Lady’s Guide to Boxing Day in London

Today I want to share my guide to Boxing Day in London with you. While the run-up to Christmas is a busy time in the UK capital, the period between December 25th and New Year’s Eve is much quieter. If you’re planning to be in London on December 26th, you’ll want to keep a few things in mind. Read on for my guide. I’ve included a map, too.

Boxing Day

First things first. What is Boxing Day? I grew up in California, where the holiday didn’t exist. I knew from having a Scottish grandmother and cousins who spent their childhood in Toronto that December 26th was a big deal in some places. It certainly wasn’t in San Francisco.

When I moved to London I learned that Boxing Day is a bank holiday in the UK. It’s said to have originated long ago from a tradition of the wealthy giving boxes of gifts or leftovers to servants and tradespeople, and of churches opening alms boxes to give money to the poor the day after Christmas.

Today Boxing Day is generally associated with shopping, watching sports, and/or getting outdoors to work off the Christmas calories. It’s also a time when many people relax at home, eat leftovers, and watch Christmas movies.

What to Expect in London

From blog readers to social media followers and travel planning clients, lots of people ask me what it’s like to spend Christmas day and Boxing Day in London.

I want to answer that question today and give you some tips and advice from my personal experience of spending many December 26ths in the city. This time of year falls during many visitors’ Christmas itineraries, and it’s a popular time to be in the UK capital.

Whether you’re planning to spend Boxing Day in London this year or in the future, my guide will help you prepare and plan so you can make the most of your time visiting.

Is Anything Open on Boxing Day?

The first question people ask me is whether anything in London is open on Boxing Day. The answer is mixed. While nearly everything is closed on December 25th, a lot of shops, markets, and other businesses open again on the 26th. The same can be true of Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day.

Let’s start with shops. Most are open on Boxing Day. There are good sales that start on the 26th, and many stores open early. There can be big crowds, so brace yourself.

Additionally, some museums and attractions reopen on Boxing Day, many tours start to run again, and the city begins to show signs of post-Christmas life.

A lot of restaurants, bars, and pubs welcome guests again as well. While some are still closed for the Christmas period, many open their doors and kitchens on the 26th. If you want somewhere particularly festive, take a look at my guide to the best Christmas pubs in London.

If you’re planning to be in London on Boxing Day, do some quick research ahead of time to see if the specific things you want to do are open at the times you want to go.

Does Public Transport Run on Boxing Day?

Another question I often get asked is whether public transport runs on Boxing Day in London. It’s all shut on Christmas, but thankfully the tube, trains, Overground, DLR, trams, buses, and other transit start up again on the 26th. The caveat is that there are no Night Tube or Night Overground services.

You can also book a taxi, black cab, car service, or Uber, but be aware that prices can be high on Boxing Day since it’s a bank holiday. If you’re driving, the Congestion Charge won’t be in operation.

If you don’t want to drive, take a taxi, or use public transport, you can walk or rent one of the many bicycles or scooters docked around the city.

Is it Cold on Boxing Day?

It can be cold outside in London in late December. The British weather is capricious, and temperatures can drop around this time. It can even snow. It can definitely rain or hail.

I suggest wearing layers of warm clothing and carrying a good umbrella with you wherever you go. You can get the umbrella I recommend on Amazon here.

My winter packing list for London and my guide to what to wear can help you decide, too. They have lots of ideas for how to dress in the city.

Where Should I Stay?

If you’re visiting London on December 26th, I recommend staying in a hotel in central London so you can take in all the festive lights and Christmas decorations. You can see options and book one here.

You can also read through my blog posts about the best area to stay in London, the best hotels for your style, and quirky hotels for more ideas.

Additionally, I’ve published a blog post about the best pubs with rooms in London. It’s a great one to look at if you want something unique and different for the season.

If you’re after something festive, there are plenty of places that deck their halls for the occasion. I’ve written a blog post about the best Christmas hotels in London, and I’ve highlighted a few specific ones below.

Every year The Dorchester goes all-out with beautiful decorations and offers festive meals and afternoon teas. It’s a great option if you love luxury.

There’s a different designer Christmas tree at Claridge’s each winter, and the lobby of The Langham is packed with decorations. They do a great Boxing Day afternoon tea, too.

Out east by Liverpool Street station, The Andaz always has festive decorations. In fact, The Andaz is one of the top London hotels at Christmas on a number of levels, including its seasonal food and drink offerings.

If you don’t want to break the bank, The Rubens at the Palace in Victoria has good decorations, too. It’s right by Buckingham Palace and it’s less expensive than some of the other festive London hotels during the Christmas period. If that appeals, you can book a room here.

What Can I Actually Do on Boxing Day?

In light of everything I mentioned above, the next question people ask is what there is to do on Boxing Day in London. There’s plenty to entertain you during the Christmas season, and December 26th is no exception.

Select tours run on Boxing Day, including guided sightseeing walks and river cruises. The London Eye is open, too. You can see options and book here.

You can even take a day tour from London on December 26th. Whether you want to see Windsor or Bath (or both!), there’s one you’ll love. You can see options and book your favorite here.

You can also take advantage of all the things London has to offer. Going shopping on Oxford Street or Regent Street to take advantage of the sales is a popular one. Seeing a show in the West End afterwards is a great way to cap off the day.

Alternatively, strolling through the Royal Parks or visiting one of the city’s famous Christmas markets or pop-ups is another. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, Skate Leicester Square, and Christmas at Kew are all popular on the 26th.

You can also discover a new-to-you neighborhood on one of my free self-guided walking tours. A popular choice is my Christmas lights walk, where you can see some of London’s most famous Christmas trees, decorations, and lights. My other Christmas walks are fun, too.

There are plenty more to choose from, and there are additional routes in the book London’s Hidden Walks as well. You can get it on Amazon here. It has lots of fun ideas for places to explore on foot.

London Map

Boxing Day in London

I hope you’ve found my guide helpful and that you’re excited to spend Boxing Day in London. Whether you do it this year or in the future, it’s sure to be a memorable experience.

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