The Prime Minister said meaningful restrictions imposed by the tiers would remain until at least next year.
Officials hope to have vaccinated everyone by April 2021, and repeal the tier system by March.
The current plans will carry the tiers through Christmas, but ministers have proposed people use their “judgement” on the day.
Mr Johnson, who imposed lockdown before Eid al-Adha and Diwali this year, said “all faiths” would “need” Christmas.
