London: Live Guided Christmas Lights Open-Top Bus Night Tour

If you’re visiting London during the festive season and looking for a way to see the city’s famous Christmas lights without the hassle of navigating busy streets yourself, this open-top bus tour might be just what you need. It promises a cheerful, visually stunning experience that combines sightseeing with holiday cheer, all from the comfort of a heated bus with a top-deck view.

What we like most about this tour? First, the guaranteed top-deck seats ensure you’ll get the best possible views of the city’s shimmering lights and festive displays. Second, the knowledgeable guides aren’t just about pointing out sights—they tell stories that bring London’s holiday magic to life. The only consideration? It’s a 90-minute ride, so if you’re expecting a very in-depth exploration, keep in mind this is more about the sights and less about history.

This tour works well for those who want to enjoy London’s Christmas sparkle without the crowds, or for anyone wanting a relaxed way to see top sights like Oxford Street, Regent Street, and Trafalgar Square lit up at night. It’s particularly suited for visitors who appreciate a bit of storytelling along with their sightseeing, and if you’re after memorable photos, you’ll love the views from the open top.

Key Points

• Top-deck seats guarantee the best views of London’s Christmas lights and iconic landmarks.
• Guides are praised for their friendly, knowledgeable, and engaging commentary.
• The route covers major sights like Oxford Street, Trafalgar Square, and Westminster Abbey, making it a rundown of London at night.
• Optional upgrade includes a ticket to the London Eye, adding a panoramic perspective on the city’s festive glow.
• The tour’s duration of about 1.5 hours strikes a balance between seeing enough and not feeling rushed.
• It’s wheelchair accessible and runs daily from mid-November to late December, excluding Christmas Day.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience: What You Can Expect

This Christmas lights tour offers a cozy, festive vibe, with a decorated double-decker bus that’s designed to get you into the holiday spirit. The route is thoughtfully planned to showcase London’s most famous Christmas displays and landmarks, all illuminated against the winter night sky. You’ll start from one of three convenient locations—Green Park, Marble Arch, or County Hall—making it easy to hop on close to your accommodations or sightseeing plans.

Once aboard, the guide takes the mic, sharing insights, stories, and some holiday humor, making the journey lively and fun. From the top deck, you’ll get panoramic views of London’s most festive streets, like Oxford Street and Regent Street, famous for their dazzling window displays and decorative lighting. You might find the lighting around Trafalgar Square especially memorable, with the enormous Christmas tree, and the Christmas cheer continues as you pass by major sites like the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye.

One standout feature? The top-deck seat guarantee. Many reviews highlight how crucial this is—it’s the best way to capture photos of London’s sparkling streets and iconic landmarks, with minimal obstruction. During a busy Christmas period, arriving early at the stop for the front seats is recommended, as that’s where most passengers aim to sit.

If you opt for the upgrade, you’ll get to soar above London on the London Eye afterward, offering an entirely different perspective of the illuminated cityscape. This bonus is especially nice because it extends the festive experience and provides great photo opportunities.

The Route Breakdown

The tour kicks off at your chosen starting point, with stops at some of London’s most famous sights. Here’s a quick look:

• Green Park, Marble Arch, or County Hall: Your starting point depends on your selected option, with timings that suit different schedules.
• Passing by the London Eye: You’ll get a brief view of this giant observation wheel, often a highlight for photos.
• Waterloo Bridge: Known for its stunning nighttime views of the Thames and the city skyline.
• Covent Garden: Though you’re passing by, the Christmas decorations here are noteworthy, with street performers and festive markets.
• Trafalgar Square: The towering Christmas tree provides a quintessential London holiday scene. Many reviews mention how magical the sight is, with one reviewer calling it “simply amazing.”
• Piccadilly Circus and Regent Street: These streets are famous for their elaborate Christmas displays, with Regent Street in particular often praised for its breathtaking lights.
• Houses of Parliament: From the bus, you’ll get a spectacular view of Westminster’s illuminated gothic architecture.
• Returning via the same route, ending at your original stop.

The tour wraps up after about 90 minutes, allowing you to continue your evening adventures or head to the London Eye if you’ve upgraded.

What the Reviews Say

The overwhelmingly positive reviews echo what this tour promises. Travelers often mention how guides are the real stars, with many praising their knowledge and jovial attitude. One reviewer shared, “Our guide Andrew was very knowledgeable, jovial, friendly & helpful. Loved the tour & learnt quite a bit about history.” Others appreciated the ease of seeing London’s Christmas lights without fighting crowds, noting it’s a stress-free way to enjoy the festive atmosphere.

Photographers and visitors loving the views noted that sitting on the top deck was ideal for capturing stunning photos. Some reviews mentioned the importance of arriving early to secure front top seats, especially during peak times, to maximize photo opportunities. A few pointed out minor inconveniences, such as microphone issues or the bus being a little cold—so dressing warmly is a good idea.

A common thread among reviews: the value for money. Many see this as a worthwhile way to enjoy London’s holiday lights without the chaos of street crowds or traffic, and the option to upgrade for the London Eye makes it an even more memorable experience.

Practical Details & Tips

• The tour runs daily from November 14th to December 30th, excluding Christmas Day.
• Departure times vary by location, with options at 4 pm, 6 pm, and 8 pm, allowing flexibility depending on your evening plans.
• The tour lasts roughly 90 minutes and is wheelchair accessible.
• It’s a good idea to arrive 30 minutes early at your pick-up point to secure the best seats, especially if you want the front top deck.
• Dress warmly—the open-top bus can get chilly, and one review noted that a windshield wiper on the top deck would help with rain or drizzle.
• Consider the upgrade with a London Eye ticket if you want to extend your view to the city’s glittering skyline from above.
• The tour includes live English commentary, which many find engaging and informative.

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Is This Tour Worth It?

If you’re after a relaxed, scenic way to soak in the Christmas atmosphere of London, this tour is a solid choice. It offers great value with the guaranteed top-deck seats, making it easier to get those perfect holiday photos. The guides seem to genuinely enjoy sharing their knowledge, adding a friendly, personal touch to the experience.

While the open top means dress warmly and expect to share the space with other travelers, the overall experience is described as magical and memorable—especially with the added bonus of seeing the city’s famous lights and displays. It’s perfect for visitors who want to experience London’s festive sparkle without the crowds or chaos of street-level touring.

For those who want a comfortable, informative, and visually stunning overview of London at Christmas time, it hits the right notes. Couples, friends, and even solo travelers looking for a festive evening out will find plenty to enjoy here.

FAQs

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours, giving you just enough time to see all the major sights without feeling rushed.

Can I sit on the top deck?
Yes, your ticket is guaranteed a top-deck seat, which is the best spot for views and photos.

What are the departure times?
Depending on the location you choose, departures are at 4 pm, 6 pm, and 8 pm, from mid-November to late December.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it easier for everyone to enjoy.

Can I upgrade to include the London Eye?
Yes, there’s an option to add a London Eye ticket for a panoramic view of London’s lights from above.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly, as it’s an open-top bus and outdoor exposure can get chilly, especially at night.

What if the weather’s bad?
While the bus is covered, the top deck is open-air, so rain or wind may impact your experience. Bringing layers and waterproof gear is advised.

Are there any stops or pickups along the route?
The tour departs from three designated locations, with specific start times; no stops are made for sightseeing during the ride.

To sum it up, this Christmas Lights Bus Tour offers a cheerful, visually stunning way to enjoy London’s festive glow. It’s great for travelers who want to see the city’s most iconic landmarks illuminated without the stress of crowds. The combination of engaging guides, guaranteed top-deck seats, and an optional upgrade to the London Eye makes it a worthwhile addition to your holiday plans—especially if you’re looking for a cozy, memorable way to experience London at its most magical time of year.

You can check availability for your dates here: