London: Festive Christmas Lights Sightseeing Tour

If you’re considering joining a Christmas lights tour in London, this one from TopView London promises a quick peek at some of the city’s most famous holiday displays from an open-top bus. We’ve looked into the details, reviews, and what you can expect so you can figure out if it’s worth your time.

What catches our eye right away? First, the top-deck seating offers what should be some stunning views of the city’s shimmering lights. Second, the audio narration could add a layer of festive storytelling or interesting facts, making the ride more engaging. But, of course, there’s a flip side—some reviews highlight issues like traffic, sparse commentary, or a less-than-memorable experience.

This tour might suit those looking for a laid-back way to see London’s holiday sparkle without much walking or fuss. It’s also ideal if you’re on a tight schedule and want a quick glimpse of the main sights lit up for Christmas. However, if you’re hoping for an in-depth or lively guided experience, this may not quite hit the mark.

Key Points

• Stunning Views: The open-top bus gives you a panoramic perspective of London’s Christmas lights.
• Convenient Route: It covers major landmarks like Big Ben, London Eye, and Regent Street decorations.
• Audio Narration: Offers festive stories and city insights, though some reviews say it can be sparse.
• Traffic Concerns: Expect possible delays, especially on busy days or evenings.
• Short Duration: About 75 minutes, making it a quick but potentially surface-level experience.
• Weather-Dependent: Runs in all weather, but dress warmly for colder months.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary: What You’ll See and Experience

Starting at Haymarket, right near the Trocadero and Panton Street, you’ll gather with other travelers eager to soak in London’s Christmas ambiance. The meeting spot is straightforward, and guides are easy to spot in branded uniforms or holding signs. Arriving 15 minutes early is recommended to ensure a smooth start.

Once aboard, the tour begins with a view of Regent Street’s Christmas tree, arguably one of London’s most iconic holiday displays. The lights on Regent Street are famous for their elaborate decorations and festive glow, making for excellent photo opportunities. From there, the bus heads toward Piccadilly Circus, where the dazzling display of lights and the bustling atmosphere add to the holiday feel.

As the bus winds through central London, you’ll cruise past key landmarks like the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and Westminster Bridge. From the open top, the sight of the London Eye illuminated at night is genuinely breathtaking—perfect for snapping some holiday photos. Continuing past Trafalgar Square and Waterloo Bridge, the views of the Shard lit up against the night sky also catch the eye.

Throughout the ride, the audio narration shares snippets of London’s Christmas traditions, stories, and perhaps some fun facts, although some reviews mention that the commentary can be quite sparse or unengaging. You’ll pass through Hamleys Toy Store, where the festive elves and window displays add extra holiday cheer, and Bond Street, with its sparkle from perfume bottle lights and luxury shops.

The Good: What Works Well

The highlight of this tour is undoubtedly the views from the open deck. No matter how busy it gets, being above the streets allows you to enjoy the glittering displays and cityscape without obstruction. The route covers some of London’s most famous Christmas displays, so you get a good overview of the city’s holiday decorations. Also, the fact that the tour runs in all weather conditions makes it flexible, as long as you dress warmly.

The Not-So-Good: The Downsides

However, reviews paint a more cautious picture. Multiple travelers have pointed out that traffic can be a significant issue, especially on Christmas peak days, leading to long delays and a less-than-smooth experience. One reviewer mentioned, “no guide, just pre-recorded snippets,” which might not satisfy those wanting lively or personalized commentary. Another from Christina described the experience as “the worst tour we have ever done”—highlighting issues like arguments among staff, long waits in traffic, and underwhelming sights.

Some people also felt that for the price, the experience was not quite worth it, especially when traffic kept the bus stationary and limited the views to just a few streets. The 75-minute duration might feel too short if you’re expecting an in-depth tour, and if the commentary is sparse, you could end up with just a scenic ride rather than an engaging experience.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is perfect for those who want a quick, easy way to see the main Christmas sights in London without much walking or fuss. It’s suitable for visitors on a tight schedule, people who enjoy sightseeing from a comfortable seat, and fans of holiday lights. If you’re traveling with friends or family who are happy to enjoy the atmosphere rather than explore detailed history or stories, this could be a good fit.

But if you’re after a lively guide, detailed commentary, or an immersive experience, you might find it underwhelming. Remember, it’s a simplified overview, and some reviews suggest that the experience can be a bit dull, especially during traffic jams or if the commentary isn’t lively.

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The Practical Details

• Duration: About 75 minutes, with departure times between 5:00 PM and 7:30 PM.
• Meeting Point: Haymarket, near the Trocadero, between Panton Street and Orange Street.
• Cost: The price isn’t specified here, but considering the review comments about value, it’s worth comparing it to other similar experiences.
• Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible, so plan accordingly if needed.
• Weather: Runs in all weather, so dress warmly, especially in winter months.
• Children: Under-3s ride free if seated on a parent’s lap, which makes it friendly for families with young kids.
• Booking & Cancellation: You can reserve now and pay later, with full refunds available up to 24 hours in advance.

Final Thoughts

All in all, this London Christmas Lights Tour offers a straightforward way to see some of the city’s most iconic holiday displays from a comfortable vantage point. The highlight is always the views from the open deck, offering fantastic photo opportunities of London’s festive glow. However, it’s important to temper expectations—traffic delays and sparse commentary can detract from the experience.

If you’re after a quick, no-fuss way to get a sense of London’s holiday spirit, and you’re okay with crowds and potential delays, this tour could be worth considering. It’s best suited for those who prioritize views and convenience over detailed storytelling or lively guides.

However, if you’re craving an immersive, lively, guided experience or want to avoid traffic-related frustrations, you might want to explore other options or plan a strolling visit to the most decorated streets instead.

FAQ

Q: How long is the tour?
A: The tour lasts about 75 minutes, making it a quick overview rather than an in-depth exploration.

Q: Where do I meet the tour?
A: The meeting point is at Haymarket, near the Trocadero, between Panton Street and Orange Street. Arrive at least 15 minutes early.

Q: Is the tour suitable for children?
A: Children under 3 ride free if seated on an adult’s lap, so yes, it can be family-friendly.

Q: Will I see all of London’s Christmas lights?
A: You’ll see key displays like Regent Street, Piccadilly Circus, and the Christmas tree, plus many landmarks, but the view depends on traffic and weather.

Q: How’s the commentary?
A: It includes holiday stories and city insights, but some reviews mention it can be sparse or unengaging.

Q: Is it wheelchair accessible?
A: No, this tour is not wheelchair accessible.

Q: Does it run in bad weather?
A: Yes, the tour operates regardless of weather, so dress warmly in winter.

Q: Can I cancel?
A: Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Q: Is the bus open-top during the winter?
A: Yes, the bus has an open top, so expect to be exposed to the cold—dress warmly.

Q: How busy does it get?
A: Expect crowds, especially during peak Christmas season, which can cause traffic delays.

If you’re after a scenic, relaxed way to enjoy London’s holiday lights with some good views, this tour might be worth a shot—just keep in mind its limitations. For those wanting a lively, detailed guide or an experience free of traffic holdups, exploring streets on foot might be a better option.

You can check availability for your dates here: