London Tootbus Christmas Lights Tour

London Tootbus Christmas Lights Tour Review: A Festive Ride Through London’s Holiday Sparkle

If you’re thinking about catching London’s Christmas lights from a double-decker bus, the Tootbus Christmas Lights Tour might catch your eye. It promises a quick, one-hour peek at some of the city’s most decorated streets, accompanied by a guide sharing holiday stories and some perks like Santa hats and onboard Wi-Fi. It’s marketed as a fun, festive way to celebrate the holidays in London—but is it worth the price?

Two things we genuinely like about this tour are the views of London’s Christmas decorations from the top deck and the friendly, informative guides who bring some holiday magic with their stories. Also, having Wi-Fi onboard and Santa hats adds a small but nice touch of holiday cheer. However, a potential snag is the variable route—traffic, street closures, and the limited scope of sights can sometimes lead to a less satisfying experience.

This tour could work well if you’re after a convenient, guided overview of London’s festive lights — especially if you’re tight on time or want a cozy, group experience with some holiday flair. But if you’re expecting an in-depth sightseeing tour, you may find it a bit superficial.

Key Points

• Short and Sweet: Just about an hour long, perfect for a quick festive outing.
• Iconic Views: Passes by major landmarks like Regent Street, Piccadilly Circus, and Trafalgar Square, all lit up for Christmas.
• Guided Storytelling: Live commentary in English with multilingual audio options adds context and holiday tales.
• Cost-Effective: Priced at around $46.63 per person, offering a festive experience without a full-day commitment.
• Onboard Extras: Santa hats and Wi-Fi make the ride more engaging.
• Limitations: No restroom onboard; the route can be affected by traffic or road closures, which might impact the experience.

A Detailed Look at the Christmas Lights Tour

What the Tour Promises and What You Can Expect

The London Tootbus Christmas Lights Tour is designed as a festive jaunt, allowing you to see the city’s iconic holiday illuminations from the comfort of a double-decker bus. It’s about briskly crisscrossing London’s most decorated streets — mainly Regent Street, Oxford Street, Piccadilly Circus, and Trafalgar Square — while you sit back and enjoy the scenery and stories.

The tour is approximately one hour long with no stops—it’s a non-stop ride meant to maximize your viewing time while cruising through the illuminated streets. You’ll be seated on the upper deck for the best views, which is part of what makes this experience appealing. The guide’s live commentary adds a layer of storytelling, sharing interesting tidbits about the city’s holiday traditions and decorations.

The Route and Landmarks

The tour’s highlights include the enchanting snow of Oxford Street, the spectacular angels on Regent Street, and the impressive Christmas Tree at Trafalgar Square. These are classic London Christmas sights, and seeing them lit up at night from a bus feels quite festive.

However, some reviews indicate that the actual sightseeing might be somewhat limited. One reviewer expressed disappointment, saying, “We essentially just went up and down Regent St and Sq.” This suggests that, if you’re hoping for a comprehensive city tour, this might not fully deliver. Instead, it’s more about the ambiance and the lights than detailed sightseeing.

The Allure of the Guided Commentary

One of the tour’s strengths is the live guide. Travelers have appreciated the polite and cheerful staff, who answered questions and added some holiday charm to the experience. The multilingual audio guide, available in ten languages, ensures that international visitors also get some context about the sights and holiday traditions.

The Extras: Wi-Fi and Santa Hats

Adding Wi-Fi onboard may seem trivial but can be handy if you want to share holiday photos or look up something casually during the ride. The Santa hats are a cute touch, especially for families or those wanting to embrace the festive spirit.

Practical Details and Considerations

Ticket Price and Value

At $46.63 per person, this tour is a relatively affordable way to enjoy London’s lights from a comfortable spot. Considering it’s only about an hour, it’s more of a treat or quick snapshot rather than an in-depth experience. Some may feel it’s a bit pricey for what it offers, especially since there’s limited time and no stops.

Timing and Meeting Point

The tour starts at 1 Coventry Street, near Piccadilly Circus, a central spot easily accessible via public transport. The start time is usually in the early evening, just when the Christmas lights are at their best. However, some reviews highlight that arriving a few minutes early is crucial—traffic or street closures can delay start times. One reviewer even lamented missing the tour because they arrived late amidst rush hour.

Group Size and Atmosphere

The maximum group size is about 50 travelers, which keeps the experience lively but not crowded. The guided commentary and shared experience make it a friendly, communal activity perfect for those wanting a relaxed, holiday-focused outing.

Limitations

• No restroom onboard – plan accordingly.
• No food or drink included, so consider grabbing something before or after.
• Route disruptions sometimes occur due to road closures or traffic, which can impact what you see or how long you stay at certain landmarks.

Real Traveler Perspectives

From the reviews, opinions are quite mixed. A standout negative comment from Brian_L called it an “overpriced waste of time,” citing long traffic delays and route disruptions. It’s worth noting that traffic in London during the holidays can be unpredictable, and street closures are common during festive seasons, which can hamper the experience.

On the flip side, Ruth_C shared an enthusiastic review, calling it a “great way to start the holiday” and praising the beautiful lights and the top-deck views. Similarly, Anupma_S enjoyed the polite staff and the overall experience, highlighting the tour’s entertainment value.

One reviewer pointed out that the main focus is on Regent Street’s Christmas lights, which may leave some wishing for more landmarks or variety. This is important to keep in mind—if you want a more comprehensive sightseeing experience, you might look elsewhere.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for those looking for a quick, festive overview of London’s Christmas lights. It’s ideal if you’re short on time or prefer a cozy group setting with guided commentary. It’s also a charming activity for families or couples wanting to soak up holiday cheer without much walking or navigating crowds.

However, if you’re expecting a detailed or extensive sightseeing tour, or want to explore beyond Regent Street’s lights, you might find this a bit limited. Also, if you’re sensitive to traffic or punctuality issues, arriving early is essential.

The Sum Up

The London Tootbus Christmas Lights Tour offers a cheerful, accessible way to enjoy some of the most iconic holiday decorations in the city. With stunning views from the top deck and friendly guides, it captures the festive spirit without requiring a full day of sightseeing. Its affordable price point makes it a tempting option for travelers seeking a light-hearted, guided experience.

That said, it’s not without flaws. Traffic delays, a narrow route focus, and the lack of stops mean it’s more about the ambiance and quick glimpses than an in-depth exploration. If you’re after a fun, stress-free way to see London’s lights and don’t mind the limitations, this tour could be a delightful addition to your holiday plans.

On the other hand, if you crave more variety or detailed sightseeing, consider supplementing with other activities or tours. Overall, it’s a festive little ride that captures the magic of London’s Christmas season, perfect for those wanting a brief, joyful glimpse of the city’s holiday glow.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for families with children?
While not explicitly marketed as family-specific, the cheerful atmosphere, Santa hats, and festive vibe make it friendly for kids. Just note that there’s no restroom onboard, so plan accordingly.

How long does the tour last?
About one hour—perfect for a quick holiday activity or to fit into a larger sightseeing day.

Are the sights on the route very extensive?
Not necessarily. The focus is mainly on Regent Street, Oxford Street, Piccadilly Circus, and Trafalgar Square, so it’s more about the lights and festive atmosphere than a full sightseeing experience.

What’s included in the ticket price?
You get a seat on the bus, guided commentary, Wi-Fi onboard, and Santa hats to get into the holiday spirit.

Can the route be disrupted?
Yes, traffic, street closures, or other road disruptions can affect the route, possibly limiting what you see or reducing the overall enjoyment.

Is there a way to cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at 1 Coventry Street and ends back at the same meeting point, making it convenient for public transport access.

If you’re after a simple, festive experience that combines iconic London sights with holiday cheer, the Tootbus Christmas Lights Tour might just be what you’re looking for. Just keep expectations in check regarding route scope and potential delays, and you’ll likely enjoy a cheerful, quick holiday highlight.