London Tootbus Christmas Lights Tour

If you’re visiting London during the holiday season, the Tootbus Christmas Lights Tour offers a lively, cozy way to see some of the city’s most famous holiday displays. Priced at around $46.63 per person, this 1-hour mobile ticket experience takes you through illuminated streets aboard a classic double-decker bus, with live commentary from a guide who shares festive stories along the way.

Two things we love about this tour are the spectacular views from the bus’s upper deck—nothing beats looking out over twinkling streets—and the Wi-Fi onboard, which keeps everyone connected or entertained during the ride. A third perk is the inclusion of Santa hats, adding a playful, holiday touch that makes the experience feel even more special.

A potential consideration is that the tour can be disrupted by city traffic and road closures, especially during busy holiday evenings. Some reviewers mention feeling like they spent more time stuck in traffic than enjoying the sights, so it’s worth arriving early and being patient.

This tour suits travelers who love city lights and festive atmosphere but don’t mind a limited itinerary that focuses mainly on Regent Street, Oxford Street, and Trafalgar Square. If you’re after a quick, lively overview of London’s holiday sparkle with friendly guides and a festive vibe, this could be a good fit.

Key Points

• Convenient overview of London’s famous Christmas lights from a double-decker bus
• Live guided commentary enriches the experience with holiday stories
• Wi-Fi onboard keeps everyone connected during the ride
• Focus on Regent Street and Oxford Street for the most impressive displays
• Traffic disruptions can affect timing and route
• Suitable for most travelers, especially those looking for a festive city tour

An In-Depth Look at the London Tootbus Christmas Lights Tour

What the Tour Offers

This one-hour tour is designed to give you a quick but memorable glimpse of London’s holiday decorations. Starting at 1 Coventry Street, right in the heart of central London, it’s easy to reach via public transport. From there, you’ll hop on a double-decker bus, which is a classic London experience in itself, especially decked out with Santa hats—a fun touch that instantly puts you in the holiday spirit.

The tour covers the city’s most iconic lit-up streets, including Regent Street, famous for its angels display, Oxford Street, with its sparkling snow effect, and Trafalgar Square, where the enormous Christmas tree makes a striking sight. The live commentary, available in 10 languages, adds a layer of context and history, making it more than just a sightseeing ride.

What we really appreciate is the view from the top deck. You get a bird’s-eye perspective of the city’s Christmas lighting, which transforms London into a glowing winter wonderland. The Wi-Fi is handy for sharing photos or following along with the commentary.

How the Itinerary Unfolds

The tour mainly focuses on Regent Street, known for its impressive angels and bright lights, and Oxford Street, where the famous snow-themed decorations create a festive canopy. Trafalgar Square, with its towering Christmas tree, is also a major highlight.

A review from a traveler in December 2023 notes, “What a great way to start off our holiday visit to London! The lights were beautiful and we saw them from the top of our double-decker bus.” This encapsulates the experience well: a quick, scenic way to enjoy the holiday glow without the hassle of wandering on foot.

That said, some reviews point out that the route can be affected by traffic and road closures, especially in peak holiday times. One reviewer lamented missing the tour because of arriving late and the bus leaving before they could get there. It’s crucial to plan for a few minutes early arrival.

Pros and Cons of the Tour

Pros

• The stunning views from the upper deck are a highlight, especially at night when London is lit up.
• The knowledgeable guides provide entertaining, festive commentary that enriches the experience.
• The Wi-Fi onboard allows for photos and sharing your holiday moments instantly.
• Affordable for a city tour of this nature, considering the convenience and spectacle.

Cons

• Traffic and road closures can cause delays or route changes, which might frustrate travelers looking for a more structured experience.
• The limited itinerary means you mainly see Regent and Oxford Streets and Trafalgar Square, not a broader tour of London’s Christmas displays.
• No restroom onboard, so plan accordingly if you need a quick break.
• The tour does not include food or drinks, so it’s best to plan a meal before or after.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you enjoy city lights, festive decorations, and a bit of storytelling in a relaxed setting, this tour is a good pick. It’s especially suitable for first-time visitors wanting a quick overview and for those who appreciate high vantage points. However, if you’re expecting to see a broad range of landmarks or want a more comprehensive Christmas experience, you might find it somewhat limited.

The Authenticity Factor

What makes this experience stand out is the authentic London ambiance—riding a classic bus through streets decorated for Christmas. The guide’s stories add a personable touch, making the tour feel less like a generic sightseeing ride and more like sharing a local holiday tradition.

Price and Value Analysis

While $46.63 might seem steep for a 60-minute bus ride, the value comes from the convenience, views, and festive atmosphere. For those who want a fun, light-hearted way to see London’s holiday lights without the hassle of navigating crowded streets on foot, it offers decent value. However, if you’re after a more extensive or intimate experience, you might want to explore other options.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Arrive early at the starting point to avoid missing the tour due to traffic.
• Bring warm clothing and a hat or scarf—even with Santa hats onboard, London evenings in winter can be chilly.
• Take advantage of the Wi-Fi to snap photos or follow along with commentary.
• Consider combining this tour with a walk around Trafalgar Square afterward for a more detailed look at the Christmas tree.
• Keep in mind that the route can change due to traffic, so stay alert for announcements from your guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour, providing a quick snapshot of London’s Christmas lights.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at 1 Coventry Street and ends back at the same point, making it easy to plan your day.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, with Santa hats included and a festive atmosphere, children generally enjoy the experience. Be aware that the ride is mostly seated and in a vehicle, so very young kids should be comfortable with bus travel.

Are there restrooms onboard?
No, the tour does not include restrooms on the bus, so plan ahead before boarding.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the Wi-Fi reliable?
The onboard Wi-Fi is provided free of charge, allowing you to stay connected or share your experience during the ride.

What if there’s bad traffic?
Traffic can cause delays or route changes, especially during busy evenings. It’s recommended to arrive early and be flexible.

Is the guide’s commentary available in other languages?
Yes, audio guides are available in 10 languages for added accessibility.

Final Thoughts

The London Tootbus Christmas Lights Tour offers a fun and practical way to see some of London’s most famous holiday displays from a comfortable vantage point. Its main appeal lies in the spectacular views from the upper deck and the festive atmosphere created by Santa hats and lively commentary.

While it’s not a comprehensive tour of all London landmarks, it provides a sparkling, city-wide glimpse of the Christmas season that many travelers find delightful. It’s particularly suited for those short on time or visitors who want a lighthearted, social experience with friends or family.

The tour’s value for money depends on your expectations—if you’re looking for a quick, festive photo opportunity and some cheerful storytelling, it’s a solid choice. But if you prefer a more extensive exploration or want to avoid the potential delays caused by city traffic, consider supplementing with other experiences.

This tour is a good option for holiday cheer on a budget that values views, ambiance, and a relaxed pace. For travelers who want a memorable, view-packed introduction to London’s Christmas sparkle, it’s worth considering.

Happy holidays and enjoy the lights!