Ouch: Quest for the Jurassic Fart! The show unites TV medics, Dr Chris and Dr Xand for a dinosaur-themed educational show packed with crazy experiments. Age five+. FREE, 11am/2pm
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, and although evening tickets have sold out, seats are still available for 12pm
IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE: Christmas isn't over at Leicester Square's Prince Charles Cinema. Among its Boxing Day screenings is 1946 classic It's A Wonderful Life, which sees the down-on-his-luck George Bailey realise the consequences of his selfless actions, thanks to the help of his wingless guardian angel, Clarence. 5.30pm
BOXING DAY CABARET: For a lively Boxing Day evening, head to the Two Brewers in Clapham where drag queens Ember, Chanel No 5 and Marsha Mallow perform live, accompanied by DJ Liam Chaplin, until 4am. 6pm-4am
JILL SCOTT: Camden's Jazz Cafe opens its doors on Boxing Day for a celebration of the 25th anniversary of Jill Scott's debut album, Who Is Jill Scott?. Various musicians come together to perform tracks from the neo-soul album, including A Long Walk, The Way and Getting In The Way. 7pm-10.30pm
