Things to do on Boxing Day 2023 in London

Yes, it’s cold out. Yes, the trees are bare. Yes, even the birds sound a bit depressed. But we’re lucky to have some amazing parks in London, and walking around in them in winter can be surprisingly beautiful. Enjoy some bracing green space on one of these wonderful winter walks in London. 

London’s best ice-skating rinks are back in full force and almost all of them are open on Boxing Day. Blast away a day of stagnancy in front of the telly by taking your pick from all the classics, lacing up your boots and swishing about.

The only thing better than lounging around with a pint at home? Lounging around on roughed-up sofas in the glow of a burning fire at a cosy London pub. Whether you want to get warmed-up after a brisk walk through Hampstead Heath or you feel like getting all aglow in Soho, these pubs will make you feel bug-in-a-rug snug.

Why not book one of London’s many joyful kid-friendly Christmas shows? Traditionally, the first port of call for anyone who wants to keep grannies, dads and toddlers on side is visit to the pantomime: if that’s what you're after, check out our comprehensive guide to the best pantos across London.

London is at its most bling this time of year, thanks to all the glittering Christmas decorations and glowing bulbs. There’s nothing lovelier than walking around the city taking in the sparkling sights on Boxing Day. Here’s our pick of the best ones. 

London’s hardy thespians have tidied away the wrapping paper, finished the Christmas dinner washing up, blasted their way out of a turkey-induced coma and are getting ready to tread the boards before your Boxing Day hangover has even kicked in. Spice up the day after Christmas and join them for some top-notch Boxing Day entertainment at a brilliant theatre show. Here are some of the best Christmas theatre on offer.  

One of the very few grand buildings open on Boxing Day in London, Eltham Palace is extra special because you get two grand piles for the price of one. The remains of the Tudor palace include a bridge over the moat, as well as the impressive Great Hall. The biggest draw now, though, is the art deco property built adjoining the Great Hall in 1936 by textiles heir Stephen Courtauld. The furniture and fittings look like a film set. Take it all in on a Boxing Day mosey. 

Notting Hill Carnival’s famous Channel One soundsystem is here to blast you out of your Boxing Day stupor. It’ll be taking over the Village Underground with its reggae roots beats from award-winning Mikey Dread, Jah T and Ras Kayleb.