London: Christmas Lights Santa Sleigh Open-Top Tour

If you’re dreaming of experiencing London’s Christmas lights without the hassle of navigating busy streets, this Santa-themed open-top bus tour offers a cheerful way to see the city’s most dazzling displays. It’s designed to be a festive highlight during the holiday season, wrapping the best of London’s holiday lights into a comfy, festive ride.

We’re pretty fond of how this tour combines holiday cheer with sightseeing—the open-top bus gives you an unobstructed view of shimmering streets, and the music really sets the mood. Plus, the chance to end at Trafalgar Square’s lively Christmas market means you get a little extra holiday shopping or snacking.

That said, it’s worth mentioning that some reviews find the experience a bit pricey for what you get, and the route can be affected by city events or traffic. Still, if you love wandering through the Christmas lights with a festive soundtrack and don’t mind short, 90-minute outings, this could be a good fit. It’s especially suited for those wanting a relaxed, comfortable way to enjoy the lights without walking long distances.

This tour suits travelers seeking a convenient, guided peek at London’s holiday displays. It’s also good for anyone who enjoys a bit of holiday music and a cozy, open-air view of the city’s Christmas lights.

Key Points

• Short and Sweet: At around 1.5 hours, it’s a quick, festive outing perfect for fitting into a busy holiday schedule.
• Open-Top for Views: The open-top bus provides a clear view of the sparkling lights and seasonal displays.
• Festive Atmosphere: Holiday music onboard helps you get into the Christmas spirit.
• Prime Locations: The route covers major sights like Oxford Street, St James’s, Whitehall, and iconic landmarks like Big Ben and the London Eye.
• Drop-off at Trafalgar Square: Optional ending point to explore the Christmas market and enjoy the festive buzz.
• Weather Considerations: The bus may switch from open to enclosed in bad weather, so dress accordingly.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Tour Experience

This tour kicks off at Embankment Station, a convenient spot accessible via London’s extensive underground network. From there, you’ll hop on a decorated bus—probably a vintage or festive-themed vehicle—that’s styled to add to the holiday feel. Whether it’s decked with lights or Santa-themed, the atmosphere inside is cheerful, with festive music filling the air as you glide through the city.

The Route and Highlights

The route is designed to maximize your view of London’s most iconic Christmas lights. First, you’ll cruise along the Strand, a lively thoroughfare that’s beautifully lit during the season. Passing by the Christmas market at Trafalgar Square, you get a glimpse of the bustling stalls that sell everything from handcrafted gifts to seasonal treats. If you stay on the bus, you’ll continue around St James’s and Piccadilly, where the Christmas lights inspired by the Greek god of love, Anteros, glow brightly.

Next up are the spectacular lights on Regent Street, famous for their eye-catching displays in shop windows such as Hamleys, the oldest toy store in the world. We loved the way the lights on Oxford Street really stand out, creating a festive glow that’s hard to ignore.

As the bus heads back towards Embankment along Whitehall, you’ll pass Downing Street, the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and the London Eye—each lit up beautifully at night. The view of these landmarks with Christmas lights twinkling around them makes for an impressive sight, even for those who’ve seen London many times.

Who Will Enjoy This?

This tour is well-suited for travelers looking for a relaxed, guided experience that captures the essence of London during Christmas. If you’re short on time but still want to see a lot of the city’s festive sparkle, it’s a good choice. Families can enjoy the lively atmosphere and holiday music, but note that the open-top format might be chilly or wet in winter weather.

The Drop-Off Point & Additional Options

You can opt to be dropped off at Trafalgar Square after the tour, giving you time to explore the market, or simply head back to Embankment to continue your holiday sightseeing independently. The market is lively, with stalls offering crafts and seasonal goodies, making it a nice ending to your festive outing.

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The Practicalities

The tour lasts about 1.5 hours, making it an easy addition to a day of sightseeing or holiday shopping. The bus is operated by Manchester Bus Tours Ltd, and the driver is fluent in English, which helps in case you want to ask questions or learn a bit about what you’re seeing.

Booking is flexible — you can reserve now and pay later, which is handy if your plans are a little uncertain. Plus, if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance, you get a full refund, so there’s some peace of mind.

A word of caution: the open-top bus may be swapped for an enclosed one in rainy weather, so dress warmly and bring a waterproof layer. Since there are no reserved seats, it’s first-come, first-served, so arriving early is a smart move if you want a good spot.

What Do the Reviews Say?

While many travelers find the experience charming, some are less enthusiastic. One reviewer from the UK rated it at 2 out of 5, saying, “Was expecting to see more. To expensive for such trip. Not recommended.” That feedback hints that the value may not meet everyone’s expectations, especially considering the ticket price.

On the other hand, a visitor from Switzerland appreciated the experience, mentioning, “Très jolie sortie pour voir les illuminations. Le traffic est bouché par les embouteillages mais ça laisse le temps d’admirer la vue,” meaning the slow traffic actually let them enjoy the lights longer.

This mix of opinions suggests that while the tour offers an enjoyable visual experience, it may not be a highlight for everyone, especially if you’re looking for a more immersive or in-depth tour.

Price and Value

Since the tour lasts just 90 minutes and offers a guided, festive experience, the cost might seem a bit steep for some. But keep in mind it’s a convenient way to see many of London’s iconic Christmas sights without battling traffic or crowds. If you’re in London during the holiday season and want a quick, cheerful excursion, it’s a decent way to get into the Christmas spirit without much fuss.

Final Thoughts

This Santa-themed open-top Christmas lights tour is a cheerful, straightforward way to enjoy London’s holiday displays. It’s best suited for travelers who want a casual, guided look at the city’s festive lights, especially if they appreciate a bit of holiday music and a relaxed ride. It’s not the most immersive or lengthy experience, but it delivers a bright, joyful snapshot of London during Christmas.

While it may not be a budget-buster, it’s wise to weigh the value against your expectations—especially if you’re after a more in-depth tour or a more exclusive experience. Still, for a quick, lively peek at the city’s sparkle, it’s worth considering, particularly if you’re with friends or family who enjoy a festive atmosphere.

FAQ

Is the bus open-air or enclosed?
The tour is typically an open-top bus, but it may switch to an enclosed bus in bad weather, so dress warmly and be prepared for rain or cold.

Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is Bus Stop 40B near Embankment Station, accessible via the underground, rail, and bus networks.

How long does the tour last?
The tour is approximately 1.5 hours, making it a manageable and quick festive outing.

Can I cancel the booking easily?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing some flexibility in your plans.

Is it suitable for families?
While the tour is festive and fun, the open-top format might not be ideal for very young children in cold or rainy weather. It’s more suited for those who enjoy sightseeing with some holiday cheer.

What landmarks will I see?
You’ll see major sights like Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, London Eye, Trafalgar Square, Oxford Street, Regent Street, and Whitehall decorated with Christmas lights.

Can I get dropped off at Trafalgar Square?
Yes, you can choose to be dropped off at Trafalgar Square, giving you a chance to explore the market and enjoy the holiday buzz.

Is this experience worth the price?
It depends on your expectations. If you want a brief, guided peek at London’s Christmas lights with a festive atmosphere, it’s worth it. For more immersive or longer tours, you might want to explore other options.

Are the lights and displays spectacular?
Most reviews agree the lights are beautiful, especially on Regent and Oxford Streets, though some travelers find the experience somewhat underwhelming for the price.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly, especially if you plan to sit on the open-top bus. An umbrella or waterproof coat is also a good idea in case of rain.

If you’re after a light, cheerful way to see London’s holiday glow and enjoy some festive music, this tour could be just the thing. Just keep expectations in check and plan for the weather, and you’ll have a merry little adventure in the city’s Christmas lights.

You can check availability for your dates here: