Here’s the irony: Christmas Day is when London’s pub culture becomes a survival game. Most pubs are locked up tighter than a turkey’s stuffing, but a few brave souls stay open for die-hards. Your best bet is to check online lists—or follow the sound of a lonely jukebox.
Christmas Day in London: Traditions & Things to Do
I once found a pub in Fitzrovia that served mulled wine to three strangers and a dog. It felt like a scene from a Wes Anderson film. Tip: book ahead if you find one, or resign yourself to a Christmas picnic in your coat pocket.
The Cinema Escape
If the cold bites too hard, do what Londoners do: escape to the cinema. Some cinemas open on Christmas Day, like the Prince Charles Cinema in Leicester Square—they run holiday classics or weird double bills. I once saw “Die Hard” followed by “Love Actually” there. Perfectly on-brand.
Check schedules early because seats sell out fast. You might even find a screening that serves popcorn with a side of Christmas crackers. That’s basically tradition, right?
