London streets deserted as capital city empties on Christmas Day

Those remaining in the capital rejoice at the rare absence of hordes of people

(Getty)

An almost eerie emptiness descended on central London as businesses shut and the Tube stopped running for Christmas Day.

Tourists were free to walk around without bumping into rushing commuters, while locals stretched their legs for jogs along the Southbank.

Many shared theirpictures on social media as they prepared for a second day without chaos, crowds, and cars - with some comparing the scenes to zombie film 28 Days Later.

 

Love travelling on the tube #ghost town #ScaryTimes #London pic.twitter.com/8gp8Y2YnQ8

— Harry Cracknell (@harry_cracknell) December 20, 2015

 

#ChristmasEve, 3:00am: Sprung my boyfriend out of the hospital for an impromptu #28DaysLater photoshoot. What are YOU doing on the night before Christmas?#RoyalLondonHospital

A photo posted by Posh, Broke, & Bored (@poshbrokebored) on Dec 23, 2015 at 7:12pm PST

Just beat the rain. Watching it sleeting down over Sloane Square. London seemed rather less deserted than last year. No #28DaysLater moments

— Petroc Trelawny (@PetrocTrelawny) December 25, 2015

A quiet #christmaseve commute. #working #tfl #ghosttown #London #tube #circleline

A photo posted by Stacey Kelly (@stace.stace.stacey) on Dec 24, 2015 at 12:25am PST

 

 

 

Christmas Day walking tour of London from a very empty Trafalgar Square. #historynerd #londonlife #rainychristmas

A photo posted by Elyse Shane (@adventuresof_ellyrenee) on Dec 25, 2015 at 3:06am PST

Others lamented the inevitable return to chaos in the city as Boxing Day sales begin and people start returning to work.