London: Christmas Lights Open-Top Bus Tour

Key Points

• Duration: The tour lasts 1.5 hours, providing a quick yet thorough glimpse of London’s Christmas lights.
• Route Highlights: It covers major spots like Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, Oxford Street, and the London Eye.
• Start Point: The tour begins at Embankment Station, easily accessible via London’s underground network.
• Onboard Experience: Festive music accompanies the ride, creating a cheerful holiday atmosphere.
• Viewpoints: The open-top bus offers spectacular night views of London’s sparkling landmarks and colorful Christmas displays.
• Drop-off Options: Guests can choose to end the tour at Trafalgar Square for festive shopping or return to Embankment.

The London Christmas Lights Open-Top Bus Tour offers a festive 1.5-hour journey through the heart of London’s holiday season. Starting from Embankment Station, this tour takes passengers past some of the city’s most celebrated Christmas displays and landmarks. The open-top bus is decorated for the season, and festive music plays onboard, creating a joyful atmosphere that captures the spirit of Christmas in London.

This tour appeals most to those eager to see the city’s holiday lights in a quick, scenic way while enjoying iconic sights like Trafalgar Square, Oxford Street, and the London Eye. While the experience is largely self-guided (with no official guide on board), the route covers many of London’s most glittering and recognizable areas, making it a fun and accessible way to experience the season.

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Key Points

• 1.5-hour duration makes it a manageable addition to a busy holiday schedule.
• Departs from Embankment Station, a central and easy-to-reach location in London.
• Festive music on board enhances the holiday cheer while cruising past Christmas lights.
• Highlights include Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, Oxford Street, and Whitehall.
• Seats are allocated on a first come, first served basis, with options to sit in the covered front section on the top level for better protection against cold weather.
• Drop-off at Trafalgar Square allows for exploring the Christmas market and viewing the special Christmas tree.

The Route and Major Sights of London’s Christmas Lights

The tour begins at Embankment Station, placing it in a convenient central spot. From here, the bus heads along the Strand and passes the bustling Christmas market at Trafalgar Square, where visitors can browse stalls for handmade gifts and enjoy the festive atmosphere. The route includes a drive around St James’s and Piccadilly, where the beautifully inspired Anteros statue is surrounded by eye-catching Christmas lights.

Next, the bus moves to Regent Street, renowned for its impressive seasonal displays and shop window decorations, including the iconic Hamleys toy store. The journey continues past Oxford Street, where some of London’s most spectacular Christmas lighting is on show. While the open-top design allows for great views, some reviews note that the partially covered front section helps block out the cold, especially in winter weather.

The tour then heads back toward Whitehall, offering views of Downing Street, the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and the London Eye lit up at night. The route prioritizes major streets and landmarks, though some reviews mention that certain side streets and locations are not covered due to traffic or route constraints.

Visiting London’s Iconic Christmas Displays

Throughout the tour, travelers get a front-row view of London’s most celebrated Christmas lights. The Oxford Street lights are frequently praised for their dazzling displays, and the Regent Street decorations are known for their elegance. This is an excellent opportunity to capture stunning photos of the illuminated shops and festive window displays, especially since the open top of the bus provides unobstructed views.

At Trafalgar Square, the Christmas market and the towering Christmas tree add extra seasonal charm. While this is a drop-off point, it allows visitors the chance to stroll around, browse stalls selling hand-crafted goods, and enjoy the lively holiday atmosphere.

Practical Details: Meeting Point and Accessibility

The tour departs from bus stop 40B on Victoria Embankment, near Embankment Underground Station. The exact coordinates are 51.50807571411133, -0.12130309641361237. The bus is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for a wider range of visitors.

Seats are allocated on a first come, first served basis, which encourages arriving early to secure a preferred spot, particularly the covered front section on the top level. The open-top bus may be replaced with an enclosed vehicle in rainy weather to ensure passenger comfort.

Flexible booking options include free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the ability to reserve now and pay later, offering convenience for holiday planning.

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The Experience and Atmosphere on Board

While this is not a guided tour, festive music onboard contributes to an enjoyable environment. The driver, who is English-speaking, expertly navigates London’s traffic, as some reviews suggest that heavy traffic can cause slight delays. The driver’s skill and cheerful attitude are often highlighted as positives, helping to keep the mood light even during congested times.

The open-top design is ideal for viewing London’s Christmas lights, though some reviews note that the partially covered front section is beneficial for blocking wind and cold. Travelers are advised to dress warmly for the winter weather, especially if sitting in the uncovered sections.

How This Tour Compares to Similar Experiences

This particular Christmas lights bus tour is offered by Manchester Bus Tours Ltd and is comparable to other seasonal options in London, such as vintage bus tours, guided night excursions, or combined sightseeing packages. Its main strength lies in the self-guided route that covers major landmarks and festive displays, making it a flexible choice for those wanting a taste of London’s holiday sparkle without a guided commentary.

Some similar experiences include London Santa Bus, vintage bus tours, or guided Christmas lights tours with a live guide. Each offers slight variations, but this open-top, route-focused experience provides excellent value and convenience for holiday visitors who want to see the lights in a short timeframe.

Why You Should Consider This Tour in Your London Christmas Visit

The London Christmas Lights Open-Top Bus Tour offers a fun, scenic, and accessible way to enjoy London’s holiday decorations. The combination of festive music, iconic landmarks, and sparkling lights creates a lively atmosphere that captures the magic of Christmas in the city. Its central departure point and short duration make it suitable for those with limited time or looking for a quick overview of London’s holiday displays.

While not a guided tour with detailed narration, the route itself showcases many of London’s best Christmas sights. The spectacular views, especially from the open top, are a major highlight, as long as visitors come prepared for winter weather.

The drop-off at Trafalgar Square allows extra time to explore the Christmas market and soak up the seasonal cheer, making this tour a festive complement to more extensive sightseeing plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the bus tour suitable in bad weather?
Yes, the bus may be substituted with an enclosed vehicle if the weather is rainy or very cold, ensuring passenger comfort.

Can I reserve specific seats?
Seats are allocated on a first come, first served basis, with the front top seats being popular for views and protection from the elements.

Where exactly do I meet the tour?
The departure point is bus stop 40B on Victoria Embankment, near Embankment Underground Station, with coordinates 51.50807571411133, -0.12130309641361237.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts 1.5 hours, making it a short but festive experience suitable for fitting into a busy holiday schedule.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, the bus is wheelchair accessible, allowing more visitors to enjoy the experience.

What landmarks can I expect to see?
Major landmarks include Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, Oxford Street, Downing Street, Big Ben, and the London Eye.

Are there any reviews about the guide or driver?
While there is no guide onboard, reviews praise the driver’s driving skills and ability to navigate busy streets efficiently.

What should I bring?
Warm clothing is recommended, especially if sitting in the uncovered front section, as it can be cold and windy in winter.

This festive bus ride offers a charming way to see London’s magical Christmas lights, perfect for those seeking a quick holiday highlight with memorable views and lively atmosphere.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby