Christmas Day in London: Your Ultimate Guide for Things to Do and See

Updated On: April 30, 2024 by   Aya Radwan

Are you planning on spending Christmas Day in London but feeling overwhelmed with the unlimited choices of activities and journeys to embark on? We understand this whirlwind and have conducted extensive research that we paired with personal encounters to arrange an unforgettable day wrapped in London’s Yuletide spirit.

So, buckle up and get ready to go through this guide of several golden activities for an unforgettable Christmas Day celebration in London.

Events and Activities on Christmas Day in London

On Christmas Day in London, many events and activities keep you entertained, from sightseeing and city tours to outdoor ice skating and Christmas markets and fairs. You can attend festive theatre shows, Christmas concerts and carols, as well as give back to the community and seize volunteering opportunities.

Sightseeing and City Tours on Christmas Day in London

It’s worth noting that most London attractions are closed on Christmas Day, even if they are open for the rest of the holiday season. You can admire several attractions free of charge, such as marvelling at the famous Big Ben or walking the Tower Bridge without crowds. The city’s landmarks, though, light up for Christmas with their finest light decorations and colours.

If you fancy taking a tour on Christmas Day in London, there are several out-of-the-city tours that will enchant you. Visit Windsor, followed by Oxford and the Avebury’s Stone Circle and end with a hearty Christmas lunch, or head to Canterbury, followed by Dover and Greenwich and finish off with a traditional festive meal.

Outdoor Ice Skating

Ice skating is a popular and incredible activity to perform on Christmas Day in London. It’s a great way to enjoy and get into the festive spirit. Several outdoor ice rinks open during this time, including the famous one at Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, which is open for twelve hours, from 10 a.m. Skating on the ice while surrounded by dazzling lights and festive decorations is truly magical.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced skater, there are options for everyone. The ice rinks offer skate rentals and even lessons for those who want to improve their skills. So, worry not and lace up your skates to glide across the ice for a memorable Christmas experience in London.

Christmas Markets and Fairs

Exploring Christmas markets and fairs in London is a must-do during the festive season. You’ll find a wide array of stalls selling unique gifts, handmade crafts, and delicious food and drinks. You can visit traditional markets such as Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, the Southbank Centre Winter Market or the indoor King’s Cross Christmas Market.

These markets are the perfect places to immerse yourself in the holiday spirit on Christmas Day in London and perhaps pick up a few special souvenirs. Don’t forget to sip on some mulled wine or hot chocolate as you go from one stall to another.

Festive Theatre Shows

What can immerse you more in the festive spirit than a theatrical performance? There are numerous festive theatre shows showing on Christmas Day in London. To experience this magical experience, you can attend shows like “A Christmas Carol” at the Old Vic, “A Christmas Carol – A Ghost Story” at the Alexandra Palace Theatre, and even “Cinderella” at the New Wimbledon Theatre. These theatres are alive with captivating storytelling, beautiful costumes, and talented actors. Remember to book your tickets in advance, as they sell out fast this time of year.

Christmas Concerts and Carols

One of the highlights of Christmas in London is attending the various concerts and carol services happening around the city. From grand cathedral choirs to intimate church services, there are options for everyone’s taste. You can join in singing traditional carols or sit back and listen to live music performances. These concerts and carols add a magical touch to the holiday season in London with their beautiful melodies and joyful atmosphere. It’s a perfect way to immerse yourself in the festive spirit and create lasting memories of your Christmas experience in London.

Dining and Entertainment on Christmas Day in London

Many restaurants in London are open on Christmas Day, offering traditional Christmas meals and festive menus to enjoy.

Restaurants Open on Christmas Day in London

If you’re spending Christmas Day in London and don’t feel like cooking, plenty of restaurants are open to cater to your foodie desires. Not all restaurants are open on Christmas Day in London, and usually, they are fancy establishments that gear up to welcome diners on Christmas Day with set menus and special courses.

The recently re-opened Claridge’s Restaurant promises you a luxurious seven-course meal for £495 per person. From eggplant canapes to the traditional roasted turkey with all the trimmings, this culinary experience is unforgettable. Or you can head to Gaucho, at Tower Bridge, which serves a succulent beef wellington and also has a separate Christmas menu for kids.

Traditional Christmas Meals

When it comes to traditional Christmas meals in London, there are plenty of options to satisfy all tastes. From classic roast dinners with all the trimmings to international cuisines, you’ll find something delicious to indulge in. Traditional Christmas Day meals in London include roasted turkey, honey-glazed ham, stuffing, pigs in blankets, and rich gravy.

Some places even offer unique twists on traditional fare, incorporating seasonal ingredients and flavours. The Holborn Dining Room promises you a unique culinary experience with their Lake District venison and traditional Christmas Pudding.

Festive Pubs and Bars on Christmas Day in London

If you’re looking for a fun and lively way to celebrate Christmas Day in London, visiting the festive pubs and bars is a must. These establishments are known for their cosy and welcoming atmospheres, as they light up on Christmas Day with twinkling lights and festive ornaments. An unusual gastropub like The Prince Arthur offers customers chicory salads, crispy Bayonne ham and even a whopping suckling pig that costs £550!

You can check popular chain pubs such as Wetherspoons and Greene King if you prefer the traditional pub atmosphere and menus. Other places worth checking, asking about and booking food in advance include The Flask at Hampstead, which has a separate Christmas Day menu, and The Pilot at Greenwich, which also offers a unique Christmas Day menu.

Christmas Parties and Special Events

One of the best ways to celebrate Christmas Day in London is by attending Christmas parties hosted at various venues across the city. These parties offer a lively atmosphere, live music performances, and plenty of opportunities to socialise and make new friends. You can attend casual parties with competitive games at the Boom Battle Bar to enjoy fun games or relax with a mulled wine or pint of local ale.

Luxurious gatherings at 8 Northumberland Avenue or Clermont Charing Cross are ones to look forward to. These upscale events provide an opulent setting with top-notch entertainment that will surely leave a lasting impression. Luxury hotels in London often organize elegant Christmas soirées where you can indulge in gourmet cuisine and sip on champagne as you celebrate the holiday season in style.

Family-friendly Activities

For families visiting London during Christmas, there are plenty of activities to enjoy together. Take a stroll through the city’s parks, such as Covent Garden and enjoy the festive decorations and lights. Visit Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, where you can find fairground rides, ice skating, and live music performances. Explore Chinatown for delicious food options and a vibrant atmosphere.

Consider going for a dip in Hampton Pool, cycling around the city for some outdoor fun or visiting the Christmas at Kew Gardens. Don’t forget to check out the Christmas tree on Trafalgar Square, the Christmas markets, and the shows happening across London. Spending an exceptional time with your loved ones while exploring the holiday spirit will create lasting memories for everyone.

Ways to Give Back to the Community on Christmas

During the holiday season, there are several ways to give back and make a positive impact in London. You can volunteer at several charities, such as the Trussell Trust and the Felix Project, to distribute food on Christmas Day in London. If you’re looking to make the elderly feel better on Christmas Day, you can use the Telephone Friendship Service, which will help you connect with sixty-year-olds who share your interests in life.  

Helping the younger generation is also an option through The Mix, which offers counselling services for those younger than 25 years. You can even donate online to keep elderly people who cannot afford warming bills for their homes through the Small Acts of Kindness charity, which donates kits to warm the people, not the home. The holiday season is ideal for spreading kindness and creating lasting memories on Christmas Day in London.

Public Transport and Getting Around

If you’ve been to London before, you’d know that public transport doesn’t operate on Christmas Day in London. During the entire Christmas season, different public transport means tend to wind down until they reach a complete halt on Christmas Day. If you need to get around, getting on that bike and cycling around the city is preferable. The only public transport service running on Christmas Day is the taxi service, but fares increase considerably due to the lack of other services. Please plan your Christmas Day trip to London according to this information.

Where to Stay in London

London offers different types of accommodations to cater to every holidaymaker’s preferences. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly hostel, you can check the ones at Camden or Shoreditch. These hostels often offer communal spaces to meet fellow travellers and exchange stories and experiences.

Luxury travellers, on the other hand, may prefer to stay in one of the city’s iconic five-star hotels. These elegant accommodations provide top-notch service and amenities, including spa facilities and fine dining restaurants. Areas like Mayfair or Kensington offer a variety of luxury hotel options. If you’re looking to savour the capital’s culinary deliciousness, you can stay in vibrant neighbourhoods like Soho or Covent Garden. These areas have an abundance of trendy eateries and street food markets for you to inspect.

How to Book Activities and Events

The Christmas season, and especially Christmas Day in London, is as busy as you can imagine. So, as you would book any activity or event in advance, you can conduct a little research online for travel guides, websites, or books to put together your itinerary.

Nearly every business today has an online presence; double-check the websites of each activity or event you wish to attend to ensure they are available on Christmas Day. Remember that during the holiday season, tickets sell out in a blink,, so book ahead to score that spot.

It’s worth noting that numerous venues and activities sell their tickets through official tourism websites, event listings and reputable ticketing platforms. Keep in mind that some places offer limited spots during the festive season.

We hope this Christmas Day in London guide provided you with an interesting blend of activities and events to include in your calendar as you roam around the British capital on this special day.

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