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Top 10 Things to Do in London on Christmas Day...

Guests seeking ways to enjoy the city on December 25th? Here’s a list of exciting activities and sights to explore—no turkey or Christmas pudding required!


  1. Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour by Day

What better way to spend Christmas Day than on a hop-on hop-off open top bus tour of London. This once-a-year opportunity to ride around the capital while most of the other vehicles are not there is something you shouldn't miss. Take your time with a leisurely stroll after hopping off at your chosen stop, or enjoy the whole loop while exploring where to go next. You will see London from a very different perspective on this special day. There will be a live English speaking guide on some departures telling tales about London at Christmas time.

Optional lunch: As you are out enjoying the sights of London, you will notice many eateries are closed. Take the stress out of planning your meal with our optional lunch. Hosted at Browns Covent Garden you can enjoy a traditional hearty meal to warm you up and get you in the festive spirit.

Where: You can join the tour from any Golden Tours stops; each will be clearly signposted Golden Tours Hop on Hop Off/London Tour Bus.

Lunch Venue: Browns Covent Garden, 82-84 St Martin's Lane, Greater, WC2N 4AG.

Price: From £29 child; £59 adult.


  1. Christmas Day Traditional Lunch Cruise

If you're looking for something truly special on the big day itself, ask Santa for a trip on a Christmas Day Traditional Lunch Cruise. Take your place on board for one of the finest festive dining experience you'll find on the River Thames, while viewing London's most iconic sights. Sip a welcome drink then dig into a luxurious 4-course menu with a delightful, seasonal atmosphere with festive decor and entertainment - there's no other Christmas experience like it!

Where: Westminster Pier, Victoria Embankment, SW1A 2JH.

Price: From £159pp.


  1. Go Ice Skating at JW3 Ice Rink

One of the few ice rinks open in the city on Christmas Day is north London's JW3 Ice Rink. And this year, it will be under the brand-new Dorfman Piazza, so come rain, shine, or snow - they've got you covered! Don't forget, helpful penguin stabilisers or banana toboggans can be pre-booked for less confident little ones to have fun on.

Where: JW3, 341-351 Finchley Road, NW3 6ET.

Price: From £14 child; £19.50 adult.


  1. Enjoy Walks Through The Royal Parks

View from St James's Park.

Walking through London’s royal parks on Christmas Day can be a magical experience. Hyde Park greets you with peaceful pathways lined with frosted trees and the occasional sound of bells, while St James’s Park offers picturesque views of Buckingham Palace, with flocks of friendly ducks and geese adding charm to the scene.

Kensington Gardens feels tranquil as winter sunlight filters through bare branches, casting delicate shadows on quiet benches. And in Victoria Park, there’s a sense of community warmth among walkers and cyclists sharing greetings. Wrap up and let the crisp air invigorate as you enjoy the natural surroundings.


  1. Watch the Annual Swimming Race in Hyde Park

Swimmers in Serpentine Lake.

One of London's quirkiest Christmas traditions is the Serpentine Swimming Club's Christmas Day swimming race, also known as the Peter Pan Cup.

Taking place in the Serpentine Lake, the race is a 100-yard handicap race that begins at 9 AM on Christmas morning.

The race is probably the oldest continuously swam race in the world, having been raced every year since 1864, with only the 2020 race being cancelled due to UK Government Covid regulations.

Where: Serpentine Lake, Hyde Park.

When: Race begins at 9am.

Price: Free to spectate.


  1. Enjoy a Church Service

Your guests can soak up the atmosphere in one of the many Christmas Day services in London’s cathedrals and churches, including the magnificent St Paul’s Cathedral.

Christmas Day Choral Eucharist

The principal service of Christmas Day engaging the senses with sound, colour and music, and with carols for Choir and congregation. You do not have to be a practicing member of the Church of England to attend the Eucharist.

Time: 11am - 12.30pm.

Entry: Free and unticketed.


Christmas Day Festal Evensong

The traditional, famous and uplifting service of Evensong sung by the St Paul's Cathedral Choir.

Time: 3pm - 4pm.

Entry: Free and unticketed.

Christmas Carol Service

The start of the Christmas season with the re-telling of the story of the birth of Christ in words and music at this traditional service of Lessons and Carols, with music from the St Paul's Cathedral Choir and readings given by St Paul's Cathedral Community.

Time: 4pm - 5pm

Entry: Free with ticket.


  1. Take a Themed Guided Walk

Guided walks don't stop just because it's Christmas Day.

Take a Samuel Pepys themed walk based on Christmas morning of 1660, the first time Christmas celebrations were permitted in England for eight years. Or why not join the Christmas Day Charles Dickens walk? The course is set by Dickens’s life and books and influences and, of course, Christmas and Christmas traditions in the magic lantern of his town, his London

Where: Both start at the big Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square.

Time: Samuel Pepys starts at 11am; Charles Dickens starts at 2pm.

Price: £25 adult; £10 children.






  1. Join the Southwark Cyclists' Annual Ride

On Christmas Day, it's customary for cyclists from London's many and diverse boroughs and beyond to assemble for a cycle tour of some of London's lesser-known, but still, iconic sites.

These include the "Mother Goose" Church, the French Ordinary Court Tunnel, Beehive Passage, Leadenhall Market, Jamaica Wine House, the Old Curiosity Shop, the Upside-down Globe, Seven Dials and, although not lesser-known, The Mall.

No bike? Visitors can rend a bike from several companies including Santander Bikes, Lime Bikes, Tier and Dott.

Once the riders reach Edgware Road, they stop off for lunch at one of the Lebanese restaurants, which are open as normal on Christmas Day.

Where: Southwark Needle, 1 Tooley Street, SE1 2PF.

Time: 11am start.

Note: Everyone welcome. You don’t have to be a member of a club to attend - but it helps.


  1. Chill Out in Chinatown

Whether you're out walking, cycling or just want to give tradition a miss, head to Chinatown to dine or simply enjoy the area while there aren’t as many tourists around.

Many Chinese restaurants in the area are open on Christmas Day, offering an alternative to turkey for the traditional Christmas meal. Some restaurants to consider include: 

  • Plum Valley: A sophisticated restaurant serving a fusion of Chinese, Thai, and Japanese dishes, plus karaoke rooms open until 1.30am.

  • Bun House: Offers Christmas-themed edible gift sacks containing gingerbread caramel, dark chocolate orange, and white rabbit candy cream buns.

  • Mamasons Dirty Ice Cream: Serves hot chocolate with whipped lilac cream and cookie crumble. 

  • Kung Fu Noodle: Offers soup noodles and dim sum. 

  • Zhang Liang Malatang: Offers hot broth. 

  • C&R Café: Offers Malaysian laksa.


  1. Find a Cosy Bar for a Festive Tipple

If all that sightseeing leaves you feeling thirsty, there's always a neighbourhood pub or city hotel that will be open for drinks. A buck's fizz in the morning, a warming mulled wine in the afternoon or festive cocktail in the evening; the choice is yours (or your guests)!

Looking for restaurants open on Christmas Day or need inspiration for festive dining? Check out our Festive Feasting Guide here.


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