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Where to stay in London for Christmas and New Year's Eve 2026, the best areas for markets, fireworks and family stays, and how fireworks tickets work.
London on Christmas Day is like nowhere else, quiet streets, empty landmarks and a city that, for one day, takes a breath. But it catches a lot of visitors out. Here's what you need to know to plan it well! And if you're looking for something fun to do while visiting, check out our things to do in London at Christmas guide.
On 25 December there are no Tube trains, buses, trams, Overground or national rail services in London. Taxis and minicab apps do run, usually with a festive surcharge, and you should book ahead.
If you're travelling to London for Christmas, arrive by Christmas Eve and if you are driving see our guide to parking in London here.
On 26 December the Tube and buses run a reduced Sunday-style service, with some engineering works. Very few trains run, apart from some airport services, and the Elizabeth line and most Overground lines don't operate. Check TfL's journey planner before you set off.
• Parks — Hyde Park, Regent's Park, Greenwich Park and the rest stay open, and a Christmas morning walk is one of the best ways to see the city.
• Church services — St Paul's Cathedral and Westminster Abbey hold Christmas Day services that anyone can attend; arrive early.
• Restaurants and pubs — many serve Christmas lunch, but almost always by advance booking only.
• The lights — the West End and City lights are still on, and you'll have the streets nearly to yourself.
Most shops, museums and attractions are closed, and Winter Wonderland is closed on Christmas Day.
Start at Westminster, cross to the South Bank, and follow the river east past the London Eye, Tate Modern and Shakespeare's Globe to Tower Bridge. It's about an hour and a half, almost entirely traffic-free, and the views are at their best with no crowds.
Supermarkets close early on Christmas Eve and stay shut on Christmas Day, so shop by the afternoon of the 24th. If you're staying in an apartment, Borough Market (open until 6 January) is the place to stock up for Christmas dinner.
With no transport, location matters more than ever. So it's best to choose a base that's walkable to what you want to do on the day, the City for the river walk, Kensington for Hyde Park, King's Cross for Regent's Canal. Browse our short stay apartments in London or read our guide to where to stay in London for Christmas and New Year.
FAQ
No. There's no Tube, bus, tram, Overground or national rail service in London on 25 December.
Yes, but reduced: the Tube and buses run a Sunday-style service, and very few trains run. The Elizabeth line and most Overground lines don't run.
Parks, church services, and restaurants and pubs serving pre-booked Christmas lunches. Most shops, museums and attractions are closed.
Yes, black cabs and minicab apps operate, usually with a holiday surcharge. Book ahead if you can.
No, almost all shops close. Shop by the afternoon of Christmas Eve, when most supermarkets close early.
A full kitchen for Christmas dinner, a living room for presents and room for everyone. Book direct for the best rate and if you're staying on, January stays come with 20% off your London stay (between 1 – 31 January 2027) using code WINTER20 if you book before 30 November 2026. (Terms and conditions apply)
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