Want to be a bit unhinged? Take the number 11 bus route first thing to get a panoramic tour of the city’s holiday decorations, which still twinkle. Then, head to the Serpentine Lido in Hyde Park for the Christmas Day swim. Yes, it’s freezing. Yes, it’s thrilling. Hundreds of people do it, and you can watch or join—just bring a thermos of tea and a thick towel.
The cinema is a hidden gem. The Prince Charles Cinema in Leicester Square often runs Christmas Day screenings of classics like Elf or It’s a Wonderful Life. It’s a brilliant way to escape the chill and share a laugh with strangers who also dodged the family roast. The Odeon Luxe in Leicester Square also does an all-day movie marathon with hot snacks.
For a quieter hour, wander through the empty Tate Modern or the British Museum. The galleries are open late morning, and without the usual queues, you can stand for ten minutes in front of a Turner painting without being jostled. It’s a rare luxury—art, just for you.
40 of the Most Beautiful Places in the World at Christmastime
