- Explore more about travelling in London on Christmas Eve.
- See how London public transport is impacted on Christmas Day.
- Discover more about Boxing Day public transport in London.
- Find out more about travelling in London on New Year's Eve.
- Read key travel information in London on New Year's Day.
- What's on in London during Christmas and New Year.
Christmas Day (25 December), Boxing Day (26 December) and New Year’s Day (1 January) are all public holidays (bank holidays) in the UK.
London public transport during Christmas and New Year
Planning to travel around London this festive season? Public transport is limited over the Christmas period, so plan your journey in advance.
On Christmas Day, public transport does not operate, while Boxing Day services run on a reduced timetable with some routes closed. If you’re wondering “do trains run on Christmas Eve?” – yes, but services finish earlier than usual, and the London Underground on New Year’s Day operates with limited timetables.
Whether you’re heading into central London for the sales on Boxing Day in London, planning a festive evening out on New Year’s Eve or simply need to check which TfL services run at Christmas, use this guide to stay on top of closures, timetables and travel updates.
Christmas Eve in London
Is public transport running on Christmas Eve?
On Christmas Eve, public transport starts to wind down from early evening, and night buses and the Night Tube do not run.
Are taxis available?
Taxis are available on Christmas Eve but consider booking in advance to avoid longer waiting times and higher rates as more people travel around the lead up to Christmas.
Are there alternatives to public transport?
Yes, you can hop on a Santander Cycles bike to explore the capital on two wheels or walk around the city.
Is everything open on Christmas Eve in London?
A lot of businesses and attractions close from Christmas Eve until Boxing Day in London. Check opening hours before you travel.
Christmas Day in London
Is there public transport on Christmas Day in London?
No, on Christmas Day, public transport in London, including buses, trams, London Underground and London Overground trains, does not operate.
Are taxis available on Christmas Day?
Some taxis are available, but fares increase on Christmas Day. Check details before travelling and book in advance to avoid extended waits.
What attractions and activities are open?
Most attractions close on Christmas Day in London, but there are still plenty of things to do on Christmas Day in London.
See top London landmarks on a Christmas Day tour, enjoying a Christmas Day walk in a park, looking at London’s beautiful Christmas lights and cheering on the swimmers racing for the Peter Pan Cup in Hyde Park.
What is open on Christmas Day in London?
Most London hotels are open at Christmas, and some hotel restaurants offer Christmas dining on 25 December.
Some restaurants, pubs and bars serve Christmas Day meals, but most require advance reservations.
Is the congestion charge free on Christmas Day?
There are no congestion charge payments between Christmas Day and New Year's Day bank holiday.
For more information, please visit the official TfL congestion charge website.
Is parking free on Christmas Day?
Metered or pay-and-display parking is usually free on public holidays, including Christmas Day. Make sure to check for roadside parking signs and machines if you are not sure.
Boxing Day in London
Is there public transport on Boxing Day?
A reduced public transport service runs on Boxing Day. Check the Transport for London (TfL) website before travelling for the latest Christmas travel information.
Do trains run on Boxing Day?
Few train services run on Boxing Day, except for some airport transfer services. The Elizabeth Line and most Overground lines do not operate on Boxing Day and some train stations are closed.
Expect a reduced Sunday service on buses, the Tube and trams, as well as engineering works.
Do coaches run on Boxing Day?
Yes, most coach services in London run every day other than Christmas Day during the festive period. Check official websites for more detailed information.
Are taxis available on Boxing Day?
Taxis are available on Boxing Day, but expect higher rates and longer waiting times that usual. Book in advanced to avoid disappointment.
What can I do on Boxing Day in London?
Activity returns to London on Boxing Day (26 December). The Boxing Day sales start in many London shops, and public transport resumes with a limited service.
Boxing Day sales in London
The Boxing Day sales in London last into mid-January. Expect to grab bargains, but also encounter bigger crowds than usual in London's most popular shopping destinations!
New Year's Eve in London
Is public transport running on New Year's Eve?
Last year, there was no free travel on the TfL network on New Year's Eve. However, special services usually run through the night so you can make the most of all the amazing events and activities in London.
What are the travel tips for New Year's Eve?
Central London is very busy on New Year's Eve. Plan your journey in advance with the TfL Journey Planner, and check transport information before you travel.
What events happen on NYE in London?
There are plenty of things to do on NYE in London. Take a look at the top things to do on New Year’s Eve for ideas on how to celebrate the New Year in London, including information on the New Year's Eve fireworks display.
New Year's Day in London
Is public transport running on New Year's Day?
Public transport is limited on New Year’s Day, so check Transport for London’s websitefor details and make sure you plan your journey in advance over the New Year period.
Visit the National Rail website for information about train services.
Do trains run on New Year's Day?
Engineering works affect train journeys into and out of London and around the UK over the Christmas and New Year period.
Take a look at the National Rail website before travelling to check the latest travel information.
What can I do on New Year's Day in London?
Whether you wish to watch a New Year's Day concert, attend the annual New Year's Day Parade or soak up all the fun activities on offer, there are plenty of ways to make the most of the first day of 2026 with the top things to do on New Year's Day in London.
New Year's Day sales in London
You can usually grab the biggest bargains during the New Year's Day sales in London. This means London's top department stores, Christmas shopping hotspots and luxury shopping destinations bring busier crowds than usual. Be sure to plan your journey in advance.
Christmas and New Year events in London
Pack your London itinerary with all the festive things to do during Christmas and New Year.
Christmas in London
See the famous Christmas lights around London's famous streets, explore festive markets selling stocking fillers and Christmas trinkets, go ice skating at iconic rinks across the city, or enjoy a winter theatre show.
New Year's Eve celebrations
Ring in the new year with London's spectacular New Year's Eve fireworks display, take in the breathtaking views from a Thames river cruise, or enjoy a special dinner, event or party taking place across the city.
New Year's Day events
Don't miss the annual New Year's Day Parade, where crowds flock to watch thousands of dancers, performers and marching bands bring fresh new year energy to London's streets.
For more things to do around Christmas and New Year’s Eve in London, check out what’s on in London.
Don't forget to also check the London weather for a potential white Christmas!
