The best things to do on Christmas Day in London

You won’t find many people out and about on December 25 but the capital’s stunning Christmas lights will still be sparkling. Empty pavements and bus-free views will only make a tour of the capital’s best crimbo decorations all the more magical. If you live local to central London, it’s the perfect way to add some sparkle to your Christmas Day walk.

Shake off that Christmas Eve hangover and work up an appetite worthy of Christmas lunch with a morning swim in (the mercifully heated) Hampton Pool, which is open on Christmas Day (you need to book a place in advance). Waterproof Santa hat optional. 

London’s Chinatown is a great place to make tracks for on December 25 if you fancy a non-festive bite to eat. Most of the restaurants stay open as usual. Nothing like a Christmas bowl of dan dan noodles, is there?

You can forget about getting the tube on Christmas Day, but there are other ways to get around the city. Whizz along London’s deserted cycle lanes, parks and paths on a bike while the rest of the city lounges around on the sofa. 

There’s no better way to settle a gigantic dinner (or work up an appetite for one) than by taking a brisk stroll. Step outside this Christmas Day and soak up London’s most scenic walks, all perfect for a festive stretch of the legs.

One of London’s quirkiest Christmas traditions as well as one of the oldest, the Peter Pan Cup has been contested on Christmas Day morning since 1864. Strictly a spectator event – unless you happen to be a regular, not to mention extremely hardy, member of the Serpentine Swimming Club – the name of the 100-yard swimming race in Hyde Park’s lido derives from the 1904 edition, when author and playwright JM Barrie presented the trophy to the winner, named after his most famous character. The race commences at 9am so head along before you start opening your presents and necking Bucks Fizz.

Yes, it’s cold out. Yes, the trees are bare. But we’re lucky to have some truly amazing parks in the capital, and walking around them (as long as you live close by) is one of the nicest things to do in London on Christmas Day. So get out there and get braced by green space. 

There are heaps of charities supporting the homeless, elderly and those with disabilities, and although they need extra hands all year round in order to support the brilliant work they do, they’re always looking for more volunteers over Christmas. 

There’s something truly spooky about the City of London over Christmas and the New Year – offices are shut, there’s the odd stalwart boozer or coffee shop, and empty, empty streets. Especially magical (appropriately, given that it stands in for Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter films), Leadenhall Market is great for a stroll. Okay, its shops are shuttered (the jewellers look especially odd) but the Christmas lights are on and you can really take in the amazing ornate Victorian architecture and atmosphere.