We all know that London is the perfect place to be, or to visit over the Christmas period. But beyond Oxford Street shopping, West End shows, fine dining and cosy pubs, there’s also a stellar line-up of sporting events and fixtures worth attending in and around the capital. Here are some of the best festive sporting occasions to enjoy, whether for a work do, a catch-up with friends or simply to experience the thrill of British sport live.
Football – Premier League, Championship & Lower Leagues
Football is the nation’s most popular sport, and a trip to a match is often high on the to-do list for visitors to the capital.
The festive period is one of the busiest times of the season, with plenty of matches throughout December. Perhaps the most famous fixtures are the Boxing Day games, when Championship and lower-league teams are back in action the very next day after Christmas dinner.
If you’re keen to attend a Boxing Day fixture in London, Championship side Millwall (South London) and League One club AFC Wimbledon (south-west London) both have home games on the 26th.
For 2025, however, there will be no Premier League matches on Boxing Day itself. Instead, those fixtures will be played across the 27th and 28th (official kick-off times are yet to be announced). If you’re in London and want to see a top-flight game, you’ll be spoilt for choice: Arsenal, Brentford, Chelsea, West Ham and Crystal Palace are all scheduled to play at home over those two days.
Darts – PDC World Darts Championship
A highlight of the Christmas sporting calendar is the PDC World Darts Championship, held at Alexandra Palace (better known as “Ally Pally”) from 15 December to 3 January, covering the whole festive season.
Expect a beer-fuelled party atmosphere, with fans in fancy dress singing boisterous songs. You don’t need to be a darts aficionado to enjoy it; many go simply for the carnival vibe.
Tickets sell out quickly, but you’re more likely to secure seats for the earlier rounds in mid-December. If you can get hold of a ticket, you won’t be disappointed.
Greyhound Racing – Romford
Greyhound racing is one of the more affordable sporting nights out, making it popular for large groups and Christmas work dos.
Romford, in north-east London, hosts races every Friday and Saturday evening, so it’s easy to plan a visit. Over Christmas, the track offers a Paddock Restaurant package including admission, racecard, a reserved table for the evening and a three-course meal for around £52.50, which is excellent value.
If you’re looking for a fun night on a budget, where you can enjoy a hearty meal, a few drinks and place a bet on the greyhounds, Romford is well worth considering.
Horse Racing – Tingle Creek (Sandown) & King George VI Chase (Kempton Park)
Winter in the UK is the peak of the National Hunt, or jumps racing season. Even those who aren’t die-hard racing fans often enjoy a festive day at the races, whether for a work outing or quality time with family and friends.
Several racecourses close to London host meetings in December, but two of the most popular are Sandown’s Tingle Creek Chase and Kempton Park’s King George VI Chase, taking place on Saturday 6 December and Boxing Day respectively.
The Tingle Creek is a Grade 1 contest that attracts top-class horses and delivers plenty of seasonal cheer as Christmas approaches. Sandown is only about 25 minutes by direct train from London Waterloo.
Boxing Day racing is a long-standing tradition, and the King George VI Chase is the second most prestigious race of the jumps season – just behind the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Alongside world-class racing, you can continue your Christmas celebrations with a wide range of food and drink on course. Do note that there are no trains running on Boxing Day, but Kempton Park can be reached in roughly 45 minutes by car from central London.
Whether you’re a lifelong sports fan or just looking for a festive day out with a difference, London’s Christmas sporting calendar offers something for everyone.
Feature image by Zetong Li on Pexels
