Bus tours are one of the best ways to experience the magic of London during the Christmas period.
With decorations appearing on streets all over the city, many say London is at its best during the festive season.
Here, we share the 12 best Christmas lights bus tours in London, where you can tour the city’s most impressive Christmas light displays. We include some alternative ways to see the Christmas lights as well!
Is a bus tour the best way to see the Christmas lights in London?
Bus tours are the best way to take in the Christmas lights in London. You can see many impressive light displays in one go without arranging travel to each one.
You can see the lights from the comfort of a bus, without worrying about parking and other logistics.
Christmas lights bus tours can also make for a magical festive experience because you’re seeing the most impressive light displays in the city.
On the downside, you can’t explore the streets at your own pace or walk around. But if that is your preference, we have a few walking tours and other alternative tours at the end of the list. These tours allow you to take your time at each location.
Best Christmas lights bus tours in London
Book from £29.00: London by Night
London by Night
Starting point: Southbank, SE1
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Tour type: Open-top bus tour
An open-top bus offers unbeatable views of Christmas lights in London. This London by Night tour gives you panoramic views of the best Christmas scenes and famous sights. Complete with live commentary, it makes for a great bus tour experience.
What areas does the London by Night tour cover?
The London by Night Christmas lights bus tour takes you past the London Eye, Westminster Abbey and Big Ben. It then carries on to the lights on Oxford Street, Regent, Piccadilly Circus and the Christmas tree at Trafalgar Square.
Reviews of London by Night
The London by Night tour had 4.3 out of 5 stars from 361 reviews on Viator.
Reviewers found the Christmas lights beautiful. They loved sharing the experience with travellers from around the world. The tour guides were said to be excellent at telling stories and jokes.
Some found London’s history more than they expected. They also noted that there was lots of traffic on the roads. It’s recommended to wrap up warm, too, as the open top gets chilly on a winter’s night.
Where to book London by Night
Book London by Night from £29.00 online.
London vintage bus tour
Starting point: Victoria, SW1
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours 10 minutes
Tour type: Bus tour
What could feel more London than viewing the magical lights from a restored 50-year-old vintage bus?
With an open upper deck, this bus tour covers the major sights and Christmas lights. There’s live commentary and a good look at the giant Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square.
Note that the busy traffic can alter the duration of the tour.
What areas does the London vintage bus tour cover?
This vintage bus tour takes you past Trafalgar Square, Harrods, Piccadilly Circus, Houses of Parliament, Regent Street, Oxford Street, Apsley House, Westminster Abbey and Whitehall.
Reviews of the London vintage bus tour
The London vintage bus tour received 3.9 out of 5 stars from 98 reviews on Viator.
The reviews appreciated the views from the open upper deck. But they reminded future visitors that it gets very cold. So wrap up warm and bring a blanket!
They found the narration helpful and the driving to a good standard. You should grab some snacks or drinks before boarding to enjoy the tour. They also said the tour featured other history and parts of London, not just the Christmas lights.
Some found the commentary difficult to hear, though. Visitors loved the Christmas lights and the amazing decorations.
Where to book the London vintage bus tour
Book the London vintage bus tour from £32.00 online.
Open-top bus Christmas lights tour
Starting point: Leicester Square, WC2
Duration: 1 hour
Tour type: Open-top bus tour
This open-top bus tour is a great way to see the Christmas lights. With a new route for 2024, you can surely see the best of London’s decorative lights. The tour includes a commentary explaining the history of British Christmas traditions. There is also free Wi-Fi onboard.
What areas does the open-top bus Christmas lights tour cover?
The open-top bus tour takes in the lights at Oxford Street, Regent Street, Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, Oxford Circus and Hamleys Toy Shop.
Reviews of open-top bus Christmas lights tour
London City Bus Tours has 4 out of 5 stars from customers.
The tour was a positive experience for people despite the rain, though they suggested coming prepared for wet weather. They said that the commentary was good, too. The staff was found to be helpful. It is recommended as fun for all ages.
Where to book open-top bus Christmas lights tour
Book the open-top bus Christmas lights tour from £30.00 online.
Singalong Christmas Bus Tour
Starting point: Victoria, SW1
Duration: 90 minutes
Tour type: Bus tour
This Singalong Christmas Bus Tour plays your favourite Christmas songs to join in with. Visiting famous landmarks after dark with Christmas lights adds to the singing for a fun, festive experience.
Food and drinks are also provided. You’ll get mince pies, shortbread and a choice of mulled wine, hot chocolate or orange juice.
What areas does the Singalong Christmas Bus Tour cover?
The Singalong Christmas Bus Tour visits famous landmarks and Christmas lights, including the lights along Oxford Street and the Christmas tree at Trafalgar Square.
Reviews of Singalong Christmas Bus Tour
Golden Tours operates the tour and has 4 out of 5 stars from 19,716 reviews on Tripadvisor.
The reviews for the Christmas tour found that it was a great way to see the lights while avoiding crowded streets. They advised sitting on the upper deck for the best views. Inside, the bus was warm enough, too.
The reviews found the guides enthusiastic and well-informed. However, some reviewers found elements of the tour, such as the queuing, a bit disorganised.
Where to book Singalong Christmas Bus Tour
Search ‘Singalong Christmas Bus Tour’ on Golden Tours to find the latest schedule and book from £32.00.
Brigit’s Bakery Christmas – afternoon tea bus tour
Starting point: Victoria, SW1
Duration: 80 minutes
Tour type: Vintage bus tour
Brigit’s Bakery Christmas tour serves a delicious afternoon tea while seeing sights from a vintage bus. With a themed Christmas afternoon tea menu, enjoy a festive treat and see the lights by booking on to the 5:30 pm tour.
Brigit’s Bakery also offers a Grinchmas Afternoon Tea Bus Tour with a festive, Grinch-themed menu. There are also Christmas afternoon tea tours with a Peppa Pig and Paddington theme, which might be great if you have kids.
What areas does the Brigit’s Bakery Christmas bus tour cover?
Brigit’s Bakery Christmas afternoon tea bus tour takes the same route as its standard tours, though it adds Christmas lights. The tour includes Marble Arch, Park Lane, Brook Street, Hanover Square, Cavendish Square, Wigmore Street, Regent Street, Piccadilly Circus, Haymarket, Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree and White Hall.
Reviews of Brigit’s Bakery Christmas bus tour
Brigit’s Bakery has 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,314 Google reviews.
Reviewers of Brigit’s Bakery bus tours loved how cute the bus looked, all decorated for Christmas. They enjoyed the Christmas music as well as the sights and Christmas lights.
Many found the cakes and desserts delicious, though they pointed out that they were very sweet. There were also vegan, gluten-free and halal options. There were some moments where the journey was a bit bumpy.
Where to book Brigit’s Bakery Christmas bus tour
Book Brigit’s Bakery Christmas bus tour from £67.00 online at the Brigit’s Bakery website.
Christmas lights walking tours in London
Book from £28.76: Christmas lights guided tour with Christmas music
Christmas lights and markets
Starting point: Covent Garden, WC2
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Tour type: Walking tour
On this walking tour, you’ll visit Christmas markets and lights in London. It feels like going back in time, with secret gardens and hidden alleys. The guide shares the history of Christmas traditions along the route. Mulled wine is also included.
What areas does the Christmas lights and markets tour cover?
This walking tour takes you to Christmas markets and lights from Covent Garden to Trafalgar Square. It also features a secret garden and hidden alley.
Reviews of Christmas lights and markets tour
The tour has 5 out of 5 stars from 34 Viator reviews.
The reviews loved the delicious mulled wine included in the tour. They found the guide knowledgeable and also loved that he had one hand to take pictures. It was recommended for kids, too.
Where to book Christmas lights and markets tour
Book the Christmas lights and markets tour from £45.00 online.
Christmas Lights Hunt – a magical mystery in London
Starting point: Oxford Circus, W1
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Tour type: Interactive walking tour
Christmas Lights Hunt is a walking tour with a twist. Head out on a magical mystery, solving clues and puzzles sent to your phone. Following along, you are led on a Christmas lights tour around London.
You are out to help Santa rediscover his Christmas spirit, and your decisions alter the storyline. There are breakpoints built in for food and drinks.
What areas does the Christmas Lights Hunt tour cover?
The Christmas Lights Hunt takes you on a trail around London, visiting some of the best Christmas lights and landmarks. It starts at Oxford Circus and finishes at Covent Garden.
Reviews of Christmas Lights Hunt
City Days, who set up the experience, has 4.5 out of 5 stars from 122 reviews on Viator.
Where to book Christmas Lights Hunt
Book the Christmas Lights Hunt tour from £17.50 online.
Christmas lights guided tour with Christmas music
Starting point: Fitzrovia, W1
Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
Tour type: Silent disco walking tour
How about seeing the Christmas lights of London while dancing down the street? The Silent Disco Christmas Lights tour lets you do just that!
Head out with a guide and a curated smash hits and Christmas classics playlist.
Get hilarious commentary from your guide along the route. Headphones are provided, and singing and dancing are encouraged.
What areas does the Christmas lights with music tour cover?
The Christmas lights with music tour starts at the Marquis of Granby pub and heads to Oxford Street, finishing back at the pub.
Reviews of Christmas lights with music tour
The Christmas Silent Disco tour has 5 out of 5 stars from 68 reviews on Tripadvisor.
Those who went on the tour found it perfect for getting into the spirit of Christmas. It was said to be lots of fun spreading Christmas cheer around London.
Lots of silliness was involved, and they were recommended to come wearing lights and Christmas hats. Reviewers found some of the lights fantastic, discovering new locations for seeing decorations.
Everyone loved getting to sing and dance together through the streets.
Where to book Christmas lights with music tour
Book the Christmas lights with music tour from £28.76 online.
Private Christmas lights walking tour
Starting point: Covent Garden, WC2
Duration: 2-3 hours
Tour type: Private tour
On this walking tour, you get a personal guide exclusive to your group. Your guide will show you London’s most famous light displays. And learn all about Christmas traditions in the UK.
Your guide is also on hand to take pictures at all the photo opportunities on this tour.
What areas does the private Christmas lights walking tour cover?
On the private Christmas lights tour, you will visit Covent Garden Market, The Strand, Trafalgar Square, Regent Street, Hatchards bookshop, Fortnum & Mason, Bond Street, South Molton Street, Oxford Street, Carnaby Street, Piccadilly Circus.
Reviews of private Christmas lights walking tour
The tour has 5 out of 5 stars from 3 reviews on Viator.
Reviews found the guide knowledgeable, sharing facts and history along the way. This added to the experience, making it more than just about Christmas lights.
Where to book private Christmas lights walking tour
Book the private Christmas lights walking tour from £150.00 per group.
Alternative Christmas lights tours in London
Book from £389.00 for up to six people: London black cab Christmas lights tour
Christmas lights cycling tour
Starting point: Lambeth, SE11
Duration: 3 hours
Tour type: Cycling tour
Explore the Christmas lights of London by bike thanks to this cycling tour. A bike and helmet are included with the booking, as well as Santa hats! Pedal through the streets decked out for the festive season and cover more ground than you would walking.
What areas does the Christmas lights cycling tour cover?
The Christmas lights cycling tour takes you to Sloane Square, Harrods, Hyde Park, Bond Street, Oxford Street, Carnaby Street, Regent Street, Seven Dials, Covent Garden and the Southbank. The latter includes a visit to a Christmas market.
Reviews of Christmas lights cycling tour
The Christmas lights cycling tour has 4.8 out of 5 stars from 49 reviews on Viator.
People loved that they got to cover a lot of ground and see lights in different parts of the city. They said there was lots to see among the Christmas lights and historical sights. They found the guide to be fun and knowledgeable. The music played was enjoyable, too.
Reviews said to be aware of the crowds and traffic but added that the guide ensured everyone felt safe.
Where to book Christmas lights cycling tour
Book the Christmas lights cycling tour from £39.95 online.
London black cab Christmas lights tour
Starting point: hotel pickup
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Tour type: Private tour
With this London black cab Christmas lights tour, you’ll be picked up directly from your hotel. Enjoy the drive between Christmas lights in a traditional black cab entirely exclusive to your group.
You can also get out and stroll to really feel the magic. You can help shape the tour to include locations of your choice, too!
What areas does the London black cab Christmas lights tour cover?
The London black cab Christmas lights tour starts at your hotel. From there, help curate your route. See lights in Mayfair, Chelsea, Belgravia and Kensington and top sights, including the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, the London Eye and the Tower of London.
Finish the tour at your hotel or Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park.
Reviews of the London black cab Christmas lights tour
London black cab Christmas lights tour has 4.8 out of 5 stars from 73 reviews on Viator.
On the tour, people saw lights that they hadn’t seen before, covering lots of London.
They said that the guide was informative and a great storyteller. The guide accommodated requests and also helped people take lots of pictures.
Reviewers found that it made for an excellent choice for groups with a wide age range.
Where to book the London black cab Christmas lights tour
Book the London black cab Christmas lights private tour from £389.00 per group online.
Night photography Christmas lights tour
Starting point: Charing Cross, WC2
Duration: 3 hours
Tour type: Private tour
Try this tour if you want photos that capture the magic of Christmas. This private workshop will provide expert guidance on photographing London at Christmas. You’ll learn composition and technique at the best locations. You must bring your own camera, but the tour is suitable for all types. It’s also 16 years+.
What areas does the night photography Christmas lights tour cover?
The night photography Christmas lights tour helps you take photos at Charing Cross, Trafalgar Square, Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus, Regent Street, Soho, Carnaby Street and Oxford Street.
Reviews of night photography Christmas lights tour
The night photography Christmas lights tour has 5 out of 5 stars from 2 reviews on Viator.
The reviewers said they learned many useful skills for night photography. They found that the skills would also prove useful for taking photos beyond the tour.
One reviewer was impressed by the quality of the images they were able to produce, finding them sharp and non-grainy.
Where to book night photography Christmas lights tour
Book the night photography Christmas lights tour from £245.00 online.
What is the best Christmas lights tour in London?
The best Christmas lights tour in London is the Singalong Christmas Lights Bus Tour from Golden Tours. It’s a reasonable price and includes food, drink and singing. The London by Night tour is another good option, taking in all the best Christmas lights and being one of the cheapest options.
For something a bit different, you could try the silent disco walking tour. You could also head off on a treasure hunt, solving clues to find Christmas lights with the Christmas Lights Hunt tour.
To cover more ground, taking in the lights of the festive season by bicycle is an option or booking a private black cab for a more luxurious experience.
Christmas lights
What is the best bus route in London to see Christmas lights?
The best bus route in London to see Christmas lights is number 139 or 453, as both of these travel down Regent Street and past Trafalgar Square. These are the areas of London most famous for Christmas lights and decorations. You could also consider booking onto a Christmas lights bus tour.
These tours exclusively visit Christmas lights spots, often from an open-top bus for the best views. Take a look at the Singalong Christmas Lights Bus Tour or London by Night.
Where are the prettiest Christmas lights in London?
The prettiest Christmas lights in London are usually found along Regent Street. Oxford Street and Carnaby Street also have some of the prettiest Christmas lights. This area has beautiful lights lining the streets and impressive shop window displays. Some of the area’s iconic shops, including Fortnum & Mason and Liberty, also have brilliant Christmas lights. Trafalgar Square also has pretty Christmas lights, along with the famous Christmas tree that towers up into the sky.
Where is best to see the Christmas lights in London?
The best places to see Christmas lights in London are Regent Street, followed by Oxford Street and Carnaby Street. These streets are famed for their impressive Christmas lights and decorations. The many shops have beautiful, Christmas-themed displays. Iconic shops such as Fortnum & Mason and Liberty also display Christmas lights and decorations. Trafalgar Square is an excellent place to see Christmas lights, thanks to the giant Christmas tree that is shown in the Square every year. You could also see the Christmas lights displays at Kew Gardens. The gardens are elaborately decorated each year into a magical Christmas lights phenomenon.
Alternatives to Christmas lights bus tours
Walking tours, cycling tours, and Christmas light photography tours are all great alternatives to a Christmas lights bus tour. You can take more time on each street. If you own a car, you could also drive around the different streets one evening.
Bus tours aren’t the only way to see the lights of London. Many other tours offer unique experiences and reveal hidden spots to delight in the magic of Christmas.
So, whether you travel by bus, black cab, on foot, or bike, we hope you enjoy the beautiful lights throughout the streets of London.
