Things To Do In London On Christmas Day

I remember my first London Christmas like it was yesterday. I was fresh off the plane, imagining a Dickensian wonderland, only to find the city had pulled a collective disappearing act. My flatmate had left for her mum’s in Cornwall, and I was alone in a silent flat, staring at a closed corner shop. It felt like being the last person on earth—if the earth suddenly ran out of tea and biscuits.

That’s when I learned the biggest secret about London on Christmas Day: the city doesn't shut down to be mean. It shuts down so you can rediscover it. Most locals are indoors, fighting over the last roast potato, which means the streets are yours. Yours. No queues, no crowds, just a strange, beautiful emptiness.

So, what the heck do you do if you’re stuck (or brave enough to stay) in the capital on the 25th? First, forget about “normal” London. This is feral London, and it’s glorious. Your first move should be a walk through the center. Think about it: no traffic on Oxford Street, no tourists blocking your photo of Big Ben.

Start at Trafalgar Square. The Christmas tree will be there, looking majestic and slightly lonely without the usual roar of traffic. You can literally stand in the middle of the road for a selfie without risking your life. (Side note: don’t actually lie down in the road—the police still exist, even on Christmas.)

Then, hoof it down The Mall towards Buckingham Palace. The gates are shut, obviously, but you might catch a glimpse of the flag flying high—meaning the King is in residence. Wave sarcastically at a window. He won’t wave back, but it’s the principle that counts.

If you fancy a bit of nature, Richmond Park is a solid bet. The deer don’t know it’s Christmas, so they’ll be out, munching grass and ignoring you. It’s incredibly peaceful to watch the wild stags while you sip from a smuggled flask of mulled wine. (Please don’t get too close—antlers are not festive decorations.)

The Food Situation (Don’t Panic)

Let’s address the elephant in the room: eating. On Christmas Day, 99% of restaurants are closed. If you didn’t prep, you’re in a pickle. A literal pickle, possibly, if you found a 24-hour petrol station that sells pickled onions.

Your best bet is to book a hotel Christmas lunch in advance. The Ritz, The Savoy, or even a nice pub in your borough often do three-course feasts. It’s pricey—think £100-£150 per person—but you get to be the guest of honor, served by staff in bow ties. Feel fancy. Tip well.

For the budget-minded, look for Chinese restaurants. Many stay open because it’s not their holiday. Chinatown is buzzing with neon lights and hot noodle soup. It’s the ultimate “screw tradition” move, and honestly, I’ve had better Christmases over dim sum than over dry turkey.

Quirky Alternatives for the Bored

If walking and eating sounds too effort, embrace the cinema marathon. Some indie cinemas, like the Prince Charles Cinema, sometimes run Christmas Day film slates. Check their schedule—nothing beats watching Die Hard or Love Actually in a half-empty theater while the rest of the world snoozes.

Another weird gem: the Thames Path. Walk from the Tower of London to the O2 Arena. It’s about a 10-mile stretch, and you’ll see the icons—Tower Bridge, the Shard, the Golden Hinde—but with absolute silence. It feels like you’ve stumbled onto a movie set after the actors have gone home.

Oh, and if you’re a fan of graveyards (don’t judge, they’re peaceful), Highgate Cemetery is open for a Christmas Eve tour, but on the day itself, just walk around the perimeter. The atmosphere is spooky and serene. (Take a friend if you spook easily—Karl Marx’s ghost might not appreciate your selfie.)

Pro tip: public transport is a ghost town. No tubes. No trains beyond a few Heathrow expresses. You’re on foot, bike, or by taxi—and taxis charge a “Christmas surcharge” that will make your wallet weep. Plan your route on a map before you leave your hotel.

But here’s the real magic: the bus routes. A few buses run on a “Sunday service” schedule. Hop on the number 24 from Pimlico to Hampstead Heath. The top deck feels like a private viewing platform. You can watch the city blur past, knowing everyone else is stuck in a carpeted living room arguing about the Brussels sprouts.

Finally, don’t forget to talk to strangers. Londoners on Christmas Day are a special breed—we’re either thrilled or totally lost. You’ll meet other wanderers, couples who forgot to plan, or lone travelers like you. Share a coffee from the only open Pret in Zone 1. Swap stories. You’ll never see them again, and that’s the beauty of it.

So, is London on Christmas Day boring? Not a chance. It’s a secret club for the brave, the weird, and the unprepared. You get to see the city without its mask. And when the sun sets early (like, 4pm), and the streetlights flicker on over empty cobblestones, you’ll feel like you own the place. Because, for one day, you pretty much do.