London Christmas Lights Tour by Vintage Double-Decker Bus

Imagine gliding through London’s bustling streets on a restored 50-year-old vintage bus, wrapped in cozy layers, as the city twinkles with holiday lights. For about an hour and a half to two hours, you’ll cruise past Oxford Street, Regent Street, Trafalgar Square, and more, soaking in London’s festive glow without the hassle of walking through crowded sidewalks. Led by an engaging local guide, this tour offers a blend of spectacular views, lively commentary, and a nostalgic ride that transports you back in time.

What we love most is how this tour provides a relaxed way to see the city’s twinkling lights while sitting comfortably atop a vintage bus — giving you a perspective many visitors miss. Plus, the informative commentary helps you appreciate the history and grandeur of London’s famous landmarks and Christmas displays.

A potential drawback? Since the bus is open-topped and often chilly, you’ll want to come prepared with warm clothing, hats, gloves, and maybe a blanket. Also, the route can change depending on traffic or road closures, which might mean fewer glimpses of certain streets or lights. Still, this tour appeals most to those wanting a fun, convenient, and scenic way to experience London at its holiday best — especially if you enjoy being outdoors and soaking in festive sights from a comfortable, vintage setting.

If you’re visiting London during Christmas and love lights, history, and a bit of vintage charm, this tour could be a delightful addition to your holiday itinerary.

Key Points

• Unique Experience: Riding on a vintage 50-year-old double-decker bus offers nostalgia and a different perspective of London.
• No Crowds on Foot: You see many of the city’s famous Christmas sights without battling busy sidewalks.
• Expert Commentary: The lively guides share interesting facts about the landmarks and the city’s holiday traditions.
• Stunning Views: Get panoramic sights of iconic locations like Trafalgar Square, Oxford Street, and Big Ben.
• Weather Considerations: Expect it to be cold; layer up and bring blankets for comfort.
• Flexible Route: Traffic and events may cause route changes, which can affect what you see and how long.

The Experience in a Nutshell

This tour offers a classic London adventure—cruising through the heart of the city on a vintage double-decker bus while enjoying the magic of Christmas lights. Starting in Victoria, the bus is a restored vehicle, about 50 years old, which adds a nostalgic charm. The tour lasts roughly between 1.5 to 2 hours, making it manageable for most travelers, and is designed to give you a panoramic view of London’s most famous holiday displays.

The ticket price of about $43.89 per person sounds reasonable considering the unique vantage point, commentary, and the festive ambiance. You won’t find many tours that combine history, holiday cheer, and vintage style so seamlessly.

What Makes This Tour Special

Two aspects stand out in reviews. First, the knowledgeable guides. Many travelers comment on how informative and friendly the guides are, adding a layer of personality to the experience. As one reviewer put it, the guide “made the experience fun and festive,” which is exactly what you want on a holiday outing.

Second, the views of London’s Christmas lights. The tour covers Oxford Street, Regent Street, Piccadilly Circus, and more, offering a breathtaking display. Some reviews mention that the lights are especially big and beautiful, and seeing them from the upper deck provides a rare, unobstructed perspective.

The Itinerary: A Closer Look

Trafalgar Square and the Christmas Tree

This iconic spot is the tour’s first highlight. The Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square is a grand sight, often covered in thousands of lights. Many travelers mention the stunning views here, making it a perfect photo opportunity. One reviewer called it “beautiful,” emphasizing how the lights and festive atmosphere set the tone for the evening.

Department Stores and Shopping Streets

The tour passes world-famous department stores like Harrods, where the window displays and lights are part of London’s holiday tradition. While the route might vary, many participants rave about seeing the lights along Oxford Street and Regent Street, which are magnificent and decorate the entire length of these shopping arteries. Several reviewers mention they felt the lights really bring London to life during Christmas.

Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square

The bright neon of Piccadilly Circus is always lively, but during Christmas, the area is further festooned with festive lights. Some reviews note that the lights are big and impressive, although a few mentioned that not all streets were fully lit or that some lights were off—a reminder that the tour’s experience can depend on the timing and city’s schedule.

Big Ben and Westminster

The tour offers a panoramic view of Big Ben and Westminster Abbey, with the lights illuminating these historic landmarks. As one reviewer observed, the architecture at night looks fantastic, especially with the added glow of holiday displays.

The West End and Major Streets

Passage through London’s most famous shopping streets and squares offers an overview of the city’s bustling holiday spirit. The world’s biggest high street and the Dukes of Wellington’s London townhouse add historical context and visual interest.

Westminster Abbey

The tour also passes by this living record of British history, adding a cultural layer to your sightseeing.

Passing Downing Street

While not stopping, the bus drives past the Prime Minister’s residence, giving a sense of the political heart of London during the holidays.

The Practicalities: What You Need to Know

Seating and Comfort

Most travelers agree that sitting up top provides the best views, but seating is not guaranteed. Bring warm clothing, hats, gloves, and perhaps a blanket if you want to stay cozy, especially since the bus is open-topped. Several reviews highlight how cold it can be, with one reviewer cheerfully noting, “bring layers and blankets,” and another mentioning that hot cocoa would have been appreciated.

Duration and Route

Expect the tour to last between 1.5 and 2 hours depending on traffic and city events. The route can change, especially if certain streets are traffic-free or closed for events, which might limit some sights or alter the experience.

Group Size and Guide

With a maximum of 38 travelers, the group remains intimate enough for everyone to enjoy the commentary. The live narration is generally well-received, with guides being described as informative and engaging.

Accessibility

The vintage bus is quite old, and some reviews mention that the bus may not be suitable for families with young children or those with strollers due to space constraints.

Meeting Point and Cancellation

The tour starts at Victoria Coach Station and ends nearby, making it accessible if you’re staying in central London. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, giving flexibility if weather or plans change.

Authentic Traveler Perspectives

• One reviewer exclaimed, “My third time on this tour and it was the best yet,” praising the gorgeous views and festive vibe.
• Another noted that the lights are “big and beautiful,” emphasizing the visual impact.
• Conversely, some found the tour disappointing when the lights were partially off or the route was limited due to traffic restrictions**, highlighting the importance of managing expectations based on weather and city schedules.

The Value for Money

For around $44, you’re paying for a nostalgic ride with panoramic views and engaging commentary. Compared to walking through crowded streets or visiting multiple sites separately, this tour offers a convenient, no-hassle way to experience London’s Christmas splendor from a comfortable, open-air vintage bus. The added benefit of live narration and the opportunity to sit back and relax makes it a cost-effective choice for holiday lovers.

This experience is perfect for holiday travelers who enjoy scenic views, historic vehicles, and festive lights without the exertion of walking long distances. It’s especially appealing if you love vintage charm and a touch of nostalgia. Those who prefer warm, cozy environments might need to plan ahead with layers and blankets. It’s also well-suited to visitors who want a guided overview of London’s most iconic Christmas sights in a short time.

However, if you’re traveling with very young children or have mobility concerns, the vintage open-top bus and unpredictable route could pose challenges. Also, if you’re expecting a lights-only experience, some reviews suggest it might feel more like a general London tour with Christmas sights sprinkled in, rather than a dedicated “Christmas lights” extravaganza.

Is this tour suitable for families with children?
While the vintage bus can accommodate most, the bus may not be ideal for very young children or strollers due to space limitations and the vintage design.

Will I get a good view of the Christmas lights?
Yes, especially if you sit on the upper deck, which offers panoramic, unobstructed views of many festive displays along major streets.

How cold will it be?
Expect it to be quite chilly, often below freezing, especially on an open-top bus. Dress warmly with layers, hats, gloves, and consider bringing a blanket.

Can I sit on the upper deck?
Seating on the upper deck is not guaranteed, but most travelers aim for this spot for the best views.

What landmarks will we see?
Highlights include Trafalgar Square, Oxford Street, Regent Street, Piccadilly Circus, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and the Houses of Parliament.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic and city events affecting the route.

Is the route fixed?
No, routes can change due to traffic, road closures, or events, which might mean less time at certain sights.

Is there commentary during the tour?
Yes, live and informative narration is included, adding context and fun facts about the sights.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour starts.

For those seeking a distinctive way to enjoy London’s Christmas lights, this vintage double-decker bus tour offers a blend of scenic beauty, historical insight, and festive cheer. The nostalgic ride, engaging guides, and breathtaking views make it a memorable holiday experience, especially for travelers who don’t mind bundling up in the cold.

It’s best suited for visitors looking for a relaxed, scenic overview of London during Christmas, rather than a deep dive into specific attractions. If you appreciate vintage vehicles, panoramic views, and lively narration, you’ll find this tour a worthy addition to your holiday plans.

Just remember to prepare for the weather, manage expectations about route changes, and enjoy the twinkling lights and lively spirit of London at Christmas from a charming vintage bus.