London Christmas Lights Tour by Vintage Bus Open Top

Imagine cruising through London’s streets on a classic 1960s Routemaster, wrapped in holiday cheer, with the city’s most famous Christmas lights sparkling above you. This 75-minute vintage bus tour offers a joyful way to see London at its most festive, blending iconic sights with lively commentary and a genuinely fun atmosphere.

We love the unique perspective of seeing the city’s holiday decorations from the open-air upper deck, combined with the charm of riding in a vintage bus. It’s a memorable way to soak up the Christmas spirit without the crowds on foot or the hassle of navigating busy streets yourself.

One thing to keep in mind is that, due to London’s busy roads and frequent closures, not every landmark on the route is guaranteed to be visible, so flexibility is key. This experience suits those who want a relaxed, entertaining, and visually stunning introduction to London’s holiday season — perfect for families, couples, or groups celebrating together.

Key Points

• Vintage Charm: Ride aboard an authentic 1960s Routemaster bus, guaranteed a top deck seat.
• Festive Highlights: Marvel at Oxford Street’s lights, Harrods’ window displays, and the Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park.
• Humorous Commentary: Guides share funny stories, holiday jokes, and interesting facts that bring the tour to life.
• Ideal for Sightseeing: See major landmarks from the open air, avoiding the dense crowds on foot.
• Weather Considerations: Dress warmly; it can get quite chilly up top, especially at night.
• Flexible Booking: Cancel up to 24 hours before for a full refund, and book now with pay later options.

The Experience: A Detailed Look at the Tour

Starting Point and Introduction

The adventure begins outside the Grand Hotel at 8 Northumberland Avenue, right in the heart of central London. From here, you’ll board a vintage Routemaster, decked out in festive decorations — a sight that instantly sets a cheerful tone. The meeting point is straightforward, but arriving early ensures a good spot on the top deck, which is where you’ll want to be for the best views.

The Route and Sightseeing Highlights

The route is specially designed to showcase London’s most dazzling Christmas displays. While exact roads can vary due to traffic or road closures, the tour typically takes you past major shopping streets and holiday attractions. This means you’ll see Oxford Street’s spectacular lights and window displays at Harrods, which are often the highlight for many visitors. Several reviewers noted the stunning visual impact of riding beneath these luminous displays, with one describing it as “breath-taking.”

You’ll also pass Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland, a festive hub filled with rides, markets, and holiday treats. Though the route may not always include every landmark, the guides strive to maximize the best views and share amusing anecdotes along the way. As Emma put it, “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 a lot from our informative guide.”

Guides and Commentary

One of the tour’s standout features is the lively commentary. Guides like Tom, Ben, and Ollie are praised for their humor, friendliness, and knowledge. They crack jokes, share Christmas trivia, and keep the atmosphere light and fun — even when traffic slows things down. Bruna mentions that her guide, Ben, made the experience “unforgettable” with his jokes and personality, and Juliette recalled how her guide played Christmas requests and made the tour “so much fun.”

The guides also point out interesting tidbits about the city’s architecture and history, which adds a layer of depth to what otherwise might be a simple lights tour. The humorous and personable guides seem to be a favorite part for many reviewers, with some noting that they kept everyone entertained despite the cold or traffic delays.

Comfort and Practicalities

Being seated on the top deck means great views, but it also means you’ll need to dress warmly, especially in December. The tour often runs in the evening when temperatures drop, and some reviews mention that blankets are provided—though bringing your own warm layers is advisable. Tips from travelers include wearing hats, scarves, and gloves to enjoy the full experience comfortably.

Seats are allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis, so arriving early is recommended if you want the best vantage points. The open-top design offers fantastic photo opportunities, but be prepared for the weather — rain, wind, or cold can impact the comfort level. Several reviewers pointed out that despite the chill, the experience was worth it, especially for the stunning views and festive atmosphere.

Duration and Value

The tour lasts approximately 75 minutes, which many find to be a perfect window to explore the lights without tiring out. Some guests noted the tour felt a bit shorter, around 57 minutes, but still plenty of time to enjoy the sights. Considering the ticket price, most agree it’s good value for a unique way to see London’s holiday sparkle, especially when you factor in the fun guides and the novelty of riding in a vintage bus.

The price point is pretty reasonable for the experience, and with flexible booking options allowing free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, there’s little risk in giving it a try. Keep in mind that food and drinks aren’t included, so plan to grab a hot chocolate or mulled wine before or after the tour.

Authentic Insights from Reviewers

A recurring theme is the positive impact of the guides. Carolyn called her guide’s timing “perfect for the traffic and lights,” while Yvonne said the driver and guide were “very friendly and fun people.” Multiple reviews appreciated how the guides kept the energy high, even in colder weather, with one reviewer mentioning that the guide played Christmas requests and kept everyone entertained.

The views are another common highlight. Trisha described riding beneath the “magical lights of Oxford and Regent Streets” as “breathtaking,” and Bailey praised the chance to see London’s lights “from above,” avoiding the crush of foot traffic. Cody summed it up nicely: “This is the best way to see all of the lights without the foot traffic. Highly recommend!”

However, some caution about the weather was shared, with Emma noting the cold and Daniella suggesting bringing tissues for wet chairs after a rainy evening. These practical tips can make the experience even more enjoyable.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for those seeking a relaxed, festive overview of London’s Christmas displays. It’s ideal if you want to see the lights without fighting crowds or walking long distances. Families with children, couples celebrating, or friends looking for a cozy, fun night out will all find something to love.

It also appeals to people interested in quirky, vintage experiences and those who enjoy a good laugh with their sightseeing. If you’re after expert commentary and engaging guides, this tour delivers in spades. Just dress warmly and be prepared for possible delays or weather surprises.

The Sum Up: Is It Worth It?

For a combination of iconic sights, holiday magic, and vintage charm, this London Christmas Lights Tour offers great value. The open-top ride in a classic Routemaster provides an authentic, joyous way to kick off your holiday season, especially if you prefer sightseeing with a side of humor and personality.

The guides are clearly a highlight, making the experience feel more like a festive party than just a tour. While the route can vary due to London’s busy streets, the overall vibe and views remain enchanting. It’s a perfect low-stress activity for those wanting to enjoy London’s Christmas atmosphere without the hustle and bustle of busy streets.

If you’re visiting London during the holidays and want a memorable, scenic introduction to the city’s festive lights, this tour is a charming choice. Just remember to dress warmly, arrive early for the best seats, and get ready to enjoy a jolly, light-filled adventure through the heart of London.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts about 75 minutes, though some guests reported it felt closer to 57 minutes. It’s enough time to see the key sights and enjoy the atmosphere without it dragging on.

Where does the tour start?
It begins outside the Grand Hotel at 8 Northumberland Avenue, London WC2N 5BY. Arriving early is recommended for securing top deck seats.

Are seats guaranteed on the top deck?
Seats are allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis, so arriving early helps secure the best vantage points.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly! The top deck is open and can get quite cold, especially at night. Bringing blankets or layers is a good idea.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, cancellations are free if made up to 24 hours in advance. This gives you flexibility if your plans change.

Is food or drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included. You might want to bring a hot beverage or plan to enjoy seasonal treats before or after the tour.

Will I see all the landmarks listed?
Not always. Due to traffic and road closures, some landmarks might be missed, but guides will do their best to show you the highlights.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, it’s family-friendly, especially for those who enjoy festive sights and a lively guide. Just dress warmly and be ready for the cold.

In summary, the London Christmas Lights Tour by Vintage Bus offers a cheerful, scenic, and fun way to celebrate the holidays. With engaging guides, stunning views, and a vintage feel, it’s a memorable part of any festive London itinerary — especially if you cherish quirky experiences wrapped in holiday magic.