Arrive at your accommodation, check in and drop bags; give yourselves 30–60 minutes to freshen up before heading out. This helps you start relaxed after travel and leaves time for a short evening walk.
Choose Pizza Pilgrims for easy, teen-friendly pizza or look for a nearby brasserie; many restaurants have reduced hours on Christmas Eve so check opening times and book if possible. Dishoom can be busy/variable on holidays — call ahead if you prefer it.
See the festive lights on Oxford Street or Carnaby Street for a merry welcome to London — both are lively on Christmas Eve but quieter than peak shopping times. Shops may close earlier on the 24th, but lights and window displays remain.
Most attractions and shops are closed; enjoy a relaxed family breakfast at your hotel or with friends. If staying in self-catered accommodation, prepare a festive breakfast — supermarkets are closed or limited today.
A peaceful walk in Hyde Park (Serpentine) or along the South Bank gives fresh air and views of a quieter London on Christmas Day — ideal for photos and to stretch legs. Public transport runs limited services; check tube/rail timetables.
Most restaurants are closed; either enjoy a pre-booked Christmas dinner at your hotel, a friends’ gathering, or a meal you prepared. If you want a restaurant, book months ahead as only a few hotels and special venues serve Christmas dinner.
Fuel up early at a local café or hotel breakfast before Boxing Day crowds; expect cafes near major shopping areas to open earlier. Many retailers open with big sales from 9am–10am, so plan arrival times accordingly.
Head to Westfield London (Shepherd’s Bush) or Oxford Street for Boxing Day sales and bargains; stores usually open from around 9–10am but can have long queues, so prioritise must-buy shops first. Westfield is easier to navigate with a teen.
Enjoy Winter Wonderland (open seasonally; typical hours 10am–10pm) for rides, ice-skating and festive food stalls — entry to the site is free but rides and attractions cost extra. Pre-book ride or skating slots to avoid long waits.
After a busy day, choose a relaxed dinner at a family-friendly chain or catch a film at a local cinema; many eateries near major shopping centres stay open later on Boxing Day. Check cinema showtimes and book online.
Visit the Tower of London to see medieval history, Yeoman Warders and the Crown Jewels — winter opening is typically 9am–4:30pm, so arrive early to beat crowds. Book tickets in advance to secure timed entry and family discounts.
Walk to Borough Market for a wide variety of street food and kid-friendly options; market stalls offer anything from gourmet sandwiches to global treats. Markets typically open from 10am and close mid-afternoon (times vary by stall).
Stroll over Millennium Bridge and admire the exterior of St Paul’s; if you wish to enter St Paul’s, typical hours are 8:30am–4:30pm (check seasonal changes) — climb to the dome for city views if energy allows.
Choose a sunset Thames cruise for views of illuminated landmarks (tickets ~GBP15–25) or book free Sky Garden tickets in advance for skyline views (evening slots popular). Check Sky Garden booking window — often free but needs reservation.
Explore the Natural History Museum’s dinosaur gallery and interactive exhibits — generally open 10am–5:30pm in winter; it’s free but some special exhibitions have a charge. Perfect for a 13-year-old’s curiosity.
Grab lunch at a Science Museum café or nearby South Kensington eateries; the Science Museum is next door and has hands-on galleries (free entry, special exhibits paid). Cafés open from around 10am onward.
Visit Harrods for iconic London shopping and holiday displays, then stroll Knightsbridge’s luxury streets for window-shopping and treats. Harrods usually opens 10am–7pm in winter; Christmas decorations remain into January.
Choose a cosy family dinner in South Kensington (Italian or gastropub) or head to Soho for more teen-friendly global food options. Many restaurants require reservations during the holiday season.
See Buckingham Palace exteriors and aim for the Changing of the Guard if scheduled (the ceremony has seasonal variations; check official schedules). The area is busy, so arrive early to secure a good viewing spot.
Walk to Parliament Square to view Big Ben and (externally) Westminster Abbey; Abbey opening hours vary (often 9:30am–3:30pm) so book ahead if you plan to tour inside. Great for photos and historic context.
Take a London Eye capsule for panoramic views of the city — typical opening 11am–6pm in winter; pre-book slots to avoid queues and get a sunset/sunset-adjacent view if weather allows.
Stroll along the South Bank to enjoy buskers, riverside views and street food; this area stays lively into the evening and is perfect for a relaxed final meal or dessert by the river.
Explore Camden Market’s eclectic stalls for vintage, quirky fashion and street food — stalls are typically open from 10am and the area is great for teens seeking unique buys. Wear comfortable shoes; it can be crowded.
Head to King’s Cross for lunch around Granary Square where there are family-friendly cafés and open spaces; a quick visit to Platform 9¾ photo-op is nearby. King’s Cross eateries open from morning and make a convenient midday stop.
Book a West End musical (Hamilton, SIX, or Back to the Future are teen-friendly) — typical evening start times are 7:30pm; book tickets in advance for best seats and prices. Show durations vary (approx 2–2.5 hours).
Enjoy a relaxed brunch in Notting Hill (cafés along Portobello Road) or Soho; book ahead for NYE weekend as places fill quickly. Brunch typically served from 9:00–12:00.
Consider Kew Gardens’ winter light trail (timed tickets required; seasonal) or stay central with carnival rides around Leicester Square if you want easy evening access. Check ticket times and transport for evening plans.
If you booked official Thames fireworks tickets, arrive early (event has strict entry times and ticketing). Alternatively pick a free spot like Primrose Hill for quieter views but expect crowds and pack warm clothing. Public transport is limited after midnight — plan return ahead.
Start the year with a leisurely brunch at Dishoom Shoreditch (arrive early or expect a queue); many restaurants open later on New Year’s Day so check hours. Dishoom is popular — reservations or early arrival recommended.
Catch the New Year’s Day Parade in central London — colourful marching bands and performers create a festive atmosphere, usually running mid-afternoon with free viewing areas. Arrive early for seating or good standing spots.
Unwind with a quiet walk in Regent’s Park or a relaxed family dinner at a nearby restaurant — many places offer set menus on bank holidays so check menus and opening times.
Visit the British Museum to see highlights like the Rosetta Stone and Egyptian mummies — the museum is free with some paid special exhibitions; typical hours are 10am–5pm (check seasonal times).
Head to Carnaby Street for lunch and visit Liberty London for iconic department-store browsing — shops typically open from 10am–6pm in winter. Carnaby offers many teen-friendly eateries and quirky shops.
Dinner in Chinatown offers many family-friendly Asian options, followed by a dessert stop at a bubble waffle or taiyaki shop for a fun treat. Many small dessert stalls are open late in central London.
Take a train to Windsor to tour Windsor Castle (typical hours 10am–4:15pm in winter, check closure dates); the historic state apartments and grounds are great for families. Trains from Paddington (via Slough) or Waterloo (via Windsor & Eton Riverside) take ~30–60 minutes.
Alternatively book Warner Bros. Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter (advance timed tickets essential) for a magical experience a short train+bus from London; ideal for a 13-year-old fan. Tours are timed and last ~3–4 hours; book early.
Return to London for a relaxed final dinner near your accommodation and start packing for departure the next day. Choose a comforting meal close by so you’re ready for an early airport transfer.
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast near your hotel and a short stroll or last-minute souvenir stop; many cafés open early, but allow extra time for holiday transport variations. Keep luggage and travel documents ready.
Leave for the airport by 1:00pm to allow time for international check-in and security for a 4:00pm flight; factor in traffic and any holiday transport changes. Aim to arrive at the airport 2–3 hours before departure.