Christmas Lights Afternoon Tea Bus Tour

Imagine gliding through London’s streets wrapped in twinkling lights, with a warm cup of tea or a glass of Prosecco in hand. That’s essentially what the Christmas Lights Afternoon Tea Bus Tour offers—an upscale, cozy way to experience the city’s holiday sparkle without battling the crowds or standing on aching feet. If you’re looking for a festive outing that combines sightseeing, food, and a dash of luxury, this tour might just be worth considering.

What we really like about this experience is how it blends delicious seasonal food with iconic London sights. The onboard Afternoon Tea menu is thoughtfully crafted, offering a variety of sandwiches, scones, and sweet treats, plus options that cater to GF and vegan diets. Toss in a choice of Prosecco or Mulled Wine to toast the season, and you have a warm, indulgent way to celebrate the holidays. Another highlight is the live commentary from an expert guide, who brings stories and festive details to life—adding a personal touch that elevates the experience.

However, it’s worth mentioning that some reviews point out a few downsides, such as traffic delays and variable views due to weather or windows that fog up. The experience’s value also varies depending on your expectations—some find the route and service quite enjoyable, while others have felt it falls short of a truly magical or intimate experience. If you’re someone who loves a bit of comfort and good food with your sightseeing, this might suit you well; but if you’re dreaming of a vintage, atmospheric bus or a more private tour, you might want to explore other options.

This tour seems best for those who want a festive, relaxed way to see London’s lights with some added treats. It’s not necessarily an in-depth city tour or a romantic evening, but rather a cheerful, family-friendly (or adult-focused) outing that balances sightseeing with seasonal indulgence.

Key Points

• Festive Atmosphere: Combines London’s iconic Christmas lights with seasonal food and drinks.
• Comfortable Experience: A classic double-decker bus with cozy interiors and the option for great views from the front upper deck.
• Food & Drink: Enjoy freshly baked scones, finger sandwiches, seasonal sweets, plus Prosecco or mulled wine.
• Guided Storytelling: Live commentary enriches the experience with festive stories and London facts.
• Variability: Views can be affected by weather or traffic, and some reviews mention issues with sound and visibility.
• Value: Offers a good mix of sightseeing, food, and drinks, but some may find it pricier for the experience provided.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Tour

This 90-minute journey through London during its most festive season is designed to thrill sightseers and food lovers alike. Starting at 258 Vauxhall Bridge Rd, you’ll hop onto a classic double-decker bus, which feels pretty special—particularly if you’re lucky enough to grab seats at the very front of the upper deck. The route covers well-known sights such as the River Thames, Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, Oxford Street, and Harrods, each glowing with holiday lights.

The tour is narrated by an expert guide whose lively commentary fills the air with fascinating stories and festive insights. This adds a layer of warmth to the experience, making it more than just a sightseeing ride. While the route is fixed, it’s worth noting that some reviews mention the time spent in traffic—something that’s often unavoidable during London’s busy holiday season.

The Route & Sights

• Starting point: Evan Evans Tours, Vauxhall Bridge Rd.
• Big Ben & Parliament Square: You’ll pass these historic landmarks, illuminated beautifully at night.
• River Thames: Offers a lovely view of London’s skyline, with some scenic moments along the water.
• Oxford Street & Regent Street: Expect to see their famous Christmas displays shimmering overhead.
• Harrods: Its golden holiday lights are a highlight, and the whole area is bustling with holiday cheer.

The Food & Drinks

Once onboard, the afternoon tea is served, featuring:
– Finger sandwiches: Smoked turkey with cranberry jam and sage butter, smoked salmon, cheddar with apricot, duck egg and cress.
– Savoury bites: Stilton, pear & walnut tart.
– Sweet treats: Mulled wine macaroons, gingerbread stars, chocolate yule log, and baby stolen bites.
– Freshly baked scones: Nutmeg and cranberries, served with Devon clotted cream and strawberry jam.
– Drinks: You can choose between hot beverages like teas, coffees, and hot chocolates, or opt for a glass of Prosecco or Mulled Wine—a seasonal toast that many enjoy.

Comfort & Atmosphere

The bus itself is described as comfortable and clean, creating a cozy environment for the festive treats. Some reviews mention that the interior lacks the vintage charm of older buses, and in bad weather, windows can fog up or steam, making views less impressive. The overall atmosphere is friendly, with good commentary, but don’t expect a romantic or vintage vibe—this is a modern coach with a festive twist.

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The Experience: Pros and Cons

Pros

• Great views of London’s Christmas lights without the chill or crowds on the streets.
• Well-organized with friendly staff and a knowledgeable guide.
• The afternoon tea is a highlight, with thoughtfully prepared treats, especially for those with dietary restrictions.
• Good value for a combined sightseeing, food, and drink experience—especially appreciated if you enjoy a leisurely, all-in-one festive outing.

Cons

• Some reviewers found that views can be limited if windows steam up or if the weather is bad.
• Traffic delays can cut into sightseeing time, especially during peak holiday hours.
• The interior lacks vintage charm, and the overall ambiance might feel a bit corporate or utilitarian.
• Extra costs for VIP front seats may not always feel justified, as some felt they were just paying for the best view from the front of the bus.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for visitors who want a relaxed, festive way to see some of London’s most iconic Christmas displays. It appeals especially to those who enjoy seasonal treats and casual sightseeing, rather than a highly immersive or romantic experience. Families might find it enjoyable, particularly if they’re seeking a warm, sit-down activity during the holiday season. But if you’re after a vintage bus experience or a more intimate tour, you might want to look elsewhere.

People who appreciate good food and drinks—particularly seasonal wines and bubbly—will probably value what’s on offer here. It’s also perfect for anyone who prefers to avoid the cold and crowds while still taking in the city’s winter wonderland sights.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
While not specifically marketed as a family tour, children who enjoy festive lights and are comfortable on a bus ride could find it enjoyable. However, the focus is more adult-oriented with wine and a leisurely pace.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation if you cancel up to 24 hours before your scheduled time, which is handy if your plans change unexpectedly.

What should I expect in terms of duration?
The tour lasts about 1.5 hours, making it a manageable activity that fits nicely into a day of sightseeing or holiday plans.

Are the hot drinks and food included?
Yes, the afternoon tea with finger sandwiches, scones, and sweets is included, along with hot beverages. You also get a choice of Prosecco or Mulled Wine.

Is the route flexible?
No, the route is fixed, passing by key sights like Big Ben, the Thames, and Harrods. The tour moves at a pace to allow for viewing, but traffic can sometimes cause delays.

What’s the seating like?
Seats at the front of the upper deck are recommended for the best views, though they can be in high demand. VIP seats are available at an extra cost but may not be worth it for everyone, according to some reviews.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a relaxed, festive experience that combines sightseeing with seasonal treats, the Christmas Lights Afternoon Tea Bus Tour offers a charming way to soak up London’s holiday spirit. It’s a comfortable, no-fuss option that allows you to enjoy iconic sights illuminated by Christmas lights, all while indulging in delicious food and drinks.

While it might not be the most atmospheric or intimate tour out there—especially if weather conditions or traffic dampen the experience—it’s a solid choice for those who want to keep things simple yet memorable. The knowledgeable guide, good-quality food, and the festive atmosphere make it a worthwhile outing, especially during a busy holiday season.

That said, managing expectations is important. If you’re craving a vintage vibe or a more private, slow-paced experience, you might look for other options. But for a cheerful, lighthearted way to celebrate Christmas in London, this tour does the job with style and a good helping of seasonal cheer.

Happy holidays, and I hope this helps you decide whether this festive bus tour is a good fit for your London Christmas plans!

You can check availability for your dates here: