Oh, absolutely not. This is where it gets wild. Tokyo’s buses run almost normally on Christmas Eve, because Christmas isn’t a national holiday there—it’s more of a romantic “eat fried chicken and look at lights” day. Meanwhile, in small towns in the Midwest, the bus might be a volunteer-driven van that stops at 4 PM so the driver can get home to wrap presents. And in some parts of Canada? Buses might actually run later because Christmas Eve is “last call” before the big shutdown on Christmas Day itself.
Here’s a mind-bender: In Stockholm, Sweden, they have a special “Christmas Eve timetable” that’s so confusing, locals compare it to assembling IKEA furniture without the instructions. You’ll see a bus that says “Not in Service” cruising past—and that’s not a Grinch; it’s just a driver repositioning to a depot. Yes, they do have a job to do.
Surprising fact time: Santa's backup plan
Did you know that in some cities, Christmas Eve bus drivers get paid double time? That’s right—your local driver might be making a small fortune while you’re squished against a window with a half-wrapped gift. But don’t feel too sorry for yourself. In Berlin, the BVG runs a “Christmas Eve Night Bus” route that’s so sparse, locals joke it only appears if you believe in it hard enough. True story: In 2019, one German bus actually broke down on Christmas Eve, and the passengers sang “Silent Night” while waiting. The driver joined in. No, really—it made local news.
And here’s a jaw-dropper: Some places, like Helsinki, Finland, offer free bus rides on Christmas Eve afternoon to encourage people to get home early. Imagine that—a free ride just because it’s the holidays. Meanwhile, in Boston, the MBTA used to run a “Santa Express” bus that served hot chocolate. They stopped it in 2026, and locals are still bitter. You can’t put a price on that kind of festive bitterness.
Festive bus travelling through Buckinghamshire for first time this
