A guide on everything that you can do in London on Christmas Day, from carol singing to swimming and helping those in need.
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00:00For those looking to do something special on Christmas Day itself, London offers a range
00:05of unique and festive activities to help make the day memorable. Whether you're seeking
00:11tradition, a bit of adventure or a way to give back, here are some of the great things
00:15to do in the capital on December 25th.
00:20One of London's oldest and quirkiest Christmas traditions is the Peter Pan Cup that has been
00:24a staple since 1864. Held at High Park's Serpentine Lido, this 100-yard swimming race
00:33begins at 9am on Christmas morning. The race's name comes from the 1904 edition when author
00:40Sir James Barry presented the trophy to the winner. While it's primarily a spectator
00:45event, if you're feeling brave, you can always join the Serpentine Swimming Club for
00:50a future dip. It's a perfect way to start the day before opening presents.
00:55If you're looking to fit in some ice skating on Christmas Day itself, you can head to West
01:00Hampstead's Jewish Arts, Culture and Community Centre. It's the only ice rink in London
01:06that's open on Christmas Day itself, and though it's not the largest ice rink in
01:11town, it's charming 70-capacity, 200-square-metre space under a canopy, offering a fun skate
01:19no matter the weather. There are also skate aids for little ones, so you don't have
01:23to worry about any tumbles on Christmas Day. Few activities in London are as festive as
01:30carol singing inside Sir Christopher Wren's architectural masterpiece at St Paul's Cathedral.
01:37The iconic landmark hosts a series of Christmas services, with three held on Christmas Day
01:42itself. Night hours can attend the Midnight Mass starting at 11.30pm on Christmas Eve
01:49and finishing at 1am. If you're not quite an early riser, you can join the Christmas
01:54Day Choral at 11am, or the Festal Evansong at 3pm. All Christmas Day services are free
02:02and unticketed, but they're very popular, so be sure to arrive early and expect a queue.
02:09Christmas is also a time to give back, and there are numerous charities across London
02:14that need volunteers on Christmas Day. From supporting the homeless to helping the elderly
02:19and those with disabilities, many organisations rely on extra hands to make the holiday season
02:25special for those in need. If you're looking to make a difference, you can consider volunteering
02:31your time to help others enjoy a brighter Christmas. Here are some of the food banks
02:36that are open during the festive period.
02:39The Trussell Trust's Tower Hamlets Food Bank provides essential supplies to vulnerable
02:44families. The Brixton Food Bank also continues to provide support to families in South London
02:50during the festive period. For more on this, head to LondonWorld.com.