Arriving on Boxing Day - help!

Hi, it sounds like a really fun trip! Yes, there are a lot of things closed on Boxing Day but there are things open, including many shops, and some museums (just check the websites).

This article by London Walks gives you some great ideas for fun things to do that day in London, including taking one of the wonderful walking tours they have. I don't know if you took one when you were in London before—the organization has been around for over 30 years, but they have some great walks that I think you and your family would really enjoy.

https://www.walks.com/blog/boxing-day-london/

Also check your transport. There will be reduced services on the tube and buses, and I believe the Elizabeth line is closed that day. I would not suggest taking a taxi though as the prices will probably be higher on Boxing Day, since it's a bank holiday. Here is a press release by TFL (Transport for London) that gives a breakdown of what's going on that week with regards to public transport. https://tfl.gov.uk/info-for/media/press-releases/2025/december/majority-of-tfl-services-running-over-christmas-and-new-year

London Walks has walks planned that day.

Major stores like Harrods and Selfridges will be open but expect big crowds as it's usually the start of big sales.

Both Westminster Abbey and St. Pauls Cathedral are open to tourists.

This link has useful info.
https://www.timeout.com/london/things-to-do/things-to-do-on-boxing-day-in-london

If you aren't booking a car transfer, check transport options carefully as there are restrictions.

Best to get out to defuse jet lag. I flown overnight from LAX to LHR often in November. Got photos to prove that nearly every trip I’ve been blessed with blue skies. Occasionally cloudy morning but sunshine and blue skies by mid day.

So head out towards Tower Bridge and St Katherine’s Dock. Then hit the Thames path with the Prospect of Whitby as your destination. OR
walk over Tower Bridge ( ignore the card games! Keep cameras, purses, wallets and backpacks secure.)

Get your pictures and keep moving across the Bridge. Take steps down to the Queens walk and stroll towards London Bridge past the beehive
( formerly the City Hall) and stroll up to the HMS Belfast.

Or just before Tower Bridge head to the Anchor Tap for lunch and pint . Remember your 18 year can have alcohol if he so desires.

My point is to stay outside and stay awake until nightime. Tower Bridge lit up is gorgeous.

https://www.towerbridge.org.uk/bridge-lifts

Lastly, city won’t be quiet as Boxing Day sales are huge attractions these days.

London will be festive, crowded, and an adventure.

Been visiting for over 50 years. Never disappoints!

Great city! Have fun.

One thing I know for sure that is open on Boxing Day, because I have visited that day, is St Paul's. That's quite easy to get to from where you are staying. With pubs or other places to eat it's very hit and miss, but you can definitely find some open that day.

You mentioned music history sites- you might like to check out Wilton's Music Hall which is very close to where you are staying: https://wiltons.org.uk/

They don't have anything on on Boxing Day but you can check the other days. Even just touring it is worth it to learn about the history of the building.

And keep your eyes open for special things..

We went years ago when there was a display of the Terra Cotta warriors from China in the British Museum, but I screwed up and all the tickets were sold and then suddenly the museum had an entire "special event" on Boxing Day with music, dragon dancers etc... I grabbed those tickets and it was GREAT. So you never know what might pop up!

When we arrive that early after an international flight, we book our accommodations for the night prior, letting our hotel/accommodations know that we will actually be arriving early morning the next morning. That way your room is ready; you can get your luggage to your room, freshen up and go about the day. We consider it money well spent.