- London Christmas Lights Tour by Vintage Bus Open Top: An Honest Look
- Key Points
- What Makes This Tour Stand Out
- The Route and Sights
- The Experience: Comfort, Weather, and Atmosphere
- Practical Details and Value
- Authentic Experiences from Reviewers
- Who Should Consider This Tour?
- The Sum Up: Is This Tour Worth It?
- FAQ
- More Christmas in London
- More Tours in London
- More Tour Reviews in London
London Christmas Lights Tour by Vintage Bus Open Top: An Honest Look
Thinking about seeing London’s spectacular Christmas lights from a slightly different angle? This vintage bus tour promises to do just that, giving you a chance to soak up the city’s festive sparkle from the open top of a classic Routemaster. Whether you’re a first-timer or a London veteran, this tour offers a quick, lively way to enjoy the holiday sights.
What we genuinely like about this experience is the stunning views of iconic London streets lit up for Christmas and the friendly, humorous commentary from guides that make the ride more fun and personal. You also get guaranteed top deck seats, which means all of us who prefer a little fresh air and an unobstructed view can relax without fighting for space.
Very good, guide very informative and lights great
Really enjoyed this trip. Great way to see the Xmas lights. Our guide, Ben, was informative and funny imbibing the fun and ambiance of Xmas. Could highly recommend this trip 👍
A guide not necessarily needed, really not clear of the role few basic comments about Trafalgar square and something else. There primarily to see the lights. need someone just to accompany the passengerd
One thing to keep in mind is weather — it can get quite cold and windy up top, so bundling up is a good idea. Also, since traffic and road closures can affect the route, you might not see every single landmark, but the guides will do their best to keep you informed.
This tour is best suited for those wanting to experience London’s Christmas lights in a relaxed, festive setting — great for couples, friends, or anyone looking for a cheerful, practical way to enjoy the city’s holiday glow. It’s particularly appealing if you prefer to avoid the crowds on foot and love the idea of a cozy, scenic ride.
You can check availability for your dates here:Key Points
- Enjoy festive London sights from the open top of a vintage Routemaster bus
- Guided commentary adds humor and interesting tidbits about the city
- Guaranteed top deck seats ensure prime views and fresh air
- Ideal duration of 75 minutes offers a relaxed, manageable sightseeing session
- Weather considerations are important — dress warmly
- Route flexibility means some landmarks might be missed due to traffic or road closures
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in London
What Makes This Tour Stand Out
This Christmas lights tour offers a lively snapshot of London’s most beautifully decorated streets, all from the comfort (or rather, the fun) of a vintage bus.
The open-top experience is particularly appealing because it allows you to see the bright displays on Oxford Street, Regent Street, and beyond, without the obstruction of windows. It’s a view that’s both nostalgic and striking, especially with the seasonal decorations.
It was good to Learn different things about London. The tour guide had a brilliant personality
Me and my hubby loved the all experience but was just disappointed not seeing Harrods store lit up for Christmas. The tour guide was Excellent so much interesting information added . The driver was also brilliant at navigating his bus around London hats of to you both for looking after us on your tour .
Even though it rained our tour guide Max made it an enjoyable experience.
The guides are a highlight for many. Reviews gush about how funny, informative, and engaging they are. One reviewer mentioned that their guide, Ben, “made the experience unforgettable,” with jokes, music, and lively commentary that kept everyone entertained.
The friendly, personable guides really bring the city to life, especially during a time when the streets are so beautifully lit and buzzing with holiday spirit.
You’ll get an authentic London experience, with sights like Harrods’ window displays and the Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park passing by in a flash. Many say it’s a great way to relax and enjoy the lights without the hassle of crowds or trying to navigate busy streets on foot.
The Route and Sights
The tour follows a carefully designed route intended to showcase the best Christmas sights. Starting outside the Grand Hotel, you’ll head along major shopping streets like Oxford Street, where the lights are dazzling and the window displays are festive. Though some reviews mention that not every landmark might be visible due to traffic or road closures, the guides do their best to include the highlights.
It was wonderful except the one 25 minutes before was late arriving and guests became quite agitated and angry, believing they should go first. I felt bad for the representative who seemed at a loss, despite calling head office who would not allow him to accommodate the earlier guests. Recommend that a back up plan should be in place for such occurrences, if possible. Otherwise well done. Many thanks.
Our tour guide was funny and very informative and made the tour a pleasure. Would thoroughly recommend this tour however if doing it in the cooler months definitely rug up as it can get chilly on the top of the bus
The beauty of the lights added to shops that displayed Christmas made for a top notch tour Tour guide was excellent.
Oxford Street and Regent Street are the main attractions — their Christmas lights are renowned, and seeing them from above offers a fresh perspective. The tour passes by Harrods’ window displays, which are a seasonal highlight, and the route takes you past Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland.
The length of roughly 75 minutes is a good balance, giving enough time to enjoy the sights without feeling rushed or exhausted. Some reviews note that the actual ride might be slightly shorter (around 57 minutes), but this doesn’t seem to diminish the overall enjoyment.
The Experience: Comfort, Weather, and Atmosphere
Riding on a vintage open-top bus adds a nostalgic charm. Many reviewers appreciated the top deck seats, which are guaranteed with your ticket. Being at the top allows you to soak in the lights better and feel the brisk winter air — just remember to dress warmly.
Most guests find the commentary both amusing and informative. The guides often crack jokes and share fun facts, making the experience personable and lively. It’s a laid-back way to learn a little about London’s Christmas traditions while enjoying the spectacular display.
Took my sister for her 70th birthday and guide was very kind and chatty and made tour fun with stories both historic and modern. We saw all the lovely lights in the main streets which were stunning and on top of a bus you could really appreciate them as well as the wonderful architecture London has. Also saw lights at the big stores and could see in the windows. The route master bought back lots of memories for both of us and Peter kindly took aa photo for us. Great location to pick it up so easy to get to from the tube and a great pub nearby too so all very convenient. Would definitely recommend it.
amazimg tour and fabulous guide who made it very enjoyable. bundle up in November its mighty cold.
Pete was excellent, very knowledgeable & very amusing too! Was a great tour, would recommend to anyone
However, weather can be a big factor. Several reviews mention the cold and wind, especially when it rains or if you’re not dressed appropriately. One reviewer suggested bringing tissues to wipe down wet seats, which is a good tip. Warm blankets are provided, but layers are your best defense against the chill.
More Great Tours NearbyPractical Details and Value
The tour lasts about 75 minutes, which is a perfect length for most people — not too long to become tiresome, but enough to cover several key sights. It operates on a first-come, first-serve seat system, so arriving early is recommended if you want the best spots upstairs.
Cost-wise, it’s a typical tourist attraction price, but many reviews agree it’s worthy of the expense given the views, guides, and festive atmosphere. It’s certainly a more relaxed, scenic alternative to walking or navigating crowded streets during the holiday season.
Note that food and drinks are not included, so plan accordingly if you want to make a full evening of it or grab a snack afterward.
It was a very nice experience. I recomend live and delight London streets this Christmas!!!
Excellent- perfect timing for the traffic and lights all being on. Was very nippy though remember to rug up warm.
The tour was a really good way to see London, the lights and have the opportunity to look up. So much to see and we learnt alot from our informative guide who had a big personality. We enjoyed all the trees and all the lights around the streets visited. The tour lasted 57 minutes but I thought it was 75. We would have liked to have seen Bond Street and Brompton Road. We still recommend this as a fabulous way to relax and enjoy and learn and would do it again.
Authentic Experiences from Reviewers
Many recent guests highlight the quality of their guides and the beauty of the lights. Emma, for example, said, “The tour was a really good way to see London, the lights, and have the opportunity to look up,” emphasizing how much they appreciated the visual appeal and the guide’s personality.
Another reviewer, Cody, called it “the best way to see all of the lights without the foot traffic”, which is a common sentiment. Avoiding crowds while still experiencing the magic is a real plus during busy holiday times.
Some mention the funny commentary and festive atmosphere, adding a layer of entertainment that elevates the experience beyond a simple sightseeing trip. And despite it being chilly, guests felt it was well worth the effort, especially given how much ground they covered in such a short time.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
If you enjoy festive atmospheres, vintage vibes, and scenic views, this tour will likely be right up your alley. It’s particularly suitable for visitors who want a relaxed, guided experience rather than wandering on their own, especially during a busy holiday season.
It’s also a good pick for those looking to avoid the crowds on foot, as being on a bus lets you see the lights from above while keeping comfortable — or at least warmer, with proper clothing.
While it’s not tailored specifically for families with small children, older kids and teenagers who enjoy sights and stories will probably find this fun. Just remember to dress warmly and bring some snacks or hot drinks if you need an energy boost.
The Sum Up: Is This Tour Worth It?
For anyone wanting a fun, scenic, and festive way to see London’s Christmas lights, this vintage bus tour offers a good blend of comfort, entertainment, and iconic sights. The guided commentary adds personality and humor, making the experience more memorable than just a bus ride.
The guaranteed top deck seats mean everyone gets a good view, and the route covers major holiday highlights like Oxford Street, Regent Street, and Harrods’ window displays. While unpredictable London traffic might limit some sights, the guides do their best to maximize the experience.
The main challenge is weather — it can be cold and windy, especially up top, so dress in layers and bring warm accessories. If you’re ready for a cheerful, scenic ride through London’s Christmas wonderland, this tour can add a special touch to your holiday visit.
Overall, it’s especially suited for those who want to enjoy the lights comfortably and with a touch of vintage charm. It’s a festive, easy way to capture London’s holiday spirit without the hassle of crowded streets or lengthy walks.
London Christmas Lights Tour by Vintage Bus Open Top
"Very good, guide very informative and lights great"
FAQ
Is the tour suitable if it rains or is cold?
Yes, though you should dress warmly and be prepared for weather conditions. Warm layers, hats, and gloves are recommended. Warm blankets are provided on the bus.
How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 75 minutes, offering a relaxed way to see many of London’s Christmas sights without overdoing it.
Are the seats guaranteed at the top?
Yes, your ticket guarantees a top deck seat, which is ideal for viewing and fresh air.
What landmarks will I see?
You’ll see the Christmas lights of Oxford Street, Regent Street, Harrods’ window displays, and pass by Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland, among others.
Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible if your plans change.
Is this tour good for families or children?
While not specifically marketed as family-friendly, older kids and teenagers who enjoy sights and stories might find it fun. Just keep in mind the weather and the open top.
Do food and drinks come with the tour?
No, food and drinks are not included — plan to grab something before or after if needed.
If you’re after a cheerful, scenic, and nostalgic way to enjoy London’s holiday lights, this vintage bus tour might just be the perfect fit. Just remember to dress warmly, arrive early, and enjoy the festive ride!
You can check availability for your dates here:
