Best things to do on Christmas Eve in London

You can usually see an enchanting show, musical or pantomime from London's theatres the day before Christmas. Here's what you could enjoy last year...

• It was the last day to follow Ebenezer Scrooge's spirit encounters on a livestream of A Christmas Carol from The Old Vic.
• What was the Stick Man up to last Christmas? You could tune into his story and misadventures from home with your household.
• Laugh your way into Christmas with Christmas at the Snow Globe from Shakespeare's Globe, which featured Sandi Toksvig. 
• Watch an enchanting performance of Nutcracker Delights from your couch, with a recording from the London Coliseum.

Make the most of your London Christmas break with a carol concert or a traditional service:

• Arrive early to catch the Christmas Eve carol service at St Paul’s Cathedral.
• Sing along to carols at the Royal Albert Hall or St Martin-in-the-Fields church. 
• Enjoy a traditional carol service or stay up late for midnight mass at Westminster Abbey. 
• Gather around the Trafalgar Square Christmas tree to listen to festive tunes.  

Check out our guide to enjoying what the capital has on offer from your couch, from online shows and events, to virtual tours and festive activities for kids. 

• Get crafty with Christmas cracker-making and wander the festive virtual trail from the Victoria and Albert Museum.
• Cosy up to a Christmas movie filmed in London, such as Love Actually and Last Christmas. 
• Celebrate the places behind Dickens' A Christmas Carol on a virtual tour of the locations. 

Take in the crisp winter atmosphere by wandering your local area as part of your daily exercise, then retreat home for the last sleep before Christmas!

• Marvel at the Christmas lights displays in your neighbourhood.
• Spot the twinkling Christmas trees lighting up local streets.
• Take a stroll through your local park or garden. 

There are usually changes to some public transport services on Christmas Eve, so make sure to check your route before travelling. 

On the Tube, some services are reduced during the afternoon and evening; while on buses, there is no night service.

Travel on the London Overground, DLR, Thames Clippers, National Rail, Gatwick Express, trams and coaches is also affected during Christmas in London. 

Find more information about transport over the festive season or visit the Transport for London website.