9am – The Serpentine Swim
The annual Serpentine Swimming Club’s Christmas Day race is held in Hyde Park.
The 100-yard race has been held every year since 1864, making today the 161st edition.
11am – Pope Leo message
The Pope delivers his traditional “Urbi et Orbi” message and blessing from St Peter’s Square in Vatican City.
11am – Royals attend Christmas service
The King and Queen, accompanied by members of the Royal Family, attend St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham for the Christmas Day morning service.
The family will arrive ahead of the service at 11am, and we’re expecting proceedings to wrap up by 12pm.
11am – Archbishop of Canterbury holds service
The incoming Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally, holds a Christmas Day service at St Paul’s Cathedral in London.
11am – Archbishop of York holds service
At the same time, the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, delivers the Festal Eucharist at York Minster cathedral.
3pm – The King’s speech
The King delivers his 2025 Christmas message from Lady Chapel inside Westminster Abbey.