Christmas in London 2009 - Essential Information

This year Christmas Day falls on a weekday, so Friday 25 December is a public holiday. Rather than take place over the weekend, Boxing Day moves to Monday 28 December. Friday 1 January is also a public holiday, to mark the New Year.

London on Christmas Day

Virtually everything is closed for business on Christmas Day. Some places, including banks, remain closed on Boxing Day.

Almost all of London's attractions close for at least one day over Christmas, and the majority remain so for Boxing Day. There's considerable variation, so it's a good idea to check directly with specific attractions before travelling. Search our Places to Go section to find contact details for individual attractions.

Two attractions that are open on Christmas Day are Ripley's Believe It Or Not museum in Piccadilly and the Charles Dickens Museum in Bloomsbury. Several Christmas tours also take place on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Some pubs and bars open for a few hours on 25 December, so you can pop in and share some Christmas cheer and soak up the special atmosphere. Check with your local pubs or see our Pubs and Bars section for contact details.

Church Services in London

Most churches hold services on Christmas Day and Christmas Eve. London's famous churches, such as St Martin-in-the-Fields, St Paul's Cathedral and Westminster Abbey, often hold special Christmas events and concerts. It is best to check with each church for details and times for the services. 

You can also check our guide to classical and carol concerts.

Hotels and Restaurants On Christmas Day

Many of London's hotels are open at Christmas and some hotel restaurants are open for Christmas fare on 25 December. You can find hotel listings and contact details in our Accommodation section. You can also read our guide to Christmas accomodation.

Some restaurants are also open on Christmas Day. You are strongly advised to book your table in advance. You can find restaurant listings and contact details in our Eating Out in London Section. Or why not visit our Christmas Day Dining page? 

For something different - and the best mince pies in town - check out our guide to Christmas Afternoon Tea in London. If you fancy celebrating on the Thames, join City Cruises for a Christmas Day Lunch Cruise.

Public Transport Services over Christmas

Public transport is limited over the Christmas period so make sure you plan your journey in advance.

There is no public transport, from buses to tubes, running on Christmas Day. Make sure you can get home safely on Christmas Eve as there are no night buses and public transport starts to wind down from early evening.

Four out of five of London's main airports are open on Christmas Day (London City Airport is closed).

Some taxis are available although they may charge more on Christmas and Boxing Day. You should check details before travelling and book in advance to avoid extended waits.

Check the Transport for London web site www.tfl.gov.uk before travelling.

There is engineering work taking place between Herne Hill, London Bridge and London St Pancras on most weekends and between 22.30 and 04.30 Monday to Friday until 2012. Contact National Rail on +44 (0)8457 48 49 50 or visit www.nationalrail.co.uk for further information on this and other planned engineering works.

New Year's Eve Fireworks Display

Large crowds are expected in central London on New Year's Eve. Most events are ticketed so plan ahead and use public transport.

There will be road closures around the London Eye due to the fireworks display, so plan your night in advance and check www.london.gov.uk and www.tfl.gov.uk for updates.

The display is expected to attract large crowds and viewing areas will close once they are full. 

Why not beat the crowds, and watch the fireworks display live on BBC One?

Boxing Day in London - Sale Time!

Activity returns to London on Boxing Day and the seasonal sales start in many London shops.

Public transport also resumes but with a limited service so plan your journey before you leave the house.