Transport for London (TfL) has unveiled its comprehensive schedule of service alterations for the upcoming festive season, detailing how the capital's extensive network will operate from Saturday 20 December 2025 through to Monday 5 January 2026.
Key Festive Period Service Alterations
The headline news for Londoners is that while the majority of the transport network will remain operational, several significant changes require forward planning. On Christmas Eve, all services will finish earlier than usual, impacting those embarking on last-minute shopping trips or festive social gatherings.
As is traditional, there will be no TfL services running on Christmas Day itself. The only exceptions to this complete shutdown will be Santander Cycles, rental e-scooters, the Dial-a-Ride service, along with taxis and private hire vehicles. The transport picture on Boxing Day will also be limited, with many parts of the network, including the Elizabeth line, closed entirely. A Sunday service will be in operation on the London Underground, buses, and trams.
New Year's Eve Overnight Services and Warnings
For the capital's biggest night of the year, TfL is putting plans in place to keep London moving. Most Tube, DLR, London Overground, and tram services will run throughout the night on New Year's Eve to help revellers get home safely. Some stations may implement temporary closures to manage large crowds, and central London bus routes will be diverted from midday onwards due to road closures for the fireworks display.
TfL has issued a firm reminder that people should not travel to the Victoria Embankment area without a valid ticket for the Mayor's official New Year's Eve fireworks, as the viewing areas consistently reach capacity quickly. The fireworks will be broadcast live on BBC One for those celebrating elsewhere.
DLR Timetable Adjustments and Road Charges
Specific changes are planned for the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) to facilitate essential engineering work. A reduced timetable will be in effect from 13 December 2025 until 4 January 2026. Key modifications include operating two-car trains on the Bank to Lewisham route throughout the period, running a Saturday timetable on weekdays between 22 December and 2 January, and providing a reduced service on Boxing Day. On New Year's Eve, a 15-minute service will run on the Bank–Lewisham line, reverting to a Sunday timetable on New Year's Day.
For road users, the Congestion Charge will be suspended from 25 December to 1 January inclusive. However, the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), along with charges for the Silvertown and Blackwall Tunnels, will remain in force on all days except Christmas Day.
Planning Your Festive Travel
Claire Mann, TfL's Chief Operating Officer, emphasised the need for preparation, stating: "London truly sparkles at this time of year. TfL services remain the easiest, safest and greenest way to get around — but we encourage everyone to check before they travel and plan ahead."
Passengers are strongly advised to use the TfL Go app and the official TfL Journey Planner to stay informed of real-time updates and avoid disruption, particularly around planned engineering works on both TfL and National Rail services. With services expected to be busy, travellers are also reminded to take care on escalators, avoid rushing, and use only licensed taxis or pre-booked minicabs after a night out.
Whether visiting Winter Wonderland, enjoying the South Bank's festivities, or navigating the January sales, this year's festive travel schedule is designed to keep London connected—provided journeys are planned wisely.
