What is closed in London during Christmas? (2024)

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What is closed in London during Christmas?

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.

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Are shops in London closed on Christmas?

Most businesses and attractions close on Christmas Day in London, and many close from 24 to 26 December, as well as on 1 January. Make sure to check before you travel.

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Is everything closed in London on 25th December?

Some tourist attractions in London close completely from December 24th to 26th, such as the Tower of London and the British Museum. Therefore, if you are planning on visiting any attractions during these dates, I recommend that you check the opening hours to avoid disappointment.

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Are restaurants closed on Christmas in London?

L ondon is set to appear eerily silent on Christmas Day because many shops, restaurants, and transportation services will be closed. Planning is therefore essential if you need to buy something or eat in the capital.

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Are stores open in London during Christmas?

No - shops are closed and there is no public transport. (The only shop you might find open is a very small newagent or suburban grocery store here and there). Central London will be deader than a very dead thing.

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Is McDonald's open on Christmas Day UK?

Most of the McDonald's restaurants in the UK will be shut on Christmas Day, although you may find a very small number might open.

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Are restaurants open on Christmas UK?

There's no law that dictates Christmas Day dining. So if all one desires is to leave the house for a couple hours, without booking ahead, or any additional fuss, head over to cult stalwart Tayyabs for a class curry chosen off a menu that is exactly the same as it is every other day of the year.

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Is Christmas a good time to go to London?

December-February

If you're looking to save a pound or two, travel during the chilly, winter season (except for December when rates rise around the holidays). Though temperatures average in the 30- to 40-degree range, you'll be able to enjoy a more authentic London experience sans large tourist hordes.

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Is anything open on Christmas Day in London?

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.

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Is London quiet on Christmas Day?

There's truly no day like Christmas Day in Central London, the quietest day of the year. So grab a Santander bike or just put on your decent walking shoes and explore the city while it's in this almost spooky state.

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Are pubs open in UK for Christmas?

Re: Pubs open Christmas Eve & Christmas Day. Christmas Eve is generally a busy time and pubs are open, often quite late (in many a country village people go straight from the pub to midnight mass). Christmas Day is a different matter, and many pubs will be closed, or open at lunchtime only.

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Are museums in London open over Christmas?

The majority of commercial galleries will be closed for the whole holiday period so check first if you intend to visit. However, the museums and public galleries stay open with only Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day closures.

What is closed in London during Christmas? (2024)
Do pubs open on Christmas Day UK?

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.

Is Oxford Street open on Christmas?

The home of Christmas, Oxford Street is the perfect choice for your Christmas shopping in London. As an outside shopping destination, you can visit with your friends and family this Christmas whilst sticking to the rule of six and social distancing.

Is everything closed on Boxing Day in London?

Although it's a public holiday, many shops are open to kick off the Christmas sales, so it can almost feel like a normal day in London. Most restaurants, cafes and most tourist attractions will also be open on this day.

How long is the London Christmas market open?

From 17th November 2023 to 1st January 2024

London's spectacular Christmas destination - Hyde Park Winter Wonderland returns on 18th November for six exciting weeks of winter festivities with FREE admission and even more entertainment than before.

Are shops allowed to open on Christmas Day UK?

Under the Christmas Day (Trading) Act 2004, large shops in England and Wales cannot open on Christmas Day. For the purposes of the Act, a 'large' shop is larger than 280 square metres in size. Smaller shops are unaffected by the Act.

Are grocery stores open on Christmas Day UK?

Most shops and supermarkets will be closed for certain days in order to give staff some much-needed time off. Almost all stores across the UK are shut on Christmas Day, but there are also a handful of retailers that won't open on Boxing Day either.

Are supermarkets open on Christmas Day UK?

Most shops will be closed on Christmas Day. By law, under the Christmas Day (Trading) Act 2004, practically all stores across different sectors of retail must close their doors on the big day.

Are cafes open on Christmas Day UK?

No - shops are closed and there is no public transport.

Do shops close on Christmas in UK?

Rules for large shops in England and Wales

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 Chinatown London open on Christmas Day?

Head to Chinatown

London's Chinatown is a great place to make tracks for on December 25 if you fancy a non-festive bite to eat. Most of the restaurants stay open as usual. Nothing like a Christmas bowl of dan dan noodles, is there?

Is London crowded at Christmas?

Christmas Day is the quietest day of the year in London, take the opportunity to walk in the parks and see the Christmas windows and lights. There's something special about being in London at Christmas time but Christmas day itself in the city is a unique experience.

Is London expensive during Christmas?

London is the second most expensive European capital for Christmas holidays – Reykjavik is first. [PRESS RELEASE] According to hotel search engine www.travelmyth.co.uk, Reykjavik is the most expensive European capital for Christmas holidays.

How do people dress in London in December?

Clothes to Pack for London During Winter in England
  1. 1. . Waterproof Jacket. ...
  2. Woollen Dresses. Wool will always remain one of the trusted fabrics during winter. ...
  3. Winter Boots. London is a beautiful city. ...
  4. Gloves or Mittens. Like your feet, your hands need warmth too. ...
  5. Winter Caps. ...
  6. Jeans. ...
  7. Turtleneck Sweaters. ...
  8. Leather Pants.
Oct 6, 2022

How do London celebrate Christmas?

In the UK (or Great Britain and Northern Ireland), families often celebrate Christmas together, so they can watch each other open their presents! Most families have a Christmas Tree (or maybe even two!) in their house for Christmas. The decorating of the tree is usually a family occasion, with everyone helping.

Is everything closed on Christmas Eve UK?

Is Christmas Eve a Public Holiday? Christmas Eve is not a public holiday. It falls on Sunday, December 24, 2023 and most businesses follow regular Sunday opening hours in United Kingdom. It is a popular tradition to hang Christmas stockings for Santa on Christmas Eve.

Does it snow in London around Christmas?

We can accurately forecast if snow is likely on any given Christmas Day up to five days beforehand. Since 1960, around half of the years have seen at least 5% of the network record snow falling on Christmas Day. This means we can probably expect more than half of all Christmas Days to be a 'white Christmas'.

Are the Christmas lights in London on all night?

The majority of London's biggest Christmas light displays are now illuminated and running for 2022 (here's our guide to when the remainder get switched on). They'll be on nightly until early January.

Are shops open on Christmas Eve UK?

Stores will also be open until 6pm on Christmas Eve but will close on Christmas Day and Boxing Day as per usual. The majority of stores will be open from 8am until 8pm in between Christmas and New Year, and until 6pm on New Year's Eve. Stores will also be open until 8pm on Bank Holiday Monday, January 2, 2023.

What time do pubs close on Christmas Day UK?

On Christmas Day the hours are 12.30pm to 10pm. Thirty minutes drinking-up time is allowed, but there will be no late licences and no off-sales.

Are hotels busy on Christmas?

Christmas, Thanksgiving and especially New Year's Eve are some of the busiest times for hotel. However, there are a few things you can do to make sure you find value in the high-mark-up holiday season. It all starts with knowing when to book hotels for Thanksgiving and Christmas travel.

Is London Eye open in December?

The London Eye is open daily except for Christmas Day (25th December) and during our annual maintenance period. The first rotation time is as listed on our opening hours for your specific visit date.

Do you have to wear a mask in London museums?

Some museums, including smaller institutions such as the Museum of Freemasonry in London, have dropped their requirement for timed entry tickets. Most have changed the terminology they use in relation to mask wearing, but are continuing to recommend or encourage that visitors wear masks in enclosed spaces.

Is London open between Christmas and New Year's?

Public holidays in the UK are known as bank holidays. These are days when banks are closed, most Londoners get the day off and local children are out of school. Luckily for visitors, a vast majority of London attractions remain open on bank holidays with the exception of Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day.

What time do Brits start drinking on Christmas Day?

According to a study from Masons Yorkshire Gin, Brits are most likely to grab their first drink at 11:45am. At this time, 23 per cent of those surveyed said they reached for Prosecco, Champagne or bucks fizz first. The earliest Christmas drinkers are actually Londoners, who begin drinking just after 11am.

Can you buy alcohol on Christmas Day UK?

Shops and off licences are allowed to sell alcohol on Christmas Day in England – laws may differ if you are in Northern Ireland in particular.

Is Christmas a public holiday in UK?

In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, Good Friday and Christmas Day are common law holidays, having been customary holidays since time immemorial.

What is Oxford like at Christmas?

There are plenty of free and paid events in and around Oxford to help get you in the festive spirit. There's also plenty of wintery charm around the city too, from Christmas lights around every street corner to festive markets and street food vendors.

Is Oxford nice at Christmas?

Oxford is particularly wonderful at Christmas and our city really offers something for everyone. We hope the packed programme of activities will encourage people to visit Oxford and support our local economy.”

Is Oxford good for Christmas shopping?

With the sound of choirs singing Christmas carols, market traders offering unusual and handmade gifts, colourful decorations brightening wooden stalls and the aroma of mulled wine and cinnamon drifting in the air - a visit to the Oxford Christmas Market is a truly magical Christmas experience.

Do trains run on Christmas Day?

Train services run as usual but may end a bit earlier on Christmas Eve. Due to the strikes, you should only travel if absolutely necessary this Christmas Eve. No train services run on Christmas Day.

Do Brits get Boxing Day off?

In the UK outside Scotland, 26 December (unless it is a Sunday) has been a bank holiday since 1871.

What is Boxing Day like in London?

Boxing Day, in Great Britain and some Commonwealth countries, particularly Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, holiday (December 26) on which servants, tradespeople, and the poor traditionally were presented with gifts. By the 21st century it had become a day associated with shopping and sporting events.

Where is the most Christmassy place in London?

The Best London Christmas Lights
  • Leicester Square Christmas Market. ...
  • Oxford Street. ...
  • Regent's Street + Piccadilly Circus. ...
  • Bond Street. ...
  • Christmas at Covent Garden. ...
  • Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree and Market. ...
  • Harrods and Selfridges. ...
  • Carnaby Street.

What is the most famous London Christmas Market?

TRAFALGAR SQUARE CHRISTMAS MARKET

And the most magical of all the yearly events is the Trafalgar Square Christmas Market.

How much does the Christmas Market cost in London?

Cost: The market is free; events are either free or various prices.

Is anything open in London on Christmas Day?

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 open on Christmas Day in UK?

Rules for large shops in England and Wales

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 everything closed on Christmas Day in the UK?

I answer as you did ask in the UK as a whole. As many Londoners do not observe Christmas as a holiday, there are many restaurants, convenience stores, and petrol stations that are open on the day. All major institutions are shut such as public transport routes, shopping centres and nearly all retail outlets.

Is Christmas a good time to visit London?

December-February

If you're looking to save a pound or two, travel during the chilly, winter season (except for December when rates rise around the holidays). Though temperatures average in the 30- to 40-degree range, you'll be able to enjoy a more authentic London experience sans large tourist hordes.

How do you get around on Christmas Day in London?

Is public transport running 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.

What day do you open Christmas presents UK?

For most children in the United States of America, Australia and the United Kingdom, gifts are opened on Christmas Day. In other parts of the world, children may open gifts at the end of the Epiphany.

Are pubs open Christmas Day UK?

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.

Can I refuse to work Christmas Day UK?

Check your employment contract

However, if Christmas Day falls on one of your normal working days, and your employer opens for business on public holidays and expects you to work, then you are likely to be contractually obliged to work unless you have been granted annual leave.

Are petrol stations open on Christmas Day UK?

All motorway service stations must remain open for fuel, parking and toilets 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. These stations must stay open as they are regulated to do so as part of their licence. This includes Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.

What happens on Christmas Day in England?

During Christmas Day people choose to do lots of different things. Many choose to watch festive films, some attend church and some go for an afternoon walk. One activity that many people participate in is listening to the Queen's speech.

What do they do on Christmas Day in England?

Many Christians will go to church to sing carols and to celebrate the birth of Jesus on Christmas Day. More people attend the church on this day than any other day of the year. People put on their best clothes to go to church. The whole family sit down for Christmas dinner at mid-day.

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