What to do on Boxing Day in London, 26th of December, is a question you will ask yourself if you are planning on spending a few days in London over the Christmas holidays.
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.
Due to the many questions we have received in the last few years about shops’ and attractions’ opening times in London during these dates, I have written this article to have this very useful information at hand easily.
In 2022, Boxing Day falls on a Monday. It is a bank holiday in the UK. As Christmas falls on a Sunday, we also have a substitute 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.
December 26 falls on a Monday this year. Although it’s a public holiday, many shops are open to kick off the Christmas sales, so it can almost feel like a normal day in London. Most restaurants, cafes and most tourist attractions will also be open on this day.
Opening times for London Attractions on Boxing Day
Sightseeing Bus: The London Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus will operate as normal on Boxing Day, including the Thames River 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 Aquarium: 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 26th of December from 9.00 am, with the last entry at 4 pm.
Harry Potter Studios: Harry Potter Studios in London will be open on the 26th of December. Booking is essential though!
London Zoo: London Zoo in Regent´s Park, will open on the 26th of December from 10 am to 4 pm.
Opening times for London Museums on Boxing Day
Most museums in London will be closed on Boxing Day, 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 Boxing Day from 10.30 am to 5 pm, and the Sherlock Holmes Museum will open on Boxing Day from 9.30 am.
> Find out more: London Museums
Musicals and shows on Boxing Day in London
Most musicals in London and Christmas shows will have performances on Boxing Day. Find out more here: Best Musicals in London and Christmas shows in London.
The Ice skating show at the O2, Disney On Ice, will open on Boxing Day,
Ice Skating Rinks in London opening times on Boxing Day
London’s ice skating rinks will also open on Boxing Day.
> Find out more: Ice Skating Rinks
Where to eat on Boxing Day in London
If you want to book a restaurant for dinner on Boxing Day in London, I would personally recommend some of our favourite restaurants, such as Sarastro for a unique experience, Bill’s for a good meal, a restaurant we love to dine at on weekends, or we would also recommend checking out Maggie Jones’s and the Poule Au Pot. You can also make it a super special night by dining in one of the best restaurants with a view in London.
> Find out more: Where to Eat in London.
Public transport on Boxing Day in London
If you are spending Christmas in London, make sure to check the timetables on Transport For London’s website. In summary, there will be reduced service from the 26th to the 31st of December starting at 8.30 am on Boxing Day.
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.