Things To Do In London On Boxing Day 2022

Laura Reynolds
By Laura Reynolds Last edited 10 months ago

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Things To Do In London On Boxing Day 2022
Crowds walking beneath illuminated arches at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is open today

Looking for things to do once Christmas Day is out of the way? Ready to pry yourself away (temporarily, obvs) from the cheeseboard? Take a look at these things happening in London on Boxing Day. Note that many venues will have different opening hours from usual, so check before you set off.

TRANSPORT: First things first, check which buses, trains and tubes are running over the Christmas period before you make any plans.

WEEKEND WALKS: This week is practically one long weekend anyway, so grab your walking boots and head out on one of our weekend walk routes. See a part of London you haven't visited before, and best of all, it's free — unless you stop in a pub for a pint or two...

ICE SKATING: Get out and about on one of London's many ice skating rinks, twirling and pirouetting to your heart's content at venues ranging from central London courtyards to outer London palaces. Not all will be open today, so check before you go.

Ice rink in front of Battersea Power Station
Glide at Battersea Power Station is one of the ice rinks open today. Photo: Londonist

THEATRE SHOWS: If the pre-Christmas frenzy left you with no time to head to the theatre, why not check out the festive shows which are still on? We've picked the best theatre shows in London this Christmas, and London's best pantos.

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS: Head into central London to see London's Christmas lights. You could even hop on a bus, and glide through Oxford Street, Regent Street, and Piccadilly with the lights overhead.

FREE CHRISTMAS EVENTS: Christmas is an expensive time of year in London, so indulge in these festive things to do that won't cost a penny — though of course there are plenty of ways to part with your money if you're so inclined.

AFTERNOON TEA: If you're not absolutely stuffed by the Christmas Day festivities, why not head out for a festive afternoon tea on Boxing Day. London has a raft of them to choose from this year, and though a couple ended on Christmas Eve, many are still being served through until January.

WINTER WONDERLAND: The Hyde Park behemoth is open until the new year, and in the past we've found it's a bit less crowded after Christmas — though do note you'll need to book a ticket for entry this year. 10am-10pm (until 2 January 2023)

HORSE DRAWN CARRIAGES: Tickets for Operation Centaur's horse-drawn carriage rides in Richmond Park have sold out for today, but once again they're running at a second location, Bushy Park, with tickets still available at time of writing. Take a 25-minute ride through the Royal Park, with mulled wine and festive snacks included in the ticket price. 10am-2pm

BOOZE AND BOROUGH: Footprints of London guide David Charnick offers both an in-person and virtual tour around the Borough area, focusing on its links to the booze industry. Hop wagons from Kent, Sussex and Surrey used to unload into warehouses in the area, and it used to be home to one of London's largest breweries too. In person 2.30pm-4.30pm or virtual tour 9.30pm-10.30pm

Last Updated 26 December 2022

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