What to do on Christmas Day in London
On the 25th of December London goes unusually quiet. Christmas Day is a precious celebration for the British and most venues close in order to allow everyone to spend the day with their families. Therefore, there are no tubes, buses or trams running, but you’ll be able to get into town by walking, cycle hire, taxi or your own transport and hopefully there are some locations that do open for this wonderful holiday.
Luckily for us all, the decrease in activity also means that there’s a unique opportunity to wander around London without the crowds. ‘Where?’ You might ask yourself. Well, dear reader, there’s more going on that you think, and (hopefully) you won’t have to deal with any queues.
If you happen to be around London on Christmas day, immerse yourself in a different side of this enchanting city with this list of plans.
Shall we begin?
1. Wander around a Royal Park
Start the day by exploring London on foot (which will also contribute to walking off those Christmas calories). Besides the city’s stunning architecture and street art (which is always there), London’s Royal Parks remain open on 25 December. My top picks for Christmas Day would be:
- Richmond Park: The largest of London’s Royal Parks, ideal for a long bucolic wall surrounded by deer.
- Hyde Park & Kensington Gardens: Once part of Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens offers a mix of old and new park pastimes and green space. On Christmas Day the Peter Pan Cup takes place (more on point 3 of this list).
- St James’s Park: The oldest Royal Park in London and is located in the heart of the city and provides amazing views of Buckingham Palace.
- Regent’s Park & Primrose Hill: An entertaining walk (you’ll find ponds, gardens, views…) that will finish at the summit of Primrose Hill with some spectacular views across London.
2. Attend a Church Service
There are many services around London on this day. Some are traditional, others sung and most of them are free. Remember to check timings with the individual venues in advance and arrive early, as Christmas services can be quite busy due to limited space. Here are the best churches and cathedrals.
- St Paul’s Cathedral: Services begin at 8 am. The Festal Evensong, the traditional, famous and uplifting choral service of Evensong sung by the Cathedral Choir, beginning at 3.15 pm.
- St Martin-in-the-fields: The Eucharist Service, celebrates Christmas with two combined congregations: English and Chinese. It begins at 10.30 am
- All Hallows by the Tower: Sung Eucharist with Carols, followed by seasonal refreshments beginning at 11 am.
3. Watch the Peter Pan Cup
Every year, a group of courageous swimmers takes to the icy depths of Hyde Park’s Serpentine, in pursuit of the Peter Pan Cup. You can’t take part unless you’re a member of the Serpentine Swimming Club, but you can still share the excitement (and craziness) from the safety of dry land and the warmth of actual clothing. This tournament was named the Peter Pan Cup by the author JM Barrie, who donated the prize in 1904 — the same year that Peter Pan was first performed on the London stage.
Where: Lido bar, S Carriage Dr, London W2 2UH (Google)
Nearest Tube: Knightsbridge
When: 25 December, From 9 am
Price: Free
4. Head to Chinatown for a warm meal
Chinatown is that area in London where you’ll find most restaurants open as usual on 25 December. Whether you’re seeking an alternative to your traditional Christmas fill or can’t make it home this year, Chinatown has you covered. You’ll be able to swap your sprouts for spring rolls. If you’ve got a favourite restaurant, it’s worth ringing in advance to check Christmas opening hours. Otherwise, it’s mainly a case of just turning up and seeing what’s open.
Some really good restaurants around Chinatown that are open on Christmas Day include:
- Plum Valley: The swish eatery serves progressive Chinese, Thai and Japanese fusion and it’s one of Chinatown’s more sophisticated spots. Opening until 12am and located at 20 Gerrard St, London W1D 6JQ (Google)
- Rasa Sayang: One of the only places you’ll be able to chow down on a Malaysian-Singaporean Christmas dinner. Opening until 12am and located at 5 Macclesfield St, London W1D 6AY (Google)
5. Photograph some of London’s empty streets
If you’re up early enough, you can see London’s streets blissfully empty. That includes Oxford Street, Piccadilly Circus, Buckingham Palace and Tower Bridge to name a few. You’ll be able to capture the essence of their architecture without the disturbance of people, and if you’re even luckier, cars and buses. That’s an amazing opportunity for anyone who really appreciates London.
6. Go for a dip at Hampton Pool
West London’s Hampton Pool, on the edge of Bushy Park, opens 365 days a year — which means an alfresco Christmas morning dip is an option. Built in 1922, it was saved from closure in the 1980s by a group of local residents, who continue to take part in fundraising activities and more practical tasks including gardening and other maintenance. Do a few lengths of the 36m pool, before heading back home for a warming drink. For your information, the pool is heated to a balmy 28C all year round (we don’t want anyone getting ill).
Where: High St, Hampton TW12 2ST (Google)
Nearest Train Station: Hampton
When: 25 December, 8am-12pm
Price: £7.60 (peak prices apply over Christmas)
7. Join a river cruise
Rest your feet and fill your feed as you snuggle up on a Christmas Day. Several options are available: From one-hour sightseeing tour (£21/£10, departures 9.45am-2.45pm), to a four-course Christmas lunch on the Thames (£125/£99, noon). Booking in advance will be required.
8. Go Ice Skating
JW3 Jewish Centre in Finchley is open on Christmas Day, including its ice rink — the only one in London that opens on Christmas Day. With a skating area of 200m2, the outdoor ice rink comes complete with glimmering lights, vibrant music and an electric atmosphere.
Where: 341-351 Finchley Rd, London NW3 6ET (Google)
Nearest Train Station: Finchley Road / Hampstead
When: 25 December, 12.20 pm to 7.20 pm
Price: From £12
9. Indulge in a delicious Christmas dinner
Whether you’re looking for a traditional meal in one of London’s top restaurants serving up fat turkeys with all the trimmings or want something different (the capital has plenty of very tasty international alternatives), you’ll find many places that will open on December 25. Whichever way you choose to take your Christmas dinner, here are a couple of suggestions allowing you to sit back and relax.
- One Aldwych Hotel: Christmas dinner is served in swish mezzanine restaurant Indigo, and takes the form of canapés followed by a three-course feast of traditional festive dishes. From £130 per person.
- Skylon: Located within the Royal Festival Hall, Skylon is the perfect setup for the architecture lover. The Christmas Day menu at Skylon comprises four courses plus canapés. From £165 per person.
- Sea Containers Restaurant: Begin with a glass of champagne and butternut squash amuse-bouche, followed by a starter (handpicked crab is one of the options), a main (traditional turkey, sirloin, halibut or gnocchi) and dessert. Tea, coffee and mince pies will follow, if you’ve still got room. From £115 per person.
- The Savoy: The Christmas Day menu at Kaspar’s ranges from traditional turkey (served with cornbread, cranberries, and all the trimmings) to portobello mushroom ravioli and poached turbot. From £235 per person.
10. Soak up the festive lights
Last but not least, another free activity to enjoy in London on Christmas day without the crowds: the festive lights. Shops, markets and squares make a big effort to decorate their surroundings in order to offer a glowing atmosphere.
Find London’s best Christmas Lights here.
Once the gifts are unpacked and bellies are filled, it’s time for the Boxing Day extravaganza, which is also a public holiday, on 26 December.
Does the Tube run on Christmas Day?
As usual, no TfL services run on Christmas Day. That’s buses, tubes, trains, Overground, DLR, river boats, the works. Some transport will also finish early on Christmas Eve, so don’t get caught out by that. On the plus side, Santander Cycles are still available to hire. Here are the rest of the details as to what’s closed between Christmas and New Year (keep an eye on TfL’s Christmas page for updates as they’re announced).
I hope you enjoyed this list and are able to visit some of these wonderful Christmas Day plans across London. Make sure you check other Christmas events, shows and activities in London:
- Top 7 Christmas Markets in London
- Where to see the best Christmas lights in London
- Where To Go Ice Skating In London This Winter
- 10 Christmas Carols Not To Miss In London This December
- The 7 Best Shopping Areas in London for Christmas
- Top 10 Shows to Watch This Christmas in London
- 10 Best Christmas Trees to Visit in London
- Top 10 Themed Afternoon Teas to Try This Christmas in London
- 10 Things To Do in London for Christmas
- 10 Things to do in London on Christmas Eve
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