What to do on December 24th, 25th and 26th in London is a question you will ask yourself if you are planning on spending a few days in London this Christmas, and your stay coincides with these important Christmas dates.
Attractions, shops and public transport have different opening times or may close completely on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day, so it’s important to have this in mind when planning your itinerary.
We receive lots of questions about shops’ and attractions’ opening times during these dates, so I thought I would write an article to talk about this and have a handy list ready.
What to do on December 24th, 25th and 26th in London
In 2022, Christmas Day falls on a Sunday. Boxing Day is a bank holiday, on Monday 26th December, and as Christmas falls on a Sunday we also have a bank holiday on Tuesday 27th of December.
Some tourist attractions in London close completely from December 24th to 26th, such as the Tower of London and the British Museum. Therefore, if you are planning on visiting any attractions during these dates, I recommend that you check the opening hours to avoid disappointment.
What to do in London on the 24th of December
On the 24th of December shops normally close early, usually around 2 or 4 pm in the afternoon. Most pubs, restaurants and cafes in central London will stay open until later in the evening.
Which attractions are open in London on December 24th?
Sightseeing Bus: The London Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus will operate as normal on Christmas Eve, including the free Thames Cruise.
London Eye: The London Eye will open from 11 am to 6 pm the 24th of December.
Tower of London: The Tower of London will be closed on the 24th of December.
Sea Life: The London Sea Life Aquarium will be open on the 24th of December.
Westminster Abbey: Westminster Abbey will be open for sightseeing on the 24th of December from 9.00 am to 3.30 pm.
Winter Wonderland: Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park will be open on the 24th of December.
St Paul’s Cathedral: St Paul’s Cathedral will be open for sightseeing on the 24th of December from 8.30 am, with the last entry at 1.15 pm.
Museos de Londres: Most museums in London will be closed on the 24th of Decmeber, such as the British museum, the Natural History Museum, the London Transport Museum, the Science Museum, the HMS Belfast and the National Gallery. Madame Tussauds will open on the 24th of December from 10 am to 2 pm and the Sherlock Holmes Museum will open on the 24th of December from 9.30 am.
Ice Skating Rinks: London’s ice skating rinks will also open on the 24th of December.
Harry Potter Studios: Harry Potter Studios in London will be open on the 24th of December. Booking is essential though!
Musicals in London: Most musicals in London and Christmas shows will have a matinee show on the 24th of December. Find out more here: Best Musicals in London and Christmas shows in London.
London Zoo: London Zoo in Regent´s Park, will open on the 24th of December from 10 am to 4 pm.
Disney On Ice: Ice skating show at the O2 will open on the 24th of December. Find out more here: Christmas Shows in London.
One way to spend the 24th December in London is to visit one of London’s attractions in the morning or just walking through central London, then go to see one of the West End’s musicals or a Christmas show. You could then spend the afternoon / evening in Winter Wonderland, where you could easily grab something to eat.
Restaurants open on December 24th in London
Some of our favourite restaurants are open on the evening of the 24th December, such as Sarastro for a unique experience, Bill’s for a good meal or Maggie Jones’s and the Poule Au Pot. You can also make it a extra special by dining in one of the best restaurants with a view in London.
Find out more about all these restaurants in our section: Where to Eat in London.
Public transport in London on December 24th
Underground and buses will run with normal timetable until 8:00 p.m., from 8:00 p.m. there will be a reduced service.
What to do in London on the 25th of December
Practically everything will be closed on Christmas Day in London. Shops, restaurants, bars and cafes will mostly be closed. Some restaurants and pubs will offer Christmas day Lunch, and some small convenience shops may remain open, but it is London’s quietest day of the year.
You can still make the most of this day by walking along the Southbank, admiring the views or strolling through the centre, including Covent Garden, Piccadilly Circus and Trafalgar Square. Even if the shops are all closed, the streets of London are still beautiful.
The London Eye, the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, all the museums, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and even Winter Wonderland will remain closed.
There are a few things available to do on Christmas Day in London though: There is a special Christmas Day Sightseeing Tour which is possibly a great way of spending a couple of hours on Christmas Day, or you could consider going on a Day Tour and make the most of the day by visiting another city. Christmas Day lunch is usually included in these Christmas Day Tours. You could visit The Cotswolds, Windsor, or Dover for example.
No public transport will be available on December 25th in London but don’t forget taxis and minicabs will always be available, with a special added-on supplement of course, but still available if needed!
What to do in London on the 26th of December
Although the 26th of December is officially a bank holiday in the UK, many shops open their doors to kick off the Christmas sales. In central London it can almost feel like a normal day. Most restaurants, cafes and tourist attractions will also be open on this day.
Which attractions are open in London on December 26th?
Sightseeing Bus: The London Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus will operate as normal on Christmas Eve, including the free Thames Cruise.
London Eye: The London Eye will open from 10 am to 8.30 pm on the 26th of December.
Tower of London: The Tower of London will be closed on the 26th of December.
Sea Life: The London Sea Life Aquarium will be open on the 26th of December.
Westminster Abbey: Westminster Abbey will be open for sightseeing on the 26th of December from 9.30 am to 3.30 pm.
Winter Wonderland: Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park will be open on the 26th of December.
St Paul’s Cathedral: St Paul’s Cathedral will be open for sightseeing on the 24th of December from 9.00 am, with the last entry at 4 pm.
Museos de Londres: Most museums in London will be closed on the 24th of Decmeber, such as the British museum, the Natural History Museum, the London Transport Museum, the Science Museum, the HMS Belfast and the National Gallery. Madame Tussauds will open on the 26th of December from 10.30 am to 5 pm and the Sherlock Holmes Museum will open on the 26th of December from 9.30 am.
Ice Skating Rinks: London’s ice skating rinks will also open on the 26th of December.
Harry Potter Studios: Harry Potter Studios in London will be open on the 26th of December. Booking is essential though!
Musicals in London: Most musicals in London and Christmas shows will have a matinee show on the 24th of December. Find out more here: Best Musicals in London and Christmas shows in London.
London Zoo: London Zoo in Regent´s Park, will open on the 26th of December from 10 am to 4 pm.
Disney On Ice: Ice skating show at the O2 will open on the 26th of December. Find out more here: Christmas Shows in London.
Public transport in London on December 26th
There will be a reduced service starting at 8.30 am, from December 26th to December 31st.
27th of December in London
As Christmas Day falls on a Sunday, Tuesday 27th is a substitute day this year. But in London, all museums and attractions are open as normal.
1st of January 2023 in London
New Year’s Day is also a bank holiday, but as it falls on a Sunday this year, there is a substitute bank holiday on the 2nd of January. Some shops, restaurants and attractions will close on New Year’s Day, but the highlight of this day in London is the New Year’s Day Parade.