There's nothing more festive as London at Christmas time. Plan well ahead to avoid disappointment.
This year Christmas Day falls on a Friday. There are public holidays for Christmas Day and Boxing Day on the 25 and 26 December. As Boxing Day is on a Saturday in 2015, there is an additional public holiday on Monday 28 December. New Year's Day (1 January) also falls on a Friday and this is a public holiday.
London on Christmas Day
Virtually everything is closed for business on Christmas Day in London. Some places, including banks, remain closed on Boxing Day (the day after Christmas). Almost all of London's attractions close for at least one day over Christmas, and many close from 24 to 26 December, as well as 1 January. There's considerable variation, so it's a good idea to check directly with specific attractions before travelling.
There is also a chance to enjoy the traditional Peter Pan Cup Christmas Day race. Since 1904, swimmers have been braving the cold for this outdoor competition in the Serpentine lake. Wrap up warm and admire all participants!
Some pubs and bars open for a few hours on 25 December, so you can pop in and share some Christmas cheer.
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 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.
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 big queues. Check the Transport for London website www.tfl.gov.uk before travelling.
Staying Safe Over Christmas and NY
Any minicab journey that isn't booked by phone or in a minicab office is illegal, dangerous and puts you at risk of attack.
Simply download the free Cabwise app on Android or Apple to your smartphone or text CAB to 60835 to access Transport for London's Cabwise service. You'll receive two minicab numbers and one taxi (black cab) straight back. Texts are charged at 35p per enquiry plus the standard text message rate. Roaming rates apply to overseas networks.
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| Merry Christmas |
