Brussels: Open Top Christmas Lights Tootbus Tour

If you’re dreaming of experiencing Brussels in its holiday glow, this Open Top Christmas Lights Tootbus Tour offers a lively, if occasionally imperfect, way to soak in the city’s festive atmosphere. For about $33 per person, you’re invited to hop onto a bright green, 100% electric open-top bus and enjoy a one-hour journey through some of Brussels’ most illuminated neighborhoods and landmarks.

The tour visits highlights like the Grand Place, Justice Palace, Dansaert, Place Sainte-Catherine, Brussels Christmas Market, and other Instagram-worthy spots, all decked out in dazzling lights. Along with the sights, you’ll get a live guide in English and French and a holiday playlist to set the mood. It’s a cheerful way to add some sparkle to your holiday plans, especially if you’re traveling with family or friends eager to see the city’s festive side.

What we love about this experience is how it provides an easy, scenic overview of Brussels during its Christmas peak — perfect if time is tight but you want a taste of the holiday magic. The fact that the bus is electric is a bonus, making the ride more environmentally friendly and offering a quieter, smoother journey. Plus, the inclusion of Wi-Fi onboard means you can share your photos or look up more about the sights you’re passing.

However, there are some considerations to keep in mind. The tour duration is only about an hour, so it’s a quick snapshot rather than an in-depth exploration. Plus, based on some reviews, the experience can be marred by weather conditions and issues such as poor sound quality or guide language disparities. This tour might be less ideal if you’re seeking a perfectly seamless experience or detailed commentary.

This tour could be a great fit for travelers who want a fun, festive overview of Brussels during Christmas, especially if you’re short on time, traveling with kids, or looking for a lighthearted holiday activity. Just be prepared for some potential hiccups, especially related to comfort and communication.

Key Points

• Festive Highlights: Covers major Christmas spots like the Grand Place and Brussels Christmas Market.
• Eco-Friendly Ride: The bus is fully electric, offering a quieter and greener experience.
• Guided Commentary: Live bilingual guide with a holiday playlist, enhancing the festive atmosphere.
• Limited Duration: Only about one hour, making it a quick, scenic overview rather than an in-depth tour.
• Weather Sensitivity: Rain and condensation can impact visibility and overall experience.
• Booking & Flexibility: Fully cancellable up to 24 hours in advance, with the option to reserve and pay later.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Brussels Christmas Lights Tour

Starting Point and Schedule

The tour departs from 90 rue Antoine Dansaert in Brussels, a central location convenient for most travelers. You can choose between two stops — either at Place De Brouckère or back at the starting point — but once you disembark, re-boarding isn’t possible. The schedule varies, so it’s important to check availability beforehand to see the specific start times for your preferred day.

What’s Included and What’s Not

For $33, you get the open-top bus ride with live commentary in English and French, plus a holiday-themed playlist that adds to the festive vibe. Wi-Fi onboard means you can share photos or browse as you go.

A notable bonus is an offer for a free hot chocolate at the Cécémel chalet at Place De Brouckère, just by showing your tour ticket. It’s a small treat that complements the warm, cozy feeling of Christmas in Brussels.

What to Expect on the Tour

As we settled into the open-air bus, bundled up with hats, scarves, and gloves, it became clear that weather could be a deciding factor. The illuminated streets and landmarks create a magical scene, perfect for photos, but rain and condensation can sometimes obscure views or muffle the audio.

The route takes you past Instagram-worthy sights like the Grand Place, where the Christmas tree and lights make a stunning centerpiece. The Justice Palace, with its grand architecture, looks especially majestic lit up at night. Another favorite is the Dansaert district, buzzing with lights and lively holiday shoppers.

You’ll also pass through areas like Place Sainte-Catherine, Saint-Géry, and Avenue Louise, all decorated with Christmas lights that make Brussels feel truly magical. The Brussels Christmas Market itself is a highlight, offering vendors, festive stalls, and a lively holiday atmosphere.

Guiding and Atmosphere

The live guide, speaking both in English and French, shares insights and stories about each location. However, some reviews suggest that guide commentary can sometimes favor French, which may leave English-speaking travelers feeling less engaged. Chiara, one reviewer, noted that her experience was marred by poor audio quality and a guide who “had zero thought for English speakers.”

The holiday playlist on board adds a cheerful background, although again, some reviews mention that earphones or audio devices weren’t provided, making it harder to hear the guide clearly. These factors can diminish the overall enjoyment, especially if the weather is less than cooperative.

Authentic Experiences and Authenticity

This tour isn’t about in-depth history or cultural insights — it’s more about seeing the city sparkle and feeling the holiday spirit. For many, that’s exactly what they’re after: a quick, joyful glimpse of Brussels in Christmas mode.

For some travelers, it’s a perfect way to start an evening or wrap up a day of sightseeing, especially given the price point and the easy logistics. For others, especially those seeking detailed commentary or a more comfortable experience, it might fall short.

Weather and Comfort Considerations

Given the open-top design, rain, snow, or cold temperatures can impact how much you enjoy the ride. One reviewer lamented the condensation and rain that blocked views and made it difficult to see or hear. Think carefully about dressing warmly and perhaps bringing ear protection or waterproof gear if rain is forecast.

Value for Money

At $33, this tour offers a reasonably priced snapshot of Brussels’ Christmas highlights. It’s a convenient way to see multiple landmarks without the hassle of navigating public transport or walking long distances in cold weather. However, the short duration and potential weather issues might make it less suitable if you’re craving a comprehensive experience or detailed commentary.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re a traveler who values quick, scenic glimpses of a city dressed in holiday lights and doesn’t mind the potential for weather issues or guide language gaps, this tour could suit you well. It’s ideal for families, couples, or groups on a tight schedule who want to check the holiday boxes without committing hours.

However, if your priority is comfort, detailed insights, or a seamless bilingual experience, you might want to look for other options or plan for supplementary activities. It also might not be the best choice for those traveling in bad weather or seeking a more quiet, contemplative experience.

Final Thoughts

This Brussels Christmas Lights Tour offers a festive, fun way to glimpse the city’s holiday decorations from a different perspective. The electric bus and live guided commentary in two languages add a touch of modern eco-consciousness and cultural flavor.

Still, the experience’s success depends heavily on weather conditions and guide delivery. It’s a short jaunt, perfect for those who want a lighthearted holiday activity but perhaps less ideal if you’re seeking an in-depth or exceptionally comfortable experience.

Overall, it’s value-oriented and family-friendly, especially if you’re looking for a quick dose of Christmas cheer amid your Brussels trip. Just be prepared for the possibility of weather-related surprises and guide discrepancies—then you’ll be able to focus on the lights and the holiday spirit.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children up to age 3 can travel for free and should sit on your lap. Children aged 4-12 pay a child rate, making it an accessible activity for families.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans change.

Where does the tour start?
The bus departs from 90 rue Antoine Dansaert in Brussels, a central location easy to reach by public transport or walking.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the bus is wheelchair accessible, making it a considerate option for travelers with mobility needs.

What’s included in the price?
Your ticket includes the open-top bus ride, live commentary in English and French, a Christmas playlist, and Wi-Fi onboard.

What about the weather?
Since the bus is open-top, rain, snow, or condensation can impact visibility and comfort. Dress warmly and consider weather conditions before booking.

Will I get to see the Christmas lights at specific landmarks?
Yes, the route highlights major decorated spots like the Grand Place, Justice Palace, and Brussels Christmas Market. But note that once you disembark, re-boarding isn’t possible.

Is the tour available at night?
Yes, as it’s a Christmas lights tour, it’s best enjoyed after sunset when the lights truly shine, typically in the evening hours. Check availability for your specific date.

By balancing festive sights with practical details, this Brussels Christmas Lights Tour can be a charming addition to your holiday itinerary — just go with realistic expectations about weather and guide communication. Happy holiday exploring!

You can check availability for your dates here: