Christmas Day & Boxing Day

Christmas Day is the one day of the year when London practically shuts down. Major sights and shops close their doors, the Tube and buses come to a standstill, and most people are at home unwrapping presents. But it's also the ideal time to take advantage of the crowd-free streets and go for a stroll - and if you fancy a bit of guidance, the people at London Walks are hosting two tours on Christmas Day (and loads on Boxing Day). Most churches hold services on Christmas Day, with those at St Paul's, St Martin-in-the-Fields and Westminster Abbey among the most spectacular. Come Boxing Day, there's the traditional Premier League fixtures, the race meeting at Kempton Park and, of course, the start of the end-of-year sales.

Christmas Tours and Cruises

Various
Christmas Day and Boxing Day

London can be an absolute joy to see on Christmas Day. The streets that are typically crowded and difficult to negotiate throughout the year are, for one day only, largely clear of traffic and it lends the city a peaceful, ethereal atmosphere that it seldom enjoys. With knowledgeable tour guides leading you around, the streets are yours to roam as you enjoy a day of exploration around the famous old city. And if walking (or driving) the streets isn't your cup of tea, then why not hop on board a boat and cruise the Thames, taking in the sights and enjoying a Christmas meal. Click here to learn about the various tours, cruises and dining experiences on offer from LondonTown this Christmas.

Christmas Tours and Cruises - Information

Sights & Sounds of London

Golden Tours office, 4 Fountain Square, 123-151 Buckingham Palace Road, SW1W 9SH
Christmas Day

Sights & Sounds is a relaxing panoramic tour of London. Sit back and enjoy the traffic free streets of London on Christmas Day whilst your guide provides an interesting, informed commentary, bringing alive the history and traditions of this great city. You will see many famous sights such as Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Downing Street, Trafalgar Square, St Paul's Cathedral, the Tower of London and many more. After the morning tour, why not enjoy a delicious Christmas lunch with all the trimmings at a traditional English pub? The tour offers pickups from selected hotels, a list of which can be found here (http://www.goldentours.com/Christmas_Tours). Be sure to ring Golden Tours 24 hours prior to reconfirm your booking and hotel pickup. You can take part in morning or afternoon tours (£29) on their own, or with Christmas lunch thrown in (£71). Tours run 8:45am to 12noon and 2pm-5pm.

Sights & Sounds of London - Information

Christmas Day Lunch Cruise

4 Fountain Sqaure, 123-151 Buckingham Palace Road, SW1W
Christmas Day

If the thought of all that turkey-basting and wrapping cocktail sausages in bacon brings you out in a mild panic, then why not throw caution to the wind and set sail. Literally! Well, apart from the fact that there won't be much in the way of sailing as the boat looks decidedly like it has a motor. But being out on the River Thames and having your Christmas lunch aboard the Millennium RiverLiners with Golden Tours will definitely be a new take on the traditional Christmas. This'll be an absolute hoot if you're spending Christmas with a bunch of friends or if your family is just bored of doing the same old thing every year. London looks great from the water and after a dry sherry to start plus a four-course lunch with all the trimmings (parsnips, Brussels sprouts, cranberry sauce), there'll be no washing-up, just a gentle trip back to shore.

Venue: 4 Fountain Sqaure, 123-151 Buckingham Palace Road, SW1W
Phone: 020 7437 4370
Date: Christmas Day, 25th December 2011
Time: Check-in time 8.45am, finish 3.15pm (approx)
Pricing: £135 per head
Nearest Station: Westminster Tube

Christmas Day Lunch Cruise - Information

Christmas Day & Boxing Day Walks

Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DS
Christmas Day & Boxing Day

Being out and about in the big city on Christmas Day is an experience worth treasuring and the old romantics at London Walks want to bring all the hushed magic of the sleepy streets to us. They say themselves that it's the only day of the year when they've got the streets to themselves and so they put on their scarves and gloves and a generous sprinkling of Christmas cheer and plug into London's rich past. For Christmas Day there are two free walks, which follow in the footsteps of Samuel Pepys and Charles Dickens. The Pepys route 'Christmas Morning 1660' (meet at 11am) explores Whitehall and the St James's district, which tell of the great diarist's royal connections, paying particular attention to the 'old palace quarter' where time runs backwards and the London of 1660 comes alive. The afternoon 'Christmas Day Charles Dickens' walk (meet at 2pm) delves into the alleyways off the Strand and Covent Garden, scouring this patch for the novelist's literary inspirations and popular haunts. If you needed any more convincing that this will be a glowingly festive thing to do post-church or pre-pub or both, the meeting point is the Christmas Tree on Trafalgar Square - ask Father Christmas to send some real-life snow and the picture will be complete. No booking required, just turn up on Christmas Day. There are also three Christmas Eve walks and a whole host of Boxing Day walks, including a tour of Mayfair, a Sherlock Holmes Christmas mystery walk, an Olympic Park walk and a jaunt around Jack the Ripper's old bloodcurdling haunts. For more information please visit www.walks.com.

Christmas Eve - Saturday December 24th

11am: Old Westminster - 1,000 years of history
Meet Westminster tube stop, exit 4
2.30pm: Charles Dickens Christmas Carol and Seasonal Traditions
Meet Tower Hill tube stop
7.15pm: The Christmas Eve Pub Walk - Christmas Lights and Seasonal Cheer
Meet Embankment tube stop

Christmas Day - Sunday December 25th

11am: Christmas Morning 1660 - Samuel Pepys' London
Meet in Trafalgar Square by the Christmas tree
2pm: The Christmas Day Charles Dickens' London Walk
Meet in Trafalgar Square by the Christmas Tree

Boxing Day - Monday December 26th

10.30am: Old Mayfair, "the best address in London"
Meet Green Park tube stop, north exit (on the corner)
11am: Cross-tuned Camden Town Stables to Ska, Roundhouse to Winehouse
Meet Chalk Farm tube stop
11.30am: Darkest Victorian London, "peeling forbidden fruit"
Meet Monument tube stop, Fish Street Hill exit
12 noon: The Sherlock Holmes Christmas Mystery walk
Meet Tottenham Court Road tube stop, outside exit 3
1.45pm: The Olympics Walk
Meet West Ham Tube stop
2pm: Charles Dickens' Christmas Carol and Seasonal Traditions
Meet Tower Hill tube stop
2pm: Legal & Illegal London - the Inns of Court
Meet Holborn tube stop
2pm: The Royal Wedding Unveiled
Meet Green Park tube stop, the Green Park Exit, by the fountain
2.30pm: London's Secret Village
Meet St. Paul's tube stop, exit 2
7pm: The Old Westminster by Gaslight Pub Walk - "Ok, Try to Top This!"
Meet Westminster tube stop, exit 4
7.30pm: West End Ghost Walk
Meet Embankment tube stop, River Exit
7.30pm: Jack the Ripper Haunts
Meet Tower Hill tube stop

More info: Christmas Day & Boxing Day Walks Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Peter Pan Cup Swimming Race

Serpentine Boating Lake, London, W2 2UH
Christmas Day & Boxing Day

This lot are a hardy bunch but tradition is tradition and members of the Serpentine Swimming Club have been plunging themselves into the lake's icy waters every Christmas Day since 1864. At temperatures of below four degrees Celsius in winter, the swimmers will want to get a wiggle on so it's lucky that they are all in hot pursuit of the prestigious Peter Pan Cup. The name of the 100-yard race dates back to 1904 when J.M Barrie, the creator of the boy who refused to grow up, presented the first cup. While most of us are still tucked up in bed or delving into our stocking as the competitors line up (and pretend not to shiver) for their 9am start, a jolly crowd gathers to witness the spectacle. It's a great way to get some fresh air on Christmas morning and you'll feel like you've earned your post-lunch snooze. Behind you, Hyde Park offers a wonderful wintry landscape and, if you want to continue the Peter Pan theme, why not nip across to see the famous statue in Kensington Gardens. It was so cold and snowy last Christmas that the race had to be cancelled - although some intrepid souls still broke holes in the ice in order to have a quick dip.

NOTE: You must have competed in the entire Winter Series to take part. Spectators are welcome and the race starts on the south bank of the lake close to The Lido Cafe.

More info: Peter Pan Cup Swimming Race Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Marcus Wareing at The Berkeley

The Berkeley, Wilton Place, SW1X 7RL
Christmas Day

For a truly gourmet Christmas Day experience in London then look no further than Marcus Wareing at The Berkeley, which is offering a luxurious lunch with a delicious eight-course tasting menu. Celebrated head chef Marcus Wareing has created the festive menu using only the finest ingredients - and while it may not be cheap (£330, or £125 for children), it will certainly be a Christmas stuffing to savour. Sommelier Michael Deschamps has selected wines to compliment the menus on Christmas Day (12pm-2.30pm) and New Year's Eve (7pm-11pm, £380). If you're busy on Christmas Day, there is a special Christmas Eve lunch and dinner menu (£58-£140) available - although the restaurant is closed on Boxing Day and New Year's Day. Superchef Wareing is one of the best in the business, engaging in daily feats of culinary magic in the opulent splendour of the Berkeley Hotel near Hyde Park Corner. The décor is plush plum velvet and, like the menu, exudes dramatic glamour. The standards of food, drink, service and style are fully deserving of a two-star Michelin rating and, rumour has it, they're going for a third. Seriously superior - and an ideal Christmas treat. Booking essential: call 020 7235 1200 to check availability.

More info: Marcus Wareing at The Berkeley Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

The Cinnamon Club

The Old Westminster Library, 30 Great Smith Street, SW1P 3BU
Christmas Day

Not many of us would think of tucking into a curry on Christmas Day but if you'd rather have spices than sprouts, pilau than parsnips and tandoori than turkey, then this festive feast could be just the thing. The Cinnamon Club, winner of the Restaurant of the Year award at the World Food Awards 2009, is at the pinnacle of fine Indian dining and is also located in the magnificent Old Westminster Library for a stately, time-honoured vibe. The special Christmas Day lunch includes five courses and a complimentary Cranberry Kick aperitif for just £75. The late Victorian setting is the perfect place for executive chef Vivek Singh, who used to run the kitchens at the Rajvials in Jaipur, where he was charged with treating guests to meals fit for a Maharajah. The kitchen however is far from square and has won much praise for its inventiveness, taking Indian ingredients and cooking techniques, mixing them with local produce and adding some fresh and delicious twists. Mr Singh has created a Christmas menu that is sprinkled with nods to the traditional lunch but with flavours that will tantalise your taste buds with the richness and elegance of Indian food. Booking is essential so call 020 7222 2555 to confirm your Christmas Day table.

The Cinnamon Club - Information

Little Bay

171 Farringdon Road, EC1R 3AL & branches
Christmas Day

For a Christmas Day with more than a touch of flamboyance and frou-frou this is the place to go. Little Bay is pure theatre, like stepping into the Moulin Rouge in its heyday or finding yourself in a 1920s speakeasy, candlelit and avant-garde. You half expect to be surrounded by women wearing fur-trimmed coats and elegantly puffing through their cigarette holders over an aperitif. The decor has the feel of an old theatre bar that's been done-up using the sets of past productions with murals and memorabilia adorning the walls, swathes of turquoise velvet and twisted wire hanging lamps. But for all its showy glamour, the restaurant has no stuffy pretensions; it's the height of chilled-out charm with a merry, buzzing atmosphere. There's a Christmas Day five-course set menu in Little Bay's three London restaurants, offering heartily traditional fare with lovely festive flavours (£27.95, 12noon until 6pm). There are also loads of other main options than the ubiquitous Xmas turkey - such as braised lamb, rib eye steak, magret of duck and vegetable moussaka. For more information and to book please visit www.littlebay.co.uk.

Little Bay, Farringdon - Information
Little Bay, Kilburn - Information
Little Bay, Croydon - Information

Butlers Wharf Chop House

Butlers Wharf Building, 36E Shad Thames, London, SE1 2YE
Christmas Day

For simple elegance and warm style this Christmas, book into Butlers Wharf Chop House for a festive lunch to savour. This is another excellent chance to experience the peace and beauty of the city on December 25th as you amble along the banks of the Thames, taking in the sights from Shakespeare's Globe to Tower Bridge where the restaurant is situated. The view of the majestic bridge rising above the river is nothing short of spectacular from this restaurant and, although it'll be a tad chilly to sit outside on the terrace, you'll still be able to glimpse the atmospheric winter scene from the comfort and serenity of the indoor seating. The focus here is on serving up hearty English food in a friendly environment with an emphasis on fish and succulent cuts of meat and the Christmas Day menu (three courses for £85) is perfectly suited to this year-round custom of cooking classics with style. Whether you're after turkey with all the trimmings, roast beef, steak and kidney pudding or a simple fish and chips, you'll find it all on head chef Winston Matthews' menu.

Butlers Wharf Chop House - Information

Festive Afternoon Tea at The Ritz

150 Piccadilly, W1J 9BR
Christmas Day & Boxing Day

Tea at The Ritz has to be the London equivalent of Breakfast at Tiffany's - a world-famous brand that captures the essence of each city's history and culture. It remains one of those swanky things to splash out on in London; it says luxury and indulgence, it says impeccable service and lets us pretend we are descended from old British aristocracy. At Christmas time, the impact of swishing into this grand hotel is magnified as one is greeted in the lobby with cascades of elegant fairy lights and a twinkling Christmas tree. Festive teas are served in the elegant Palm Court on Christmas Day, when Santa Claus will visit with presents for all the children - sittings at 1.30pm, 3.30pm and 5.30pm. Waiters, dressed immaculately in tails, serve up tea with exact precision while carols fill the air. The Christmas tea experience is very indulgent with champers, Christmas cake and mince pies joining the usual array of delicate sandwiches, freshly baked scones and lots of tea. This will make for a truly sumptuous Christmas treat but book early to avoid disappointment and dress up! Call 020 7493 8181 or make your reservations online at www.theritzlondon.com/tea. If you fancy going the whole hog, you can enjoy a Traditional Christmas Day Luncheon for £380 (£190 per child) for a six-course meal, or Christmas four-course dinner for £280 (£140 per child). There is also a Boxing Day lunch for £100 (£50 per child) where the Ritz resident pianist will play all your favourite songs.

More info: The Ritz Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Boxing Day Baroque by Candlelight

St Martin-in-the-Fields, WC2N 4JJ
Boxing Day

The Belmont Ensemble of London return to St Martin-in-the-Fields for their annual Boxing Day Baroque by Candlelight concert. Since its inception in 1991, the Belmont Ensemble has built up a reputation as one of the finest and busiest chamber orchestras in the capital. Veterans of more than 500 concerts in the famous Trafalgar Square church, the Ensemble will play a variety of Baroque classics, including excerpts from Vivaldi's Four Seasons and Handel's Messiah. Conducted by Peter Dyson, this is "one of the UK's most exciting orchestras" (Classic FM) performing in one of London's mot magical festive settings.

Programme
Vivaldi - 'Autumn' and 'Winter' from Four Seasons
Corelli - Christmas Concerto
Mozart - Eine Kleine Nachtmusik
Vivaldi - Christmas Violin Concerto 'Il Ripsoso'
Bach - Air 'on a G String'
Handel - Arrival of the Queen of Sheba
Torelli - Christmas Concerto
Handel - 'Overture' and 'Christmas Sinfonia' from Messia
Pachelbel - Canon in D
Belmont Ensemble of London
Anna Bradley - Violin
Pippa Harris - Violin
Peter G Dyson - Conductor

More info: Boxing Day Baroque by Candlelight Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Chelsea v Fulham

Stamford Bridge, London, SW6 1HS
Boxing Day

There's nothing but a south-west London derby to blow away the Christmas cobwebs in SW6. This Boxing Day, Chelsea welcome local rivals Fulham to Stamford Bridge for what is usually a pretty fiery fixture. Midfielder Michael Essien scored the only goal last year before seeing red for a late challenge on Clint Dempsey on the halfway line seconds before the final whistle. If Chelsea's home record is anything to go by this season, there should be plenty of goals in this clash - and not just from the Blues. New Portuguese manager Andre Villas-Boas may have bought some new attacking flair to Chelsea, but his team's once famed resolute back four has suffered, with Chelsea shipping an astonishing five goals at home to Arsenal back in October. This will give hope to Martin Jol's Fulham, who have enjoyed a stuttering start to the season but have showed flashes of brilliance in strike combo Andy Johnson and Bobby Zamora.

More info: Chelsea v Fulham Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Arsenal v Wolves

Emirates Stadium, London, N5 1BU
Boxing Day

On paper, all the presents should go to Arsenal in this Boxing Day clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Emirates Stadium. That said, although rapidly improving after a torrid start to the season, Arsenal had shipped more goals than Mick McCarthy's Wolves at the time of writing - while they look heavily reliant upon captain fantastic Robin van Persie. The Dutch goal machine was the difference in this fixture last year, scoring once either side of half time to give the home side team a relatively straight-forward win over the visitors. With the competition for the four Champions League spots getting harder and harder, anything less than a win for the Gunners will bring a Scrooge-like veneer to Arsene Wenger's crumpled visage. But with Wolves no doubt facing another fierce relegation battle, this should be a well-fought festive battle.

More info: Arsenal v Wolves Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Kempton Park: William Hill Winter Festival

Kempton Park, London, TW16 5AQ
Boxing Day & 27th December 2011

Can Long Run continue his winning streak to claim a second consecutive William Hill King George VI Steeple Chase at Kempton Park or is there a new star waiting in the wings? Last year, amateur jockey Sam Waley-Cohen ended Kauto Star's hopes of an unprecedented fifth straight win with victory on Long Run, who goes into this year's Boxing Day race the bookmakers' favourites. The King George VI Chase is the showpiece event at the two-day post-Christmas William Hill Winter Festival at Kempton, the closest racecourse to central London. The King George VI is one of three Grade 1 races on Boxing Day, the best of the two days of racing. Both days should prove a great opportunity for racing fans to get a piece of the action so get your tickets early to avoid disappointment. With 12 races in total across the two days, the Winter Festival is the mid-season jump racing festival you simply cannot afford to miss (provided you hedge your bets correctly).

More info: Kempton Park: William Hill Winter Festival Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

Hyde Park, London, W2 2UH
18th November 2011 - 3rd January 2012

After its one day off on Christmas Day, the Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park reopens its doors on Boxing Day for festive revellers in the city. Held for the past five years in Hyde Park, this ever popular seven-week event is fast becoming a festive favourite in many Londoners' calender. Besides a large Christmas market, there are fairground rides, a circus, a giant observational wheel, a roller-coaster, a funhouse and London's biggest outdoor ice rink. Throw in a variety of food and drink stalls and other fun and games, and you have a behemoth of a Christmas extravaganza – and enough to keep the whole family entertained for hours on end. Yes, the rides are all pretty expensive, but if you're restrained and keep your wallet in your pocket, then there's still plenty of fun to be had walking around, browsing all the stalls and taking it all in.

More info: Hyde Park Winter Wonderland Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube