Episode 170 – Essential Tips for Visiting London at Christmas and New Year

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Episode 170  – What you’ll learn in this episode

🎄 London is magical at Christmas but comes with unique challenges. Tracy explains what is open and closed, how to get around, and what to book in advance.

🚇 No public transport runs on Christmas Day. Learn about your options for airport transfers including National Express coaches and private taxis, plus how to plan for Boxing Day and New Year’s services.

🍽️ Most restaurants and pubs are closed on Christmas Day, but luxury hotels and select venues serve festive lunches. Reservations need to be made months ahead.

🛒 Supermarkets and food shops close early on Christmas Eve and remain shut on Christmas Day, so stock up in advance if you are self-catering.

🛍️ Boxing Day sales are legendary but crowded. Hear tips on where to shop and how to avoid the worst of the queues.

🧣 December weather can be cold and damp. Discover what to pack to stay warm and comfortable.

✨ The best places to see London’s Christmas lights including Regent Street, Carnaby Street and Covent Garden, plus must-visit Christmas markets and the Trafalgar Square tree.

🚶‍♂️ Why Christmas Day is one of the best times to explore London’s landmarks without the usual crowds.

🎆 How to book tickets for New Year’s Eve fireworks and enjoy the New Year’s Day Parade.

🚖 Guest Ollie from Discover Real London reveals why their Black Cab Christmas Lights Tours are such a special way to experience the city’s festive sparkle.

📅 Why booking ahead between 21 and 31 December is essential, plus practical details on taxi tour timings, group sizes and policies.

UK places, foods and words/concepts mentioned

Places

• Carnaby Street – famous shopping street with festive lights
• Covent Garden – central area known for shopping and Christmas decorations
• Gatwick – major international airport south of London
• Harrods – world-famous department store in Knightsbridge
• Heathrow – major international airport west of central London
• Hyde Park – large park in central London, home to Winter Wonderland
• Old Bond Street – luxury shopping street in the West End
• Oxford Street – major shopping street, hosts Boxing Day sales
• Piccadilly – central London area, start of the New Year’s Day Parade
• Regent Street – shopping street renowned for Christmas lights
• Selfridges – iconic department store on Oxford Street
• South Bank – area along the River Thames, known for its winter market
• St Paul’s Cathedral – historic cathedral in London
• Trafalgar Square – public square with the annual Christmas tree
• Victoria Coach Station – main coach terminal in central London
• Westfield Shopping Centre – large shopping mall in London
• Westminster Abbey – famous church in central London

Foods

• Duck and Waffle – well-known London restaurant that serves Christmas lunch
• Marks and Spencer’s Simply Food – grocery store chain
• Sainsbury’s – supermarket chain
• Tesco – supermarket chain

Words / Concepts

• Christmas lights taxi tour – private tour of London’s festive lights in a black cab
• Discover Real London – sightseeing company specialising in black cab tours
• Evensong – evening prayer service with music, held at churches such as St Paul’s and Westminster Abbey
• National Express coaches – intercity coach service operating on Christmas Day
• New Year’s Day Parade – festive parade through central London on 1 January
• New Year’s Eve fireworks – ticketed event by the London Eye and Big Ben
• Winter Wonderland – large annual Christmas market and fair in Hyde Park

Related content on UK Travel Planning and London Travel Planning

Podcasts

• Episode #71 – Unveiling the Magic: London at Christmas [Top Things to Do and See]
• Episode #23 – Visiting London in December
• Episode #154 Winter Travel in London and the UK From Coastal Walks to Christmas Magic

Articles

• Where to Find the Best Christmas Lights in London [2025]
• 20 Christmas Things to Do in London