London: Christmas Lights Sightseeing Open-Top Bus Tour

If you’re considering a way to see London’s famous Christmas displays without the crowds, this open-top bus tour might catch your eye. It promises a festive, fun-filled evening with views of iconic landmarks, holiday tunes, and Santa’s commentary. As someone who’s seen many holiday events in London, I’ll share what makes this tour worth considering—and what to keep in mind before booking.

Two things we really like about this experience are the unobstructed views from the open-top bus—perfect for taking those holiday selfies—and the cheerful atmosphere created by singing along with Christmas songs. Plus, the commentary from Santa adds a playful touch that can delight both kids and the young at heart.

A possible drawback? The tour’s 1.5-hour duration might feel a little short if you’re expecting a more extensive tour, especially given London’s traffic during the festive season. Some reviews mention that the experience can be quite busy and that the commentary isn’t available in languages other than English.

This tour will suit those wanting a quick, lively overview of London’s Christmas lights with the chance to sing along and enjoy some holiday cheer. If you’re after a more in-depth or peaceful experience, you might want to explore other options. But for a lively, festive dash through central London, this could be just the ticket.

Key Points

• Unobstructed views from the open-top bus make for great holiday photos.
• Festive atmosphere with Christmas carols and Santa’s commentary.
• Short but sweet 1.5-hour tour, ideal for a quick overview.
• Limited language options — commentary is only in English.
• Good value for money considering the sights and holiday entertainment.
• Weather considerations — dress warmly, as it’s outdoors and open-air.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect on the Tour

This is a festive evening ride designed to showcase London’s Christmas lights in a comfortable, lively setting. You start at Stop 22 in Haymarket, outside the Tiger Tiger restaurant, and hop aboard a classic open-top bus. During the ride, you’ll cruise past some of London’s most illuminated landmarks, like Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, Oxford Circus, and Westminster Bridge—all streets transformed into twinkling holiday scenes.

The open-top aspect means you’ll get preferential views that make for fantastic photos. You can even belt out your favorite Christmas tunes along with your fellow passengers, adding to the jovial spirit. The audio commentary from Santa is lighthearted and aimed at entertaining the crowd, providing some context and fun facts about the lights and landmarks.

Most of the experience is about the visual spectacle and the atmosphere. Since the bus is moving through the city’s central streets, expect some traffic delays during peak times, which can cut into the duration slightly—some reviews mention that the tour can last closer to an hour instead of the planned 1.5 hours.

The Landmarks and Sights

You’ll see London’s most famous Christmas-lit streets, which are transformed into winter wonderlands in December. Trafalgar Square’s giant Christmas tree, glittering lights on Regent Street and Carnaby Street, and the vibrant display at Piccadilly Circus all come into view. Westminster Bridge offers a stunning vista of the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben illuminated at night.

What makes this a good visual experience is the unobstructed view from the open top—you’re free to snap photos at every stop and during the ride. These sights are often crowded during the day, so a night tour offers a different perspective and a chance to see London in its holiday finery without the daytime hustle.

The Atmosphere and Entertainment

The music playlist of Christmas carols and holiday tunes** adds a cheerful soundtrack to the experience. It’s a lively, communal vibe—perfect if you enjoy singing along or just soaking up the festive spirit. The presence of Santa, providing commentary and entertainment, gives the tour a playful, whimsical touch that appeals especially to families or those young at heart.

That said, one reviewer pointed out that the guide could be a bit livelier, suggesting that a more enthusiastic team might boost the overall experience. Also, the free Santa hat offered is a nice touch, though it might not be enough to keep everyone warm on the open deck during a chilly winter evening.

Tour Duration and Practical Details

At 1.5 hours, this tour offers a quick but visually rich snapshot of London’s Christmas lights. Given London traffic during the holiday season, this duration might sometimes feel a little tight, but it’s enough to see the main sights without feeling rushed.

The tour operates on several evenings from November through early January, with multiple departure times ranging from late afternoon to evening. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during busy holiday weekends.

Price-wise, at around $47 per person, many will consider this a fair deal, especially considering the entertainment and the sights included. Remember, there are no additional costs for the commentary or singing, just your ticket and your warm clothing.

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Reviews and Real Experiences

Feedback from travelers is mixed but generally positive. One traveler from Australia called it a “really enjoyable” experience, highlighting the beautiful lights and well-done commentary. Conversely, a traveler from Belgium expressed disappointment about the short duration and lack of multi-language commentary, feeling it was expensive for what was offered.

A UK-based traveler appreciated that, despite the route being somewhat short, the traffic was challenging, and the tour was a good way to see the lights without the crowds. They also mentioned that the guide could be livelier, which could elevate the mood further.

Price and Value Analysis

Considering the cost, this touring experience offers a decent value for a festive, sightseeing activity. The price includes the entertainment, commentary, and the chance to enjoy some of London’s most iconic holiday displays from a prime vantage point. If you’re visiting during peak season and want a quick, fun way to soak up the Christmas atmosphere, this is likely worth it.

However, if you’re after a longer, more detailed exploration of London’s holiday traditions or multi-language commentary, you might find this tour somewhat limited. The short duration and English-only commentary are the main potential drawbacks.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is particularly suited for those who want a lively, photo-friendly overview of London’s Christmas lights in a festive, communal setting. It’s perfect for anyone looking for a short evening outing that combines sightseeing with holiday cheer. It’s also suitable if you’re traveling with friends or family who enjoy singing along and taking photos.

If you’re after a relaxed, in-depth tour or prefer quieter, less crowded viewing experiences, you might want to explore other options. Also, be sure to dress warmly, as the open-air bus will be chilly in winter.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for children?
While the tour is festive and fun, it’s mainly geared toward general audiences. Children who enjoy singing, holiday lights, and a cheerful atmosphere will likely have a good time.

Are the audio commentaries available in languages other than English?
No, currently, all commentary is in English. This might be a consideration if you don’t speak the language.

What should I bring?
Dress warmly, as it’s outdoors and open-air. A camera or smartphone is a must for photos, especially with the beautiful lights. Warm shoes are also recommended.

Does the tour run if it’s raining?
Yes, the tour operates rain or shine. Just keep in mind that the open-top bus offers little protection from the weather.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The bookings are flexible, but note that all sales are final if canceled later.

Where exactly do I meet the bus?
The meeting point is Stop 22 in Haymarket, outside the Tiger Tiger restaurant. Be sure to arrive a little early to find your group.

Is there a way to extend or customize this experience?
No, this is a fixed-route, scheduled tour with no option for customization. If you want a more personalized experience, consider other sightseeing options.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a festive way to see London’s Christmas lights without the hassle of navigating busy streets on foot or in a car, this open-top bus tour offers a cheerful, photo-ready experience. It’s perfect for travelers who enjoy a lively atmosphere, singing along to Christmas tunes, and catching glimpses of London’s holiday sparkle from a comfortable vantage point.

While the tour’s short duration and English-only commentary are potential limitations, many visitors find the overall experience charming and worth the price. It captures the essence of London’s holiday spirit in a way that’s accessible, fun, and visually spectacular.

This tour suits those wanting a quick, joyful glimpse of London’s Christmas displays—especially if you’re visiting during the busy holiday season and want a memorable, festive outing. Just be sure to dress warmly and arrive prepared for a lively, if somewhat brief, adventure through London’s winter wonderland.

You can check availability for your dates here: