London: Christmas Lights Open-Top Bus Tour

If you’re looking to soak in London’s Christmas glow without the hassle of navigating busy streets, this open-top bus tour offers a cozy way to see the city’s festive displays. While we haven’t been on it ourselves, reviews suggest it’s a charming, if not flawless, way to get into the holiday spirit.

What we like about this tour is how it combines classic London sights with the seasonal sparkle, all from the comfort of a decorated bus. Plus, being able to hop off at Trafalgar Square to browse the Christmas market adds a nice touch of flexibility. On the flip side, some reviewers mention that the open-top can get chilly, and the route might be affected by city street closures or traffic, so it’s good to be prepared.

This experience tends to suit travelers who want a relaxing way to see London’s holiday lights, especially if they’re fans of scenic views and festive atmospheres. It’s less ideal if you’re after a guided historical commentary or traveling with very young children who need more comfort.

Key Points

• Festive atmosphere with holiday music on board
• Dazzling views of London’s iconic Christmas lights and displays
• Flexible drop-off options to explore Trafalgar Square’s market
• Route includes major landmarks like Big Ben and the London Eye
• Duration of 1.5 hours makes it a manageable outing
• Weather can impact the experience, as the bus may switch to an enclosed vehicle

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Overview of the Experience

The London Christmas Lights Open-Top Bus Tour offers a chance to get a festive view of the city from a decorated bus, typically starting from Embankment Station—a central spot easy to reach via London’s extensive underground network. The tour lasts about 1.5 hours and takes you through some of the most decorated streets and iconic sights in the city.

The route is designed to show off the best of London’s holiday displays. You’ll cruise past Trafalgar Square, where the Christmas market is bustling, and the towering Christmas tree is usually the star of the show. Expect to see the famous Oxford Street, glowing with some of the most spectacular lights in London, and Regent Street, where the shop windows light up with seasonal displays.

The highlight of the tour is the open-top experience, allowing you to fully enjoy the sights and sounds. The bus plays holiday music, which adds to the festive vibe. Pass by Piccadilly Circus, St James’s Park, and along Whitehall, giving you a broad view of the city’s historic government buildings and landmarks like Big Ben and the London Eye lit up at night.

Route Details and Highlights

The tour kicks off at Embankment, a hub that’s convenient for most travelers. From there, it heads along the Strand, a lively stretch filled with theaters and historic pubs, and past the Christmas market in Trafalgar Square. It’s a vibrant, bustling start that immediately puts you in a festive mood.

Next, the bus makes a loop around St James’s, famed for its elegant streets and royal parks, then moves onto Piccadilly Circus. Here, the lights and billboards are part of London’s iconic nightscape. The route continues to Regent Street, where you’ll see the Christmas lights beautifully stretching over the shops, and the holiday window displays at stores like Hamleys.

A particularly stunning part is Oxford Street, which transforms into a glowing corridor of holiday cheer. Reviewers mention that the views from the top deck are stunning and that the lights in this area are some of the best in London. However, some note that due to the open top, it can get quite cold, especially in late December, so bundling up is essential.

The journey concludes along Whitehall, passing government buildings and famous sites like Downing Street and the Houses of Parliament. The tour ends with the chance for you to disembark at Trafalgar Square if you want to explore the market or continue your sightseeing independently. Alternatively, you can head back to Embankment, where the bus may be slightly delayed due to traffic.

What Travelers Say

Reviewers frequently praise the spectacular views and the good value for money. One traveler mentioned, “We sat in the covered front section on the top level, which helped block out some of the freezing cold,” highlighting the importance of dressing warmly.

Many appreciated the friendly and skilled drivers, with one saying, “Rory was an excellent guide, keeping the mood light despite some traffic delays.” Although there’s no official guide commentary, the music and the route itself are enough to keep most entertained.

Some feedback points to the weather, noting that the open-top bus can be very cold, especially if it rained or was windy. A few reviews mention that the bus might switch to an enclosed vehicle if the weather turns bad, so be prepared for that potential change.

While the tour isn’t guided with a narration, the visual feast of lights and sights more than makes up for it. The ability to hop off at Trafalgar Square allows for a quick browse of stalls, adding a bit of real Christmas market experience.

Pricing and Value

Pricing isn’t explicitly stated, but reviews indicate that many feel it offers good value, especially compared to the costs of individual sightseeing or taxi rides. The combination of seeing major sights with minimal effort makes this a convenient, affordable option to get into the Christmas spirit.

Since the tour is only 1.5 hours, it fits well into a busy London itinerary, allowing you to combine it with other daytime activities. If you love festive lights and want a relaxed way to see London’s holiday displays, this tour delivers a cozy, scenic experience.

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Practical Tips

• Dress warmly, especially if you plan to stay on the open top deck. Layering is key.
• Arrive early to secure a top-deck seat, as seats are allocated on a first-come basis.
• Consider weather conditions—if rain or wind are forecasted, you might prefer the enclosed bus option or plan accordingly.
• Bring your camera or phone because the views, especially of Oxford Street and Regent Street, are quite photogenic.
• The tour is accessible for wheelchairs, making it more inclusive.
• Be aware that traffic can cause slight delays, especially during busy holiday periods, so allow some extra time.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This bus tour is perfect for those wanting a laid-back, visually stunning way to experience London’s Christmas lights. It’s especially good if you’re visiting during the evening when the lights are at their brightest and most photogenic. If you’re traveling with friends or a partner and want a romantic, festive outing, you’ll find it charming.

If you’re after in-depth historical narration, this isn’t the right fit—think of it more as a sightseeing cruise with a festive twist. Also, if you’re sensitive to cold and plan to stay on the open deck, dress appropriately.

Final Thoughts

All in all, the London Christmas Lights Open-Top Bus Tour offers a straightforward, enjoyable way to see some of the UK’s most iconic sights transformed into a winter wonderland. The views are memorable, the vibe is festive, and it provides a relaxing break from walking or navigating busy streets. The experience is especially well-suited to those who enjoy scenic routes, holiday cheer, and a bit of comfort while sightseeing.

While it’s not a guided historical tour, the route itself covers many highlights that will satisfy the holiday-lover in you. Plus, the option to step off and explore Trafalgar Square’s market adds a nice touch of local flavor. Just remember to bundle up, be prepared for potential weather changes, and you’re set for a memorable Christmas experience in London.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not specifically marketed as a family tour, children who enjoy seeing Christmas lights and festive sights should find it enjoyable. Keep in mind the open top might be cold, so dress kids warmly.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you flexibility if your plans change.

Does the tour include a guide or commentary?
No, this isn’t a guided tour with narration. Instead, you’ll enjoy the sights with festive music onboard, which many reviews say is quite fun.

What if the weather is bad?
The bus may be substituted for an enclosed vehicle in wet or very cold weather, so your experience shouldn’t be spoiled by rain or wind.

Where do I meet the bus?
Look for the bus at bus stop 40B on Victoria Embankment, near Embankment Station. Arrive early to get a good seat, especially on the top deck.

How long is the tour?
It lasts about 1.5 hours, making it a manageable and relaxing way to see London’s Christmas lights without overdoing it.

Is there any extra cost for the drop-off at Trafalgar Square?
No, the drop-off at Trafalgar Square is included if you choose to disembark there to explore the market or sights.

You can check availability for your dates here: