London: Christmas Lights Santa Sleigh Open-Top Tour

Imagine cruising through London’s Christmas season on a decorated open-top “Santa” bus for 1.5 hours, immersing in the city’s dazzling holiday lights. Starting from Embankment Station, this tour guides you beneath twinkling lights along the West End, passing landmarks like Big Ben and the London Eye. With festive music onboard, you’ll enjoy seasonal cheer while marveling at the city’s illuminated streets, including Oxford Street, Regent Street, and Whitehall.

A notable highlight is the option to be dropped off at Trafalgar Square, where stalls offer handcrafted goods and the iconic Christmas tree stands tall. This tour offers a lively and accessible way to experience London’s festive atmosphere, though some reviewers feel the value may be limited relative to the cost. It’s an engaging choice for those who want to see London’s holiday lights from an open-top vehicle and enjoy the bustling Christmas market vibe.

Key Points

• Duration: 1.5 hours, perfect for a quick festive overview
• Route: Includes Oxford Street, St James’s, Whitehall, and landmark views like Big Ben and the London Eye
• Highlights: Dazzling Christmas lights, seasonal displays, festive music, and Trafalgar Square drop-off
• Accessibility: Starts at Embankment Station; bus may switch to enclosed in wet weather
• Cost and booking: Reserve now, pay later; cancellations allowed up to 24 hours in advance
• Reviews: Mixed opinions, with some feeling the trip is expensive for what it offers

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Starting Point at Embankment Station Near the Thames

The tour departs from Bus Stop 40B, a short walk from Embankment Underground Station. The meeting point is easy to find, located at WC2N 6PB, with coordinates 51.50807571411133, -0.12130309641361237. From here, the bus heads directly into the heart of London’s festive West End.

The meeting spot is convenient for travelers using the London underground, rail, or bus services. The tour’s flexibility allows for a smooth start to your Christmas lights adventure, with the option to reserve your spot in advance and cancel up to 24 hours before.

The Festive Route for Christmas Lights Viewing

This tour takes you along popular streets decorated with seasonal displays. It begins on the Strand, passing by the Christmas market at Trafalgar Square, where stalls sell handcrafted items and the famous Christmas tree lights up the square. The route then takes a loop around St James’s and Piccadilly, showcasing the elaborate statue of Anteros inspired lights.

Next, Regent Street’s Christmas illuminations and shop window displays, including the famous Hamleys toy store, are on display. The Oxford Street lights are highlighted as some of the most spectacular in London, providing a truly festive visual spectacle from the open-top bus. As the bus heads back along Whitehall, you’ll see famous government buildings and landmarks like Downing Street, the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and the London Eye, all lit up at night.

The Experience of Seasonal Music on Board

One of the tour’s appealing features is the festive music played during the ride. This adds to the holiday spirit and helps set a joyful, celebratory mood as the bus drives through the illuminated streets. The music complements the visual spectacle and makes the experience more immersive, especially during the evening hours.

Visiting Trafalgar Square’s Christmas Market

A key part of this tour is the drop-off at Trafalgar Square, giving visitors time to explore the Christmas market. Stalls here offer hand-crafted goods, perfect for holiday shopping or simply enjoying the lively atmosphere. The Christmas tree in the square is a central feature, and the market provides a bustling backdrop to your festive experience.

Alternatively, visitors can choose to stay on the bus and head back to Embankment, depending on how much time they wish to spend at the market or exploring nearby attractions.

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How the Tour Handles Weather and Seating

Since the bus is open-top, the experience is best enjoyed in dry weather. However, the provider may substitute the open-top bus for an enclosed bus in wet conditions, ensuring comfort regardless of the weather.

Seats are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, with no priority boarding or reservations. This means arriving early is recommended if you want a preferred spot, especially during busy holiday periods. The driver, who is English-speaking, leads the tour and navigates the route, which may be affected by city center road closures caused by demonstrations or events.

Meeting and Booking Flexibility

The tour offers flexible booking options. You can reserve your spot in advance and pay later, allowing you to secure a place without immediate payment. Full refunds are available if you cancel up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure, providing peace of mind amid unpredictable schedules or weather.

The Cost and Overall Perception

While the tour lasts only 1.5 hours, some reviews suggest that the price may feel high for the experience. The tour’s advertised highlights include viewing London’s Christmas lights and landmarks with music, but opinions vary on the value. One review states the trip is “not recommended” due to cost, while another finds it a “very nice outing” despite traffic delays.

Comparing Similar London Christmas Light Tours

This experience is one of several options in London, including vintage bus or night tours, and those featuring live guides or Mince pies. Links to similar experiences are available, giving travelers options to find one that best suits their preferences and budget.

Final Thoughts on the London Christmas Lights Santa Sleigh Open-Top Tour

This tour offers a festive, accessible way to see London’s holiday lights, especially for those who enjoy being outdoors on an open-top bus. The route covers major streets and landmarks, with the option to visit Trafalgar Square’s Christmas market, making it ideal for a quick, scenic overview of London’s Christmas decorations.

However, the cost and short duration could be limiting factors for some. The festive music and landmark views are definite plus points, but travelers should be prepared for potential traffic delays and the weather-dependent nature of the open-top experience.

This tour suits visitors looking for a light, cheerful Christmas outing with ease of access and the opportunity to explore central London’s festive sites from a comfortable, open-air vantage point.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the bus open-top or enclosed?
The bus is typically open-top but may be switched to an enclosed vehicle in rainy or wet weather.

Can I reserve seats in advance?
Seats are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis; reservations are for booking only, not for specific seats.

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs for 1.5 hours.

Where does the tour start?
The departure point is Bus Stop 40B, near Embankment Station, at WC2N 6PB.

Can I get dropped off at Trafalgar Square?
Yes, you can choose to be dropped off at Trafalgar Square to explore the Christmas market and see the Christmas tree.

Is there a refund policy?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance.

What landmarks are visible on the route?
Expect to see Big Ben, London Eye, Houses of Parliament, Downing Street, and illuminated streets like Oxford Street and Regent Street.

Is there seating reservation?
No, seating is on a first-come, first-served basis with no priority.

How is the weather considered?
In case of rain or bad weather, the open-top bus may be replaced by an enclosed bus.

Who provides this tour?
The tour is operated by Manchester Bus Tours Ltd.

What is the overall value of this experience?
While the highlights are festive and scenic, some find the cost high relative to the 1.5-hour duration, making it more suitable for those seeking a quick festive sightseeing option.

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