Looking for things to do once Christmas Day is out of the way? Ready to pry yourself away (temporarily, obvs) from the cheeseboard? Take a look at these things happening in London on Boxing Day. Note that many venues will have different opening hours from usual, so check before you set off.
TRANSPORT: First things first: check which buses, trains and tubes are running over the Christmas period before you make any plans, as there's likely to be disruption to usual public transport schedules this week.
WEEKEND WALKS: This week is practically one long weekend anyway, so grab your walking boots and head out on one of our weekend walk routes. See a part of London you haven't visited before, and best of all, it's free — unless you stop in a pub for a pint or two...
ICE SKATING: Get out and about on one of London's many ice skating rinks, twirling and pirouetting to your heart's content at venues ranging from central London courtyards to outer London palaces. Not all will be open today, so check before you go.
THEATRE SHOWS: If the pre-Christmas frenzy left you with no time to head to the theatre, why not check out the festive shows which are still on? We've picked the best theatre shows in London this Christmas, and London's best pantos.
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS: Head into central London to see London's Christmas lights. You could even hop on a bus, and glide through Oxford Street, Regent Street, and Piccadilly with the lights overhead.
FREE CHRISTMAS EVENTS: Christmas is an expensive time of year in London, so indulge in these festive things to do that don't cost a penny.
AFTERNOON TEA: If you're not absolutely stuffed by the Christmas Day festivities, why not head out for a festive afternoon tea on Boxing Day. London has a raft of these to choose from this year, and though a couple ended on Christmas Eve, many are still being served through until January.
WINTER WONDERLAND: The Hyde Park behemoth is open until the new year, and in the past we've found it's a bit less crowded after Christmas — though do note you'll need to book a ticket for entry this year. 10am-9.30pm (until 1 January 2024)
BOOZE AND BOROUGH: Footprints of London guide David Charnick offers both an in-person and virtual tour around the Borough area, focusing on its links to the booze industry. Hop wagons from Kent, Sussex and Surrey used to unload into warehouses in the area, and it used to be home to one of London's largest breweries too. In person 2.30pm-4.30pm or virtual tour 9.30pm-10.30pm
THE SNOWMAN: Stretch your legs in the Fleet Street direction, and keep an eye out for 12 sculptures of The Snowman as you wander. The Walking With The Snowman trail is on for a few more days, with each sculpture individually decorated — it's a great one if you want to get the kids out of the house for a couple of hours. FREE, until 5 January
