London: Christmas Lights Tour, Mince Pies, & Festive Drinks

If you’re dreaming of experiencing London’s holiday sparkle without the fuss of navigating crowded streets on foot, this Christmas Lights Tour might catch your eye. Promising a scenic ride through some of London’s most iconic landmarks, all decked out in their holiday finest, it offers a cozy way to soak in the seasonal glow. We haven’t taken this exact tour ourselves, but based on reviews and details, it’s a charming option for those who love a relaxed, festive atmosphere mixed with traditional holiday treats.

Two aspects we particularly like are the opportunity to enjoy two festive drinks—mulled wine or hot chocolate—and the singalong element, which seems to add a fun, communal vibe. Plus, the chance to see the city’s most famous sights like Big Ben, Oxford Street, and Regent Street lit up at night is definitely a highlight. On the flip side, a possible drawback is that it’s a fixed-route experience without hop-on-hop-off flexibility, meaning you’ll be on the bus for the entire duration and can’t jump off to explore further.

This experience seems perfect for travelers wanting a relaxed, inclusive way to enjoy London’s Christmas lights, especially if you enjoy cozy drinks and holiday music. It could be especially appealing for couples, groups of friends, or anyone who appreciates a festive, laid-back vibe over a more intense sightseeing day.

Key Points

• Comfortable Viewing: See London’s famous lights from a cozy bus, avoiding the crowds.
• Festive Treats: Enjoy two drinks (mulled wine or hot chocolate) and two mince pies included in the price.
• Family-Friendly: Suitable for all ages, with kids served hot chocolate.
• Music & Atmosphere: Participate in a Christmas singalong that adds to the holiday cheer.
• Limited Flexibility: No hop-on-hop-off, so you’ll stay on the bus for the full 1.5 hours.
• Timing & Availability: Runs mainly from November to December, with specific check-in times and routes that may alter during busy days.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Experience

The London Christmas Lights Tour offered by Golden Tours is a pretty straightforward way to enjoy the city’s festive illumination without the hassle of walking through packed streets. The bus is festively decorated, and the atmosphere onboard seems designed to put everyone in a holiday mood. You’ll be singing along to Christmas classics, which, according to reviews, adds a fun communal element that many find enjoyable.

The Route and Landmarks

During the tour, you’ll cruise past some of London’s most recognizable sights. The route is designed to highlight the city’s spectacular holiday light displays, mainly along Oxford Street and Regent Street—places that are famous for their dazzling window displays and light installations. As you’re comfortably seated, you can gaze out the windows and take in the scene. The bus also provides a good vantage point for seeing London’s illuminated skyline, including landmarks like Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and the London Eye.

While the exact route might fluctuate—especially since traffic can be heavy in London during Christmas—the tour aims to maximize your viewing opportunities. The reviews mention that the company tries to keep the bus moving in ways that allow you to see as much as possible, which is reassuring if you’re eager to catch the highlights without spending hours stuck in traffic.

The Festive Drinks and Food

Perhaps one of the tour’s biggest draws is its inclusion of two festive drinks per person. Adults get mulled wine, which is usually warm, spiced, and perfect for chilly winter evenings, while children are served hot chocolate. The two mince pies are a sweet, traditional addition, making this feel like a true holiday treat. Several reviews appreciated the kindness of staff serving drinks and the pleasant surprise of a small gift, which adds a personal touch.

It’s worth noting, though, that food and drinks are not allowed inside the bus once the tour starts, so you’ll want to enjoy your treats during designated times or before boarding. The inclusion of snacks and drinks makes the experience feel more festive and cozy, especially if you’re in the mood for a warm, sweet, and slightly boozy experience.

The Singalong Element

The Christmas singalong is a feature that many reviews mention fondly. Singing along to holiday classics while gazing at London’s lights seems like a simple but effective way to elevate the experience. It fosters a warm, communal feeling that can make the 1.5-hour journey feel much shorter. For those who enjoy a bit of holiday cheer with their sightseeing, this element is definitely a plus.

However, if you’re not into singing or are looking for a more serious sightseeing tour, this might feel a little cheesy or distracting. But overall, it appears to be well-received and adds a playful, festive layer to the experience.

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The Ticket & Logistics

For around $49 per person, the tour offers a decent value considering the included drinks, mince pies, and the scenic route. It’s a short, 1.5-hour experience, making it easy to slot into an evening during your London visit. The tour runs mainly from November through December, with specific check-in times at 5:15 PM and 7:15 PM, and departures shortly after.

A key point is that no hotel pickup or drop-off is included**, so you’ll need to make your way to the meeting point at Buckingham Palace Road. The bus stop is conveniently located, and accessibility options are available, including wheelchair seating on the lower deck. Still, if you’re traveling with young children, note that kids under five are not permitted, and children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult.

The Actual Experience: Pros and Cons

Based on reviews, the tour is appreciated for its festive atmosphere and friendly staff, with one traveler from Italy mentioning how the “kindness of the girls who served us drinks” made the experience particularly pleasant. The visual spectacle of London’s lights combined with the relaxed pace of the bus makes for a memorable evening, especially if you enjoy a bit of holiday music and treats.

On the downside, some travelers noted that traffic can make the route slightly unpredictable, and since you can’t hop off, if you want to explore specific areas more closely, you’ll miss that chance. Also, there are no toilets onboard, which is worth considering if you’re sensitive to long waits or have small children.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience works well for those who want a laid-back, festive activity that combines sightseeing with holiday treats. It’s ideal for couples, friends, or even visitors traveling solo who want to enjoy London’s Christmas lights in a cozy setting. If you’re someone who loves singing along to Christmas tunes or simply wants to see the city’s most iconic sights illuminated, this tour could be right up your alley.

However, if you’re after a more flexible or in-depth exploration of specific neighborhoods or want to hop off and explore on your own, you’ll find this tour limited. Also, if you’re traveling with very young children or have mobility concerns, it might be worth checking accessibility options beforehand.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

If you’re after a simple, charming way to enjoy London’s holiday glow, this tour offers a lot for a reasonable price. The included drinks and mince pies add a cozy, festive touch, and the singing makes the journey feel warm and inclusive. It’s a good choice if you’re okay with a structured, non-stop experience that emphasizes the visual spectacle and holiday spirit.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for a tour with more flexibility, more personalized options, or a focus on individual neighborhoods, you might find this a bit limited. It’s a solid, good-value option for those who want to relax, sing along, and enjoy London’s Christmas lights in a group setting.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children are welcome and will be served hot chocolate. Kids under 15 must be accompanied by a paying adult. However, children under 5 are not allowed.

Can I hop off the bus during the tour?
No, the tour does not allow hopping on or off. You stay on the bus for the duration, so plan accordingly.

Are there any accessibility options?
Yes, wheelchair users can sit on the lower deck, but they’ll need to occupy a fixed seat.

What should I bring with me?
Since food and drinks aren’t allowed onboard once the tour begins, it’s best to enjoy your treats before boarding. Also, dress warmly—London in winter can be quite chilly.

What happens if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 2 days in advance for a full refund, making it flexible if your plans change.

What landmarks will I see?
The bus route includes Big Ben, Oxford Street, Regent Street, Westminster Abbey, the London Eye, Trafalgar Square, and Piccadilly Circus, all lit up for Christmas.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours, making it a manageable evening activity.

Whether you’re after a relaxed way to enjoy London’s Christmas lights or want a festive evening filled with music and treats, this tour offers a cozy, spirited experience. Just remember, it’s all about those beautiful lights, warm drinks, and a cheerful singalong—perfect if you’re in the mood for holiday magic with a side of comfort.

You can check availability for your dates here: