London: North Pole Express Tour with Santa & Festive Fun

The London North Pole Express: A Festive 70-Minute Holiday Journey

The London North Pole Express with Santa & Festive Fun offers a charming holiday adventure through the heart of South East England. Priced at an accessible level, this 70-minute open-top bus tour departs from Bay 3, Bulleid Way, near Victoria Coach Station. It features a lively mix of Santa meet-and-greet, festive storytelling, and spectacular London city lights—all wrapped in a joyful Christmas package. While the tour garners a 3.5 out of 5 rating from 13 reviews, it remains a popular choice for families seeking a seasonal outing, especially given its family-friendly activities and cozy extras such as blankets, hats, cookies, and hot chocolate.

The experience is designed to capture the magic of Christmas with interactive activities, live storytelling, and holiday sing-alongs led by cheerful hosts. The open-top deck allows visitors to admire London’s iconic landmarks illuminated for the holidays, making this tour both visually stunning and fun-filled. However, some reviews point out that weather conditions can affect the comfort level, especially on the open upper deck, and there have been mixed impressions about the overall presentation. Still, for those eager to enjoy a festive cityscape with special touches from Santa and his elves, this tour offers a memorable outing during the holiday season.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Duration of 70 minutes makes this a brief, manageable holiday activity.
• Meet Santa onboard and receive a special Christmas gift.
• Enjoy lively storytelling and carol sing-alongs to boost the Christmas spirit.
• Open-top deck offers views of London’s holiday lights and landmarks.
• Cozy extras such as blankets, hats, cookies, and hot chocolate enhance the experience.
• Accessibility: The tour is wheelchair accessible on the lower deck, but the upper deck is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Starting Point Near Victoria Coach Station

The tour departs from Bay 3, Bulleid Way, close to Victoria Coach Station. TopView staff, dressed festively, guide visitors to the bus, making the check-in process straightforward. Arriving at least 15 minutes before departure ensures a smooth start, as the bus leaves promptly at scheduled times. The coordinates 51.4937, -0.1458 help pinpoint the exact location.

What to Expect During the Festive Ride

Once aboard, festive décor and cheerful hosts greet visitors with warmth and holiday cheer. The live storytelling sessions bring Christmas traditions to life, engaging all ages with tales and songs. Children have the chance to interact with Santa’s elves and conductor, participating in fun activities and laughter.

The onboard Santa is present to hear wishes and distribute gifts, creating a personal moment of holiday magic. During the ride, travelers can sip hot chocolate, enjoy a Christmas cookie, and take in the dazzling views of London’s lights—especially striking when seen from the open-top deck. The tour’s short duration ensures an energetic and lively experience, perfect for families with young children or those seeking a festive city outing.

The Dazzling Views of London’s Christmas Lights

One of the main attractions on this tour is the view of London’s iconic landmarks illuminated for the holidays. The open-top deck provides a vantage point to see landmarks such as Victoria, Westminster, and the Thames decorated for Christmas. The dusk or evening timing amplifies the effect of the holiday lights, making for spectacular photo opportunities.

However, weather conditions can impact visibility and comfort, especially on the top deck. Some reviews note that seating on the upper level can be too cold, so dressing warmly is highly recommended. Despite this, the visual spectacle of London’s holiday lighting remains a highlight of this tour, adding a magical glow to the festive atmosphere.

More Great Tours Nearby

Interactions with Santa, Elves, and the Conductor

The meet-and-greet with Santa is a major feature of this experience, giving children the chance to share wishes and receive a Christmas gift. The elves and conductor join in the holiday fun, leading songs and activities that foster a lively and interactive environment.

While the entertainment aims to create a joyful festive mood, some reviews critique the costumes and presentation, mentioning poorly fitting costumes and lack of animation. Still, the overall cheerful atmosphere, combined with personal interactions with Santa, contributes to a warm holiday feeling.

Cozy Extras and Festive Treats on Board

To enhance comfort, blankets and hats are provided, helping passengers stay warm during the open-top ride. The inclusion of hot chocolate and Christmas cookies adds a homely touch to the experience, making it more festive and enjoyable. These extras are appreciated, especially in colder weather, and contribute to a family-friendly vibe that suits children and adults alike.

Accessibility and Practical Tips

The tour is wheelchair accessible on the lower deck, but visitors should be aware that the upper deck is not wheelchair accessible. It is advisable to dress warmly, as the open-top nature exposes guests to the elements, and ponchos are provided if needed. Arriving at least 15 minutes early ensures comfort and allows time to settle in before the departure.

The seating is pre-assigned, and groups booking together are seated together where possible. The tour operates in all weather, so checking the forecast and dressing accordingly can make a significant difference in the enjoyment of the ride.

The Experience Provider: TopView London

The TopView London operator manages this holiday cruise, marketing it as a festive, family-friendly event. While some reviews express disappointment about certain aspects of the presentation, the overall structure aims to combine sightseeing, storytelling, and holiday cheer into a single short journey. The flexible booking options—reserving now and paying later or canceling up to 24 hours in advance—offer practical convenience for planning during the busy holiday season.

Comparing Similar Christmas Tours in London

This tour joins a lineup of London Christmas light tours, including vintage bus journeys, night bus rides, and light bites experiences. Links to similar experiences suggest options with live guides or different routes that can suit various tastes. However, the North Pole Express emphasizes interactive fun with Santa and the visual appeal of London’s holiday lights, making it a distinctive choice for families wanting a short but festive adventure.

Final Thoughts: Is the London North Pole Express Worth It?

The London North Pole Express offers a short, lively holiday experience with Santa meet-and-greets, storytelling, and spectacular city views. Its 70-minute duration makes it a convenient outing during the busy Christmas season, and the cozy extras add to the festive atmosphere.

That said, the mixed reviews highlight that weather conditions, costume quality, and presentation style may not meet everyone’s expectations. It’s best suited for families with children who enjoy interactive holiday activities and city sightseeing from an open-top bus. Those seeking a more polished or elaborate show might consider alternative options, but for a fun, seasonal outing, this tour delivers a heartwarming Christmas experience in London.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 70 minutes.

What is included in the price?
Passengers enjoy festive storytelling, carol sing-alongs, meeting Santa, a Christmas gift, hot chocolate, cookies, and blankets and hats.

Where does the tour start?
The departure point is Bay 3, Bulleid Way, near Victoria Coach Station.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is family-friendly and includes activities designed for children, such as meeting Santa and participating in singing.

Can I bring a wheelchair?
The lower deck is wheelchair accessible, but the upper deck is not.

What should I wear?
Warm clothing is recommended, especially for the open-top deck; ponchos are available if needed.

Is the tour operated in bad weather?
Yes, the tour proceeds in all weather conditions; dressing warmly is advised.

What are the cancellation policies?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

How are seats assigned?
Seats are pre-assigned, and groups booking together are seated together where possible.

What are the reviews like?
The average rating is 3.5 out of 5, with some reviews praising the joyful atmosphere and others noting disappointments with presentation and organisational issues.

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