London at Christmas 2026: Christmas Eve is Thursday 24 December, Christmas Day is Friday 25 December and Boxing Day is Saturday 26 December. The Boxing Day substitute bank holiday is Monday 28 December. Opening hours vary by venue and transport operator, so make any booked activity the anchor for your day and check its official calendar again before travelling.
Thursday 24 December: Christmas Eve
Choose one or two places that have explicitly published Christmas Eve opening hours, then leave time for a walk around central London. Many shops and attractions close earlier than usual. Major museums can be closed for 24–26 December: for example, the National Gallery lists those closure dates. Check Tower of London, London Eye and other venues directly before buying tickets.
If you prefer an easy day without timed entry, walk through Covent Garden, Trafalgar Square and the South Bank, with a restaurant booking where possible. Our Christmas Eve guide has more route and dining ideas. Check TfL for any reduced evening service and the last connection back to your accommodation.
Friday 25 December: Christmas Day
Expect most major attractions and shops to be closed and no ordinary TfL service. A walk past Westminster, the South Bank or festive streets can still be enjoyable, but plan how you will get there and back. If you want a meal, book a restaurant that confirms it will open and check its Christmas Day menu and transport options. A private tour, taxi or coach is only an option when its operator confirms a Christmas Day service and the full price.
Our Christmas Day in London guide covers practical choices. Check TfL’s festive travel advice closer to December rather than assuming your usual bus or train will run.
Saturday 26 December: Boxing Day
Some shops reopen for sales and some attractions or performances may operate, but an ordinary Saturday timetable is not a reliable guide. Check individual venue calendars for 26 December, especially if you need a timed ticket. The National Gallery lists a closure on this date; other museums and attractions have their own arrangements.
Our Boxing Day guide sets out flexible sightseeing, shopping, show and food ideas. Use TfL Journey Planner and your train operator’s holiday schedule to confirm the return trip.
What about 27 and 28 December?
Sunday 27 December is the following day; Monday 28 December is the Boxing Day substitute bank holiday in England and Wales. Check the hours and transport for each date individually. For New Year’s plans, see our New Year’s Day guide for Friday 1 January 2027.
Calendar dates checked against GOV.UK on 25 September 2026. Individual Christmas 2026 venue and transport timetables may be published later; follow the official links before finalising plans.
Hi, we are Alberto and Amy, the London locals behind PlanTrip London. We’ve lived in London since 2010 and have spent every year since exploring the city, from its famous landmarks to the markets, pubs, parks and hidden corners most visitors never find. Over the years we became the go-to trip planners for friends and family visiting London, so we created this site to share the same first-hand, tried-and-tested advice with you. Every itinerary, tip and recommendation here comes from our own experience with our two children, so you can plan a London trip that’s easier, better value and far more memorable.