Let’s start with what matters most: food and drink. Many London pubs now open for a few hours, usually around noon to 3 PM, for that post-presents “cheers!” moment. Look for places like The French House in Soho or The Ship in Wandsworth—they often welcome the walk-in wanderer with a roaring fire.
And if turkey makes you twitchy, London’s Chinatown is your true Christmas miracle. Gerrard Street hums with life as Chinese restaurants serve steaming dim sum and crispy duck. You’ll find Joy King Lau or Leong’s Legends bustling with happy, fed humans—no booking needed, just a cheerful queue.
Dinner & Drama (the Good Kind)
For a proper festive sit-down, some hotels and upscale spots pull out all the stops. Think Fortnum & Mason’s Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon? Sorry, that’s booked solid. But try The Ritz or The Savoy for a stunning Christmas lunch—a splurge, yes, but a memory you’ll cherish (and Instagram).
If that feels too formal, grab an Indian feast at Dishoom (their Kings Cross branch is a sleeper hit on Christmas Day). Or go rogue with a West End show—many theatres stage matinees of classics like The Lion King or a panto. Stage door survival tip: book your tickets now, or you’ll be singing “I’m dreaming of a cheap seat”.
The best restaurants open on Christmas Day 2026 in London
