Keeping you moving over Christmas and New Year
Journey planner
Get ready for Christmas in Leicester
It’s that magical time of year again, and we’re here to help plan your festive travels. From markets to local events or panto to shopping, there’s so much to see and do in Leicester over Christmas. We've put a handy guide together below.
Our Christmas timetable at a glance
| DATE | DETAILS |
|---|---|
| Up to and including Tue 23 Dec | Normal service |
| Wed 24 Dec (Christmas Eve) | Saturday service with some early finishes. For more detail, please view timetables. |
| Thurs 25 Dec (Christmas Day) | No service |
| Fri 26 Dec (Boxing Day) | No service |
| Sat 27 Dec | Normal Saturday service |
| Sun 28 Dec | Normal Sunday service |
| Mon 29 Dec | Saturday service |
| Tue 30 Dec | Saturday service |
| Wed 31 Dec (New Year’s Eve) | Saturday service with early finishes For more detail, please view timetables. |
| Thurs 1 Jan (New Year’s Day) | No service |
| Fri 2 Jan | Saturday service |
| From Sat 3 Jan | Normal service resumes |
For more details, check out our timetable page.
How to reach us over Christmas
If you need help over the festive period, our friendly customer service team are working different hours.
| DATE | DETAILS |
|---|---|
| Mon 22 & Tue 23 Dec | Open as usual |
| Wed 24 Dec | Open 09:00 – 17:00 |
| Thurs 25 & Fri 26 Dec | Closed |
| Sat 27 Dec | Open 09:00 – 17:00 (live chat only) |
| Sun 28 Dec | Closed |
| Mon 29 Dec – Thurs 1 Jan | Open 09:00 – 17:00 |
| From Fri 2 Jan | Open as usual |
We highly recommend downloading the First Bus App for the latest information or checking our service updates page.
Concessionary passes
Concessionary bus passes will still be available to use as normal, including free travel after 9.30am Mon–Fri and any time at weekends and bank holidays.
| DATE | DETAILS |
|---|---|
| Up to Tue 23 Dec | Concessions as usual |
| Wed 24 Dec (Christmas Eve) | Free after 09:30 |
| Thurs 25 Dec (Christmas Day) | No service |
| Fri 26 Dec (Boxing Day) | No service |
| Sat 27 Dec | Free any time (weekend) |
| Sun 28 Dec | Free any time (weekend) |
| Mon 29 Dec | Free after 09:30 |
| Tue 30 Dec | Free after 09:30 |
| Wed 31 Dec | Free after 09:30 |
| Thurs 1 Jan (New Year’s Day) | No service |
| From Fri 2 Jan | Concessions as usual |
Festive fun in Leicester
Leicester is packed with things to see and do this Christmas, so let us handle the driving. From Christmas markets to pantomimes and winter trails, here are some highlights.

Leicester Christmas Market
On the hunt for unique artisan gifts or sizzling Bratwurst sausage, the market is brimming with handcrafted delights.

Ice Skate Leicester
Step into a magical world of real ice skating at Jubilee Square, Leicester. From November 28th to January 4th.

Curve Theatre
This Christmas at Curve watch Aliens Love Panta Claus super-charged rabble of aliens and Santa Claus, as they spread festive knicker cheer.

Fun Fair
Leicester’s Christmas Fun Fair is open daily until 6th January! Head to Humberstone Gate for festive treats and rides for all ages.
Plan your journey below or get tickets in advance on the First Bus App.