Most London attractions are closed on Christmas Day, but some continue to open their doors at this special time of year: JW3 ice rink in north London is one of the city’s only ice-skating rinks open on Christmas Day. If you fancy a family walk, London’s Royal Parks remain open during the festive period.
Are shops closed on Christmas Day in London?
I’ll be in London from dec 21-26 and maybe I can plan a day of shopping on Christmas Day! 1. Re: Christmas Day – Are shops open? No – shops are closed and there is no public transport.
Where can I spend Christmas Day in London?
London attractions and activities open on Christmas Day
- Go swimming in Hampton Pool.
- Watch the Peter Pan Cup.
- Visit one of London’s incredible parks.
- Go on a Christmas hop on hop off tour.
- Go for a Christmas boat ride along the Thames.
- Go ice skating at JW3.
- Go experience spookily quiet London.
- Read next:
Are shops open in London on Christmas?
Christmas Holidays
If visiting over Christmas, then be aware that there’s no public transport at all on Christmas Day. Also, all shops, and most restaurants are closed. It is however a magical time to visit the city as you can wander the almost deserted streets and see London in a way you will likely never see again.
Where is open on Christmas Day London?
Pubs and bars open in London on Christmas Day
- The Flask, Hampstead.
- The Founders Arms, Blackfriars.
- Horniman at Hays, London Bridge.
- The Narrowboat, Angel.
- The Pilot, Greenwich.
- The Ship, Wandsworth.
- The Spread Eagle, Camden.
Is everything closed on Christmas Day UK?
The Christmas Day (Trading) Act 2004 prohibits large shops in England and Wales from opening on Christmas Day to serve retail customers, whatever day of the week it falls.
Are shops allowed to open on Christmas Day UK?
Rules for large shops in England and Wales
Shops over 280 square metres: can open on Sundays but only for 6 consecutive hours between 10am and 6pm. must close on Easter Sunday. must close on Christmas Day.
Is Covent Garden open on Christmas Day?
11 months ago. Covent Garden is an area not a venue. It is always open. Some of the shops will of course be closed on Christmas Day but the whole place will still be busy…
Is it a good idea visit London on Christmas?
Christmas is a magical time of year to be visiting London. There are spectacular decorations everywhere, and people are generally in a festive mood. Here are some of our favourite seasonal experiences, which are all great reasons to visit London during the Christmas holidays.
Do buses run in London on Christmas Day?
Everything stops running on Christmas Day: the tube, buses, TfL Rail, DLR, Overground, trams, river buses, Emirates Air Line and National Rail. The only transport available will be taxis, private hires, and Dial-a-Ride. But you can still grab a Santander Cycle bike or an electric scooter in the boroughs that have them.
Are pubs normally open on Christmas Day?
Pubs, generally, match their opening hours to local demand. Fewer people bother hanging round pubs on Christmas lunchtimes these days than half a century ago, so many pubs don’t open at all on Dec 25.
Are pubs open Christmas Day UK?
Are pubs allowed to open on Christmas Day? The government have not introduced any extra Covid restrictions for Christmas and Boxing Day – meaning that pubs are allowed to open on Christmas.
Is London open Boxing Day?
Christmas holidays and closures
Public transport does not operate on Christmas Day and has a reduced service on Boxing Day and the Christmas bank holidays. Most London attractions and shops, as well as many restaurants, are closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
What can I do on Christmas Day?
18 Fun Things to Do on Christmas Day in 2022
- Tour the Christmas Lights.
- Watch a Christmas Movie.
- Check Out a Ballet Performance of ‘The Nutcracker’
- Clean Up and Donate.
- Make It a Themed Family Game Night.
- Go Caroling.
- Cook a Christmas Day Feast.
- Go for a Nature Walk.
Is the Riverwalk open on Christmas Day?
Visiting the River Walk to enjoy the spectacular holiday lights is free. The River Walk is a public park and is open every day of the year, 24 hours a day.
Is Chinatown open Christmas?
Chinatown
Many of the shops and most of the restaurants in Chinatown are open on Christmas Day—in fact, a Chinese meal is a holiday tradition for many families.
Is Everywhere closed Christmas Day?
The only day that you need to really worry about is the 25th, when almost everything will be closed. ALL large shops, offices, services, public transport etc are shut – the only things that are open are a few local convenience stores.
Do supermarkets have to close on Christmas Day?
Most stores, including many grocery stores, are closed on December 25. But some grocery stores, convenience stores, and dollar stores do stay open for the big holiday.
Is Christmas a working day UK?
Christmas Day and Boxing Day 2022 fall on Sunday and Monday respectively and New Year’s Day 2023 falls on a Sunday. The Government has designated Tuesday 27 December and Monday 2 January as public holidays with pay in substitution for Christmas Day and New Year’s Day respectively.
What happens if Christmas falls on a weekend UK?
If a bank holiday is on a weekend, a ‘substitute’ weekday becomes a bank holiday, normally the following Monday. If Boxing Day falls on a Saturday, the following Monday is a bank holiday. If Christmas Day falls on a Saturday, the following Monday and Tuesday are bank holidays.
Are supermarkets open Boxing Day UK?
Usually, most supermarkets and shops open on Boxing Day so shoppers can stock up on supplies over the festive period.