London Tootbus Christmas Lights Tour

If you’ve ever dreamed of experiencing London’s Christmas season from the top of a double-decker bus, the London Tootbus Christmas Lights Tour promises to deliver just that. For around an hour, you’ll cruise through some of the city’s most iconic streets, marveling at festive lights and decorations while listening to lively commentary from a guide. This tour has garnered mixed reviews, but it remains a popular choice for those wanting a quick, accessible way to soak up London’s holiday spirit.

What we appreciate most about this experience is its convenient location—starting at Coventry Street—and the guided storytelling that accompanies the lights. Plus, the inclusion of Wi-Fi and Santa hats makes it feel a bit more special. However, a notable consideration is that some guests felt the route could be affected by traffic or road closures, which may influence the overall experience. This tour suits visitors looking for a casual, festive cruise around central London and don’t mind the possibility of traffic delays.

Key Points

• Easy to access from central London with a mobile ticket and near public transportation.
• Focused on Regent Street and surrounding landmarks, with key stops at Oxford Street, Piccadilly Circus, and Trafalgar Square.
• Live guided commentary in English, with audio options in ten languages, adding context to the sights.
• Includes Wi-Fi and Santa hats, enhancing the holiday atmosphere.
• Duration of about one hour makes it a quick, manageable activity.
• Mixed reviews highlight some issues with traffic and route changes, so flexibility is important.

What Makes the London Tootbus Christmas Lights Tour Special?

This tour offers a unique perspective—viewing London’s Christmas decorations from the open top of a double-decker bus. The views of London’s sparkling streets are undeniably beautiful, especially when the city lights are at their brightest. The tour’s route takes you past Oxford Street’s famous snow of stars, Regent Street’s spectacular angels, and Trafalgar Square’s grand Christmas Tree, providing great photo opportunities and a sense of holiday magic.

A big plus is the guided commentary, which brings to life London’s festive traditions and stories. Onboard, you’ll find Wi-Fi, allowing you to share photos or look up more about what you see, and Santa hats are included to boost the holiday spirit—an extra touch that adds to the fun.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

Starting Point: Coventry Street

The tour kicks off at 1 Coventry Street, right in the heart of London’s bustling West End. This easy-to-reach location is near major attractions and public transport, making it simple for visitors to meet up.

Oxford Street and the Snow of Stars

Your first stop takes you to Oxford Street, where the famous snow of stars lighting display creates a winter wonderland effect. Visitors have commented that this is a highlight, with the lights “beautiful” and a great way to start the tour. However, some reviews note that the bus often gets caught in traffic, which can limit how much time you spend viewing each spot.

Regent Street’s Angels and Festive Displays

Next, the bus heads to Regent Street, renowned for its stunning angel decorations. The street transforms into a shimmering corridor of holiday cheer, which many describe as “spectacular.” The brightly lit angels are a favorite among viewers, and hearing the guide share stories about the decorations adds depth to the experience.

Trafalgar Square’s Christmas Tree

The final major stop is Trafalgar Square, home to the impressive Christmas Tree. This focal point of London’s festive celebrations is often packed with visitors, and seeing it illuminated from the bus offers a new perspective.

End of Tour

The tour concludes back at the original meeting point on Coventry Street, providing a convenient finish for travelers who plan to explore further or head back to their accommodations.

Who Will Benefit Most from This Tour?

This experience is well-suited for holiday travelers seeking a festive, visual overview of central London’s Christmas lights. It’s ideal for those who appreciate guided commentary and want a comfortable, social environment to see the city’s decorations without a long walk or standing in crowds.

However, it may not satisfy visitors looking for a comprehensive sightseeing tour, as the route primarily focuses on Regent Street and nearby landmarks. If you’re interested in seeing a broader range of London’s sights, you might want to combine this with other activities.

The Value and Practicalities

At $46.63 per person, the tour offers a fair price for an hour of entertainment, especially considering the inclusion of Wi-Fi and Santa hats. Still, some reviews suggest that traffic can be a significant issue, impacting the overall enjoyment. One reviewer shared frustration about arriving just after the bus had left, highlighting the importance of punctuality and arriving early.

The group size is capped at 50 travelers, which keeps the atmosphere relatively intimate, but the actual experience can feel crowded if many book at once. The live English commentary is described as friendly and knowledgeable, with particular praise for the staff’s politeness.

It’s important to note that restrooms are not available onboard, and food and drink are not included. Travelers should plan accordingly, perhaps grabbing a quick snack beforehand.

Authentic Experience Insights

One reviewer appreciated the guides’ politeness and enthusiasm, saying they answered questions and made the tour more engaging. Conversely, another guest criticized the route for being limited mainly to Regent Street’s lights, suggesting it may feel somewhat narrow in scope.

Several guests highlighted the brightness and beauty of the decorations, describing the lights as “beautiful” and “bright enough to brighten up a dull winter evening.” The inclusion of Wi-Fi was also a hit, as it allowed sharing the moment instantly or researching the sights while on the move.

Practical Tips for Participants

• Arrive at least a few minutes early to ensure you don’t miss the start, especially during busy holiday periods.
• Dress warmly, as you’ll be outside on the open-top bus, and London winter evenings can be chilly.
• Consider bringing your own snacks and drinks, since none are provided onboard.
• Keep your device charged if you plan to use Wi-Fi extensively or take photos.
• Be aware that traffic delays may affect the timing and route, so flexibility is key.

The Sum Up

The London Tootbus Christmas Lights Tour offers a fun and picturesque way to enjoy London’s festive decorations from the comfort of a double-decker bus. The inclusion of guided stories, Wi-Fi, and holiday-themed accessories makes it a cheerful activity, especially for those short on time or visitors wanting a relaxed way to see the lights.

While some guests have expressed frustration over traffic and route limitations, many still find it good value for the price, particularly if they want to combine sightseeing with a joyful holiday atmosphere. The experience shines brightest when the lights are at their most impressive, and the guides bring enough enthusiasm to keep the mood lively.

This tour is best suited for families, first-time visitors, or holidaymakers who want a light, guided overview of London’s Christmas displays in a friendly, social setting. If your priority is a comprehensive sightseeing experience, consider supplementing this with other tours or walks.

FAQ: Your Questions About the London Tootbus Christmas Lights Tour

Does this tour include a restroom onboard?
No, there are no restrooms on the bus, so plan accordingly before the tour starts.

Can I cancel the tour if I change my mind?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance. Last-minute changes cannot be refunded.

Is the tour suitable for children or service animals?
Yes, most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed.

How long is the tour?
It lasts about one hour, making it a quick way to enjoy the lights without a lengthy commitment.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins and ends at 1 Coventry Street, central London.

What languages are available for the audio guide?
Audio commentary is available in 10 languages, with live English guides also on board.

Will traffic delays affect my experience?
Yes, some reviews mention that traffic can cause delays or route restrictions, especially during busy holiday evenings.

Are food or drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not provided. Bring your own if desired.

Is Wi-Fi available during the tour?
Yes, free Wi-Fi is offered onboard to share your views or look up information.

What’s the best time to join the tour?
Evening hours are ideal, when the lights are dazzling, but arriving early is recommended to avoid missing the start.

In the end, if you’re after a cozy, illuminating journey through London’s Christmas streets with friendly guides and festive touches, this tour might be just the ticket. Just keep in mind that traffic and route limitations can affect the overall experience, but the chance to see London sparkle from the top of a double-decker bus remains a memorable holiday treat.