London: Christmas Lights Tour by Vintage Bus

If you’re dreaming of soaking in London’s holiday sparkle, a Christmas Lights Tour on a vintage bus might just be the festive activity you’re after. While I haven’t done this exact tour myself, I’ve seen enough reviews and descriptions to get a pretty good sense of what to expect. This experience is designed to give you a cozy, nostalgic way to see London’s most famous Christmas displays, all wrapped up with a lively guide and cheerful tunes.

What really caught my eye is the charm of riding on a 1960s Routemaster bus, open-topped so you can get full views of the glittering streets. Plus, the combination of professional guides and classical Christmas music sounds like a fun way to get into the holiday spirit. But, as with all popular activities, it’s worth noting that the experience might be weather dependent (it can be cold or damp), and traffic can sometimes impact how much of the route you see.

This tour seems best suited for anyone who loves festive lights, enjoys a bit of history, and doesn’t mind bundled-up open-air sightseeing in winter. It’s also popular among those looking for a family-friendly, relaxed way to enjoy London at Christmas without the hassle of walking all over.

Key Points

• Festive atmosphere with holiday music and holiday lights around every corner.
• Vintage bus charm adds a nostalgic touch to your sightseeing.
• Great views of London’s most iconic Christmas displays and landmarks.
• Knowledgeable guides keep the commentary interesting and fun.
• Flexible options for drop-off at Trafalgar Square or back at Embankment.
• Weather considerations—dress warmly, especially for the top deck.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Christmas Lights Tour

This tour offers a 1.5-hour journey through some of London’s most celebrated Christmas sights, all from the comfort of a vintage open-top bus. The experience is ideal for those wanting to see the city in its holiday full glory without having to walk or navigate busy streets on their own.

Starting from Embankment, close to London’s underground network, you’ll hop aboard at Bus Stop 40B. The route takes you along London’s fabled streets, with notable stops at Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, Regent Street, and Oxford Street, all decked out with bright, dazzling lights. Many reviews note that the views are spectacular, perfect for photos and holiday memories.

The Route and Sights

• Trafalgar Square and the famous Christmas tree—a must-see symbol of London’s holiday cheer.
• The National Gallery and the Strand—beautifully illuminated buildings and festive displays.
• St James’s Park and Piccadilly Circus—classic London scenes with a Christmas twist.
• The Anteros statue on Piccadilly lights up with seasonal decorations.
• Regent Street—one of the highlights, with its elaborate Christmas displays and store window decorations, including Hamleys.
• The Oxford Street light show—stretching a mile long, this is often praised as a highlight.
• The route also passes by Whitehall, the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and the London Eye—bringing you close to London’s most iconic political and cultural landmarks.

The Experience on Board

Most reviews agree that the guides are friendly, incredibly knowledgeable, and keep things lively and engaging. Some reviews mention that the commentary is well balanced—not too overbearing but enough to keep you informed about what you’re seeing and its significance.

Music is a big part of the experience, with classical Christmas songs playing in the background, giving that authentic holiday vibe. If you’re singing along or just listening, it enhances the festive mood.

The Vintage Bus

Traveling on a 1960s Routemaster, especially open-top, adds a layer of charm many find irresistible. The vintage feel brings a real sense of nostalgia, and many reviews highlight how special it makes the experience. However, the open top isn’t ideal if the weather’s cold or rainy, so packing a warm coat and maybe a blanket is advisable. Several reviewers mention that sitting on the top deck in the cold is worth it for the views, but it’s not for everyone.

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Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is perfect for holiday lovers, families, or anyone wanting a relaxed, sightseeing-focused experience. It’s especially good if you enjoy learning about London’s famous sights through a knowledgeable guide while basking in the holiday glow. If you’re traveling with children or groups who enjoy storytelling and cheerful music, they’ll likely find this a memorable adventure. But if you’re seeking a more in-depth historical tour or a long sightseeing day, this might be more of a quick, festive highlight.

The Real Deal: Price and Value

While the exact price isn’t listed here, reviews suggest that many see it as good value for money given the holiday spectacle and the vintage ambiance. The experience combines sightseeing, entertainment, and a festive atmosphere all in one, making it an enjoyable, carefree way to experience London’s Christmas lights.

That said, some travelers mention that traffic can sometimes impact how much of the route they get to see. For example, one review pointed out that during the busiest shopping days, roads can be closed or congested, which might limit the sights you see or cause delays. Still, guides seem to do their best to adapt and keep the tour engaging.

The Length and Pacing

At 1.5 hours, this tour is a short but sweet trip—long enough to see many key sights, but not so long that you’ll get overly cold or tired. Keep in mind that you can choose to be dropped off at Trafalgar Square afterward to browse the Christmas stalls, or return to Embankment for a more relaxed wrap-up. This flexibility is handy for planning your evening.

Practical Tips for Booking and Enjoying

• Dress warmly and comfortably, especially if you want to sit on the top deck—layers, hats, gloves, and scarves are a good idea.
• Arrive early to get a good spot, especially if you want to sit on the top for the best views.
• Prepare for traffic—peak shopping days can slow things down, so be patient.
• Bring your camera or phone—the views are picture-perfect, especially at night.
• Consider the weather—if rain or cold are forecasted, bring a waterproof jacket or umbrella.
• Listen to the guide; reviewers rave about their knowledge and friendly manner.
• Be aware that this tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, so check if this applies to you.

What Do People Say?

The reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the knowledgeable guides, spectacular views, and great value. One reviewer said, “Everything was great. It was cold sitting on the top but the views were great. Our guide Roland was awesome.” Others love the festive atmosphere, noting how it genuinely puts you in the Christmas spirit, like Margaret who said, “I loved the atmosphere and how everyone was in the Christmas spirit.”

Some minor drawbacks include weather issues and traffic delays. One person mentioned that during the busiest shopping day, roads were closed, which limited sighting opportunities. Another pointed out that the music volume could be a bit higher but still enjoyed the lively playlist.

If you’re a holiday enthusiast looking for a fun, relaxed way to see London’s most famous Christmas lights, this tour is a solid choice. It’s ideal for those who want a nostalgic vibe, engaging commentary, and a bit of Christmas cheer without the hassle of navigating London streets themselves. Families will find it family-friendly, especially with the festive music and lively guides, but always consider the weather and outdoor seating.

If you’re after a longer or more in-depth tour, or want to explore other aspects of London’s history, this may not satisfy those needs, but for a quick, joyful overview—especially in winter—it’s quite charming.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly marketed as a family tour, many reviews mention kids having fun with the festive music, the elves, and the cheerful guides. Still, the open-top bus and cold weather mean it’s best for children who can sit still and bundle up.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly, especially for the top deck. Think layers, hats, gloves, and scarves. You might also want to bring a blanket or check if blankets are available to rent.

Can I get off the bus during the tour?
The tour drops you back either at Trafalgar Square or Embankment. If you choose Trafalgar Square, you can browse stalls or see the Christmas tree more closely. The route isn’t designed for stops along the way, so plan accordingly.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchairs?
No, this experience isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, so plan accordingly if mobility is an issue.

How long does the tour last?
It runs for 1.5 hours, giving you a relaxed, manageable time to enjoy the sights without feeling rushed.

What’s the best time to book?
During peak Christmas season, tours tend to be busy, so booking in advance is advisable. Also, try to pick earlier times in the evening for daylight views and to avoid the worst traffic.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour is outdoor and exposed, so dress appropriately. Rain or cold could affect your experience, but guides try to keep spirits high—even in drizzly weather, many reviews say the tour was still enjoyable.

If you’re chasing a cheerful, easy way to catch London’s Christmas magic, this vintage bus tour ticks a lot of boxes. The nostalgic vehicle, beautiful lights, and friendly guides all contribute to a memorable evening. It’s particularly appealing for those wanting a relaxed, festive experience, and the reviews back up that many people find it worthwhile and fun.

While it might not be a detailed historical tour or suitable for everyone in terms of weather, it offers a relaxed, joyful way to experience London’s holiday spirit. If you like the sound of twinkling lights, cheerful music, and vintage charm, this tour could become a highlight of your Christmas trip to London.

Happy holidays and safe travels!

You can check availability for your dates here: