London Christmas Lights Tour by Vintage Double-Decker Bus

If you’re thinking about catching London’s famous Christmas lights from the cozy comfort of a vintage bus, this tour might catch your eye. We’ve looked into what it offers, and while it’s a charming way to see a lot of London’s festive displays, it’s not without its quirks. This experience is perfect for those who love city lights, historic sights, and a bit of holiday magic—all from a warm, guided ride.

What we really appreciate about this tour is how it combines the charm of a vintage bus with the spectacle of London’s holiday decorations. The live commentary adds a personal touch, making the sights come alive. Plus, the route covers major landmarks and popular streets, giving you a broad view of the city’s Yuletide splendor without the need to walk for miles in cold weather.

However, there are some potential downsides. The open-top bus can be chilly, especially if the weather turns just a bit brisk or rainy—many reviews mention bringing layers, hats, and gloves. Also, some travelers found that the Christmas lights weren’t always highlighted as much as they expected, with a few feeling it was more of a general London tour with holiday sights sprinkled in. That said, if you’re after a festive city overview with a dash of nostalgia, this might still be a good pick.

This tour suits visitors who want a relaxed, scenic way to enjoy London’s festive atmosphere without the crowds, and those who appreciate a bit of history and local insight along the way. It’s especially appealing if you’re short on time but want to soak up the holiday spirit from a unique vantage point.

Key Points

• Charming vintage bus with a nostalgic feel, adds to the holiday vibe.
• Good value for money considering the sights covered and guided commentary.
• Open-top design offers great views but can be cold; layering is essential.
• Major landmarks and streets are included, providing a broad holiday overview.
• Live commentary is informative and adds personality, though quality varies.
• Route flexibility due to traffic or road closures, so sights may vary slightly.

The Experience in Detail

When booking this tour, the price of around $43.89 per person is fairly reasonable for a 1.5 to 2-hour guided ride through London’s festive streets. You meet at Victoria Coach, a convenient spot near public transportation, and hop onto a restored 50-year-old vintage double-decker bus. The bus’s open top is a huge plus for views, but it’s also where you’ll want to come prepared for the weather.

The Itinerary and Stops

While this isn’t a stop-and-get-off kind of tour, the route includes several key sights that highlight London’s Christmas spirit. You’ll pass by the Trafalgar Square Christmas tree, a major highlight and a postcard-perfect scene. From there, the bus moves past the famous department stores like Harrods, which are dazzling with their holiday displays, as well as Piccadilly Circus’s Christmas lights—big, bright, and bustling with festive energy.

The route also takes you past Big Ben and along one of London’s major shopping streets, often called the world’s biggest high street. As you cruise past the London townhouse of the Dukes of Wellington and historical landmarks like Westminster Abbey, your guide will share snippets of history and fun facts, making the ride more engaging.

What’s It Like on the Bus?

Many reviews praise the informative and friendly guides. One reviewer mentioned, “Great information by the narrator,” noting how the architecture and history made the ride interesting. However, others highlight that the microphone quality varies, and sometimes it’s hard to hear the commentary clearly, especially if the bus gets noisy or if other passengers talk loudly.

Because the bus can get windy and chilly, many recommend bringing layers, hats, gloves, and blankets—something several reviewers echoed, especially those who’ve taken the tour multiple times or on colder evenings. A few even wished for hot cocoa, but unfortunately, no refreshments are included or available onboard.

The Christmas Lights

The primary draw is, of course, the Christmas lights. Many travelers have described the lights as big and beautiful, with some saying London does Christmas really well. However, a few reviews note that the lights weren’t always as prominently featured or discussed as expected, with some feeling it was more of a general city tour that included Christmas sights rather than a dedicated lights tour.

One traveler pointed out, “It seemed like just a regular tour, with a few Christmas lights,” and another mentioned that the lights on Regent Street were sometimes limited due to traffic restrictions or events like traffic-free days. So, if your main goal is to see an extensive display of Christmas lights, this tour might be a bit hit-or-miss—though you will get a good overview of the illuminated streets.

The Downsides

Not everyone loved the experience equally. A few reviewers were disappointed, citing poor microphone quality, lack of heat on the bus, and limited Christmas lighting. One person even left the tour halfway through because of the cold and the uncomfortable conditions, which can be a real consideration if you’re sensitive to weather.

Another point worth mentioning is that seating on the upper deck isn’t guaranteed, so arrive early if you want the best view from the top. Also, since the route can change based on traffic or special events, some sights might be skipped or replaced.

Who Will Love It?

This tour really shines for those who want a relaxing, scenic tour with a touch of holiday magic. It’s especially good for visitors who prefer not to walk around in cold or crowded streets but still want a sense of London’s Christmas ambiance. It’s also suitable if you’re interested in hearing some background stories and seeing key landmarks illuminated at night.

However, if your primary goal is to see a massive, uninterrupted display of Christmas lights or if you’re traveling with very young children or are sensitive to cold, you might want to consider other options or plan to bring extra gear. Keep in mind that this is a guided city highlights tour that just happens to include some Christmas magic, rather than a dedicated light show event.

Final Thoughts

This London Christmas Lights Tour on a vintage double-decker bus offers a cozy, nostalgic way to enjoy the city’s holiday sparkle. The guided commentary, scenic views, and the festive atmosphere make it a memorable experience, especially if you love the idea of seeing London lit up from a classic bus.

While it’s not perfect—some may find the weather challenging or the lights less prominent than expected—the charm of riding through illuminated streets in a historic bus is undeniable. The price point is reasonable for what’s offered, and many travelers have come away with great memories and stunning photos.

If you’re after a relaxed, well-organized way to soak up London’s Christmas ambiance and don’t mind bundling up, this tour could be a highlight of your holiday trip. Just remember to dress warmly, be prepared for possible route changes, and enjoy the festive sights from a uniquely vintage perspective.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for families?
While the tour doesn’t specifically advertise itself as kid-friendly, it’s generally accessible for most travelers. However, the bus is quite old, with limited space for buggies, and the open-top design may be uncomfortable for very young children in cold weather. It’s best for families with older children who are okay with the weather and the ride.

Does the tour include hotel pickup or drop-off?
No, this tour does not include hotel pickup or drop-off. You need to meet at the designated start point near Victoria Coach station.

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, but this can vary due to traffic or road closures.

Is the bus heated?
No, the bus is open-top and not heated, so dressing warmly is essential, especially in winter evenings.

What sights will I see?
You’ll see Trafalgar Square’s Christmas tree, Harrods, Piccadilly Circus, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and the shopping streets of the West End, among others.

Can I guarantee a seat on the upper deck?
Seating on the upper deck isn’t guaranteed and depends on availability. Arrive early if you want the best chance for a top view.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or full refund.

Is there any food or drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included.

How many people typically join the tour?
The maximum group size is 38 travelers, keeping it a fairly intimate experience.

In the end, this tour offers a lovely, if sometimes chilly, way to see London’s Christmas lights from a different perspective. If you love historic buses, festive atmospheres, and some background stories, it’s worth considering. Just go prepared for the weather, and you’ll likely come away with some festive memories that last long after the lights go out.