London: Christmas Lights Sightseeing Open-Top Bus Tour

Imagine cruising through the heart of London as it transforms into a glittering winter wonderland. That’s what this Christmas Lights Sightseeing Tour promises: a chance to see iconic landmarks illuminated against the night sky, all from the cozy comfort of an open-top bus. With festive music, lively commentary from Santa, and the chance for some fun holiday selfies, it offers a spirited way to celebrate the season.

We really appreciate how this tour combines the visual feast of London’s Christmas lights with cheerful audio entertainment — it’s designed to get you into the holiday mood. Plus, the unobstructed views from the open-air deck mean you won’t miss a single twinkle or glow. However, keep in mind that some reviews mention the tour’s duration can feel a tad short, especially given London’s busy traffic. This experience is ideal for those wanting a cheerful, family-friendly way to enjoy London’s Christmas sparkle without the hassle of navigating on foot or private transport.

If you’re after a relaxed, festive evening with a dash of fun and humor, this tour might be just what you need. It’s especially suited for visitors seeking a quick but lively overview of London’s best Christmas sights. Just be prepared for chilly weather and a crowded, lively atmosphere — it’s definitely a holiday experience rather than a museum tour.

Key Points

• Festive atmosphere: Sing along to Christmas songs with fellow travelers, creating a lively holiday vibe.
• Iconic sights: View London’s famous landmarks like Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, and Westminster Bridge all dressed in Christmas lights.
• Informative commentary: Enjoy entertaining and joyful narration, including special festive touches from Santa.
• Great for selfies: The open-top bus provides perfect, unobstructed views ideal for holiday photos.
• Limited inclusions: No hotel pick-up or drop-off, and food/drinks are not included, so plan accordingly.
• Short but spirited: The 1.5-hour duration may feel brief, especially in London traffic, but it offers a concentrated dose of Christmas cheer.

The Experience: What to Expect

The tour kicks off at Stop 22 on Haymarket, outside the Tiger Tiger restaurant, a lively spot right in central London. From there, the bus heads through the streets, offering a glittering display of London’s Christmas lights. Expect to see Oxford Circus, Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, and Westminster Bridge lit up in holiday splendor, with each landmark glowing against the evening sky.

One of the tour’s best features is the unobstructed, open-air view. You can easily snap holiday selfies with London’s famous landmarks as a festive backdrop. The bus’s open-top design is perfect for capturing the twinkling lights — a real bonus for those looking to create memorable holiday photos.

The audio commentary is lively and festive, narrated by Santa himself — or, at least, a recording of Santa bringing holiday cheer. Reviewers mention that the commentary enhances the experience, making it more engaging for both children and adults. Plus, the soundtrack of Christmas songs and carols creates a joyful, communal atmosphere. Some guests noted that singing along with strangers added a fun, almost karaoke-like element to the experience.

Stops and Highlights

The route is designed to showcase the most iconic Christmas light displays, making it an excellent way to see the best of central London’s festive decorations without the hassle of walking or navigating crowded streets. Highlights include Trafalgar Square’s giant Christmas tree, illuminated Piccadilly Circus, and the stunning lights along Westminster Bridge.

Duration and Timing

The tour lasts around 90 minutes. You can choose from multiple departure times, mostly between 4:30 pm and 8:10 pm, depending on the date. The timing is perfect for catching the lights when they are most spectacular — after sunset, when London really comes alive in holiday colors. However, some reviews mention that traffic can affect the duration and experience, with one noting the tour doubled as a busy, traffic-jammed ride.

Comfort and Practical Tips

Since the tour is conducted on an open-top bus during winter, dress warmly — layers, a hat, and gloves are recommended. Travelers also suggest bringing a camera to capture the twinkling lights. The bus is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for all.

The Value: Is It Worth It?

At $47 per person, the ticket offers a decent value for a fun, festive hour and a half. You’re paying for the experience of seeing London’s Christmas lights from a unique vantage point, along with the entertainment and communal cheer of singing along. It’s a great way to get into the holiday spirit without breaking the bank, especially considering how much you might spend on tickets to individual attractions or crowded Christmas markets.

That said, some reviewers feel the tour is a bit short for the price. One person mentioned it was “more than expected” in terms of length, but also noted the bus route was busy and repetitive, with some feeling it could be more lively and engaging. The included entertainment and the chance to see London’s most famous holiday sights make up for this, especially if you’re after a quick, joyful overview rather than an in-depth tour.

The Experience from Recent Reviews

• One guest from Australia loved the combination of beautiful lights, fun commentary, and Christmas music, describing it as a “really enjoyable” experience.
• A reviewer from Belgium found the tour “expensive” for what was seen, mentioning only some illuminations and the lack of multilingual audio, which could be a consideration if you’re not fluent in English.
• A UK traveler appreciated the free Santa hat and the opportunity to see the lights away from crowds, though noted the guide could have been more lively.

Who Is This Tour For?

This experience is perfect for visitors who want a fun, festive highlight of London’s Christmas season without committing to long walking tours or multiple tickets. It suits families, couples, and even solo travelers who want a lighthearted evening filled with holiday cheer. If you love holiday music, iconic sights, and a lively atmosphere, you’ll likely enjoy this tour. It’s also a handy option if you want a quick overview of London’s main Christmas light displays, especially for those short on time.

However, if you’re looking for a more comprehensive or quieter experience, or if you want to explore London’s Christmas markets and attractions up close, this might feel somewhat limited. The route is mostly designed for visual spectacle rather than in-depth storytelling or sightseeing.

The Sum Up

The London Christmas Lights Open-Top Bus Tour offers a cheerful, lively way to enjoy the city’s holiday sparkle. Its unobstructed views, festive soundtrack, and commentary from Santa make it a joyful experience, especially suited for those looking to add some holiday magic to their trip. While some may find the duration a bit short or the route busy, the overall vibe is warm, fun, and photogenic.

It’s best suited for travelers wanting a light, social celebration of London’s Christmas lights — a perfect short outing to lift spirits and capture holiday memories. The value for money holds up when you consider the sights, the fun atmosphere, and the convenience of jumping onto a ready-made holiday experience.

If you’re after a memorable, cheerful, and visually stunning way to see London’s Christmas decorations, this tour could be just the ticket. Just bundle up, bring your camera, and get ready for a festive night on wheels.

FAQ

Is there hotel pickup and drop-off included?
No, the tour does not include hotel pickup or drop-off. You need to meet at Stop 22 on Haymarket outside Tiger Tiger restaurant.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours, though some reviews note it can feel shorter due to traffic.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly — layers, a hat, and gloves are recommended since the bus is open-top and it can get quite cold in the evening.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the bus is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for all guests.

What are the departure times?
Departure times vary depending on the date, generally between 4:30 pm and 8:10 pm, with specific options available on different days.

Can I cancel my ticket?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure, providing flexibility if your plans change.

This open-top bus tour offers an engaging, festive snapshot of London’s Christmas season, blending stunning lights, joyful music, and lively commentary into one memorable holiday experience.