Brussels: Open Top Christmas Lights Tootbus Tour

Travelers looking to experience Brussels’ holiday sparkle often consider the Open Top Christmas Lights Tootbus Tour as a festive way to see the city’s illuminated landmarks. This one-hour, guided ride offers a chance to soak in the holiday magic from an open-air bus deck, providing views of Brussels’ most iconic spots decorated for Christmas.

What we find appealing about this experience is the combination of festive scenery, a live guided tour in both French and English, and the eco-friendly aspect of traveling on a 100% electric bus. It’s a family-friendly outing, perfect for those wanting a quick, accessible way to enjoy Brussels’ holiday lights without dedicating hours to walking or separate sightseeing excursions.

However, some reviews point out potential pitfalls—most notably, the lack of earphones for Christmas music and guides who may focus more on French than English. Plus, weather conditions like rain and condensation can impact visibility and overall enjoyment. This tour would suit visitors who value a relaxed, guided overview of Brussels’ Christmas decorations, especially if you’re short on time or traveling with family.

Key Points

• Festive scenery: Perfect for capturing Instagram-worthy photos of Brussels’ Christmas lights and landmarks.
• Guided experience: Offers live commentary in both English and French, enhancing your understanding of the city’s sights.
• Eco-friendly transport: The use of a 100% electric bus makes this a greener option.
• Limited duration: One hour means it’s a quick overview—great as an introduction or evening activity.
• Weather dependence: Rain and condensation can interfere with visibility and audio quality.
• Mixed reviews: Some travelers report issues with audio, guide attentiveness, and overall value.

Exploring the Experience in Detail

What the Tour Promises and What You Can Expect

This brisk, one-hour ride is designed to maximize your holiday sightseeing with minimal fuss. Starting from 90 rue Antoine Dansaert, the bus takes you through a carefully curated route of Brussels’ most photogenic spots decked out in Christmas splendor. You’ll pass landmarks such as the Grand Place, famous for its glittering Christmas tree, and the Justice Palace, which looks stunning against a backdrop of holiday lights.

The route also includes stops at Dansaert, Place Sainte-Catherine, Saint-Géry, and the European Quarter, among others. Each location offers unique photo opportunities, from historic buildings adorned with fairy lights to lively Christmas markets. The Cinquantenaire Park and Brussels Park provide spacious, scenic spots, especially beautiful under the glow of festive decorations.

The Atmosphere and Audio Experience

One of the main highlights of this tour is the live-guided commentary. Guides typically speak both French and English, offering insights into the city’s history, architecture, and Christmas traditions. However, some guests, like Chiara, noted that “overly French speaking guide zero thought got the English speakers,” implying that the bilingual narration might not always be perfectly balanced.

Music on board is available via a Christmas playlist, intended to add to the festive spirit. Sadly, some reviews report no earphones were provided, meaning guests couldn’t listen to the holiday tunes or guides clearly, especially if condensation or rain affected the audio system. If you’re expecting a lively Christmas playlist or detailed commentary, it’s worth being aware of these potential issues.

Comfort and Practicalities

The open-top bus offers fresh air and great views, but it also means you’ll need to dress warmly—hats, scarves, gloves are a good idea, especially in winter. The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it convenient for more mobility-challenged travelers.

Wi-Fi is included, providing a chance to share your photos instantly or look up additional details about the sights. The tour is costed at $33 per person, which provides a relatively affordable way to enjoy the city’s Christmas glow, especially when considering that some attractions or guided walks may cost more or take longer.

The Value for Money

At $33, this tour offers decent value for a quick overview of Brussels’ festive scenery, especially if you’re short on time or want an easy, guided experience. The live guides, available in two languages, add educational value, and the Instagrammable spots ensure you’ll leave with plenty of memorable photos.

However, reviews caution that some parts of the experience may fall flat. For example, Chiara’s review lamented the absence of earphones and poor audio quality during rain, which resulted in missing the Christmas tunes and the guide’s commentary. For some, that might make the experience feel less immersive or worthwhile.

How It Compares to Other Experiences

If you’re considering this tour versus other sightseeing options like museums or longer guided walks, remember that it’s short and scenic rather than deeply educational. It’s ideal if you’re seeking a lighthearted, festive activity rather than a comprehensive city tour.

Compared to other hop-on-hop-off or more comprehensive Brussels tours, this Christmas lights ride is more specialized, focusing on the holiday decorations and the atmosphere. For those who prioritize environmentally conscious travel, the electric bus is a plus.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience suits families with children, couples looking for a romantic holiday outing, and anyone wanting a quick, festive overview of Brussels’ Christmas lights. It’s particularly appealing if you want to capture photos and enjoy the sights without a strenuous walking tour.

However, if you’re a music lover or detail-oriented traveler, be prepared for some limitations—like the potential absence of music or audio clarity issues. Those expecting a highly detailed commentary might find this tour a bit superficial but still charming for its scenic highlights.

The Sum Up

The Brussels Open Top Christmas Lights Tootbus Tour offers a light and breezy way to enjoy the city’s holiday decorations, with the advantage of guidance in two languages and beautiful photo opportunities. Its electric bus adds an eco-conscious touch, and the route covers many of Brussels’ most loved landmarks decorated for Christmas.

While the experience provides good value and a fun, festive atmosphere, some reviews highlight audio issues and guide attentiveness, which could detract from the experience if you’re expecting perfect sound and commentary. The weather can also impact your enjoyment—rain and condensation are common complaints.

This tour is best suited for families, casual sightseers, or those short on time who want a visual and atmospheric introduction to Brussels’ Christmas season. It’s not designed for deep learning or immersion but offers a charming, accessible way to get into the holiday spirit.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children up to 3 years old can travel for free on their parents’ lap. Child rates apply for kids aged 4-12, making it family-friendly.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts about 1 hour and is a non-stop ride, so plan accordingly if you’re tight on time.

Where does the tour depart from?
It departs from 90 rue Antoine Dansaert, in central Brussels, with options to stop at the Christmas Market or return to the starting point.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, giving you flexibility if your plans change.

Are there guided commentary in English and French?
Yes, the guides speak both languages live during the tour, although some reviews suggest the English narration may sometimes be less detailed or less prioritized.

Is Wi-Fi available onboard?
Yes, Wi-Fi is included, allowing you to share photos or look up additional info during the ride.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly—hats, scarves, gloves—as the open-top deck exposes you to the winter elements.

Is this tour accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, it is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for more travelers.

In the end, this tour is a charming, if occasionally imperfect, way to celebrate Christmas in Brussels. It’s perfect if you’re seeking a short, scenic, and festive outing but might leave those craving more-depth or high-quality audio slightly disappointed.