Christmas Lights Tour in London: Is It Worth It?

Home

Christmas Lights Tour in London: Is It Worth It?

Published on 8 August 2025 Last updated on 8 October 2026

During the holiday season, London transforms into a city full of light and color. The Christmas Lights Tour in London is the perfect way to see the most beautiful decorations and sights in a short amount of time. From the comfort of a double decker bus, you will drive through the heart of the city, passing iconic streets, squares, and landmarks, all glowing beautifully with festive lights. While the hustle and bustle of traffic and Christmas shoppers passes by, you can enjoy a relaxing ride with wonderful views. In this blog, I will explain exactly what you can expect during this magical tour.

Is the Christmas Lights Tour in London Worth It?

I have taken this tour several times and can say that each time it has been a pleasant way to experience London during the Christmas season. You sit warm and comfortably on the bus while passing some of the most beautiful places in the city. It is especially convenient if you want to avoid the crowds in the shopping streets. The guide shares interesting stories that make the experience even more enjoyable. For me, it remains a great option if you are visiting London during the holiday season.

These are the most popular tickets and tours for a Christmas Lights Tour in London.

Christmas in London

London at Christmas feels like one big outdoor party. Everywhere you hear Christmas songs, the smell of roasted chestnuts fills the air, and shop windows have turned into works of art full of sparkling decorations. Shopping streets like Oxford Street and Regent Street attract thousands of visitors daily who come to enjoy the atmosphere. On squares such as Trafalgar Square, there is a huge Christmas tree, often surrounded by choirs singing traditional songs. The Christmas lights tour lets you see these magical places without having to search or navigate through the crowds yourself.

What is the most beautiful street in London during Christmas?

Many visitors consider Regent Street the most beautiful street at Christmas. As soon as you enter the wide boulevard, you see large arches of lights above your head, full of tiny sparkling bulbs dancing in patterns. In the middle of the street, impressive buildings glow in warm colors, creating a fairytale atmosphere.

Oxford Street is also a highlight: here, giant light ornaments often float above the road, ranging from snowflakes to festive figures. Both streets are absolute eye-catchers and make you feel like you’re in a Christmas movie.

How long does the Christmas decoration stay in London?

The Christmas lights in London are usually switched on at the beginning of November and stay up until the first week of January. This gives you more than two months to admire the lights. Large shopping streets are usually the first to be decorated, while some squares and markets turn on their lights later. Even after Christmas, the atmosphere remains special because much of the decoration stays visible well into the new year.

Christmas lights tour in London with a double-decker bus

On this tour, you board a classic double-decker bus, often with an open top deck. From there, you get the best view of the Christmas lights, without any obstacles. The route takes you past the most famous streets and squares, while a guide shares stories and fun facts about the city and its Christmas traditions. Think of anecdotes about how certain light shows started or which celebrities were present at the opening. Along the way, you can relax, take photos, and get carried away by London’s festive atmosphere in December.

Which Christmas lights tour in London is the best?

From my experience, the night bus tour with Christmas lights and a live guide is the best choice. This 90-minute ride goes along Oxford Street, Regent Street, Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, The Strand, the London Eye, and Tower Bridge. The open roof gives you a panoramic view, while the guide leads you through the story of the city. It’s a perfect combination of sightseeing and Christmas experience for anyone who wants to see a lot in a short time.

What are the pick-up points for the Christmas lights tour in London?

There are three fixed pick-up points: Victoria, the London Eye, and Green Park. Depending on the tour you book, you will receive the exact location beforehand. It’s important to buy your ticket in advance; you can’t just hop on spontaneously. Especially in December, many tours are fully booked days or weeks in advance.

What do you see during the Christmas lights tour in London?

During the tour, you travel through Regent Street and Oxford Street, where thousands of lights brighten the evening. Piccadilly Circus shines extra bright thanks to the combination of famous digital billboards and festive Christmas decorations. Via The Strand, you reach Trafalgar Square, where one of the tallest Christmas trees in the city stands—a yearly gift from Norway. Choirs often sing in the background. Further on, the London Eye glows in changing colors, and Tower Bridge majestically lights up over the Thames. This mix of historic buildings and modern light art makes the tour so unique.

How long does the Christmas lights tour in London last?

The tour lasts about an hour and a half. On busy days, this can increase to almost two hours, especially if traffic moves slowly due to the Christmas crowds. This actually gives you more time to enjoy the lights.

From when to when can you book the Christmas lights tour in London?

Most tours start around November 8 and run until about January 8. This is the period when most of the lighting is on, ensuring you a great experience.

When is the best time to book the Christmas lights tour in London?

Because this tour is very popular, especially in December, it’s smart to book as early as possible. During the week of Christmas and around New Year’s Eve, many time slots are already sold out weeks in advance.

My 5 tips for the Christmas lights tour in London

1. Book Your Tour in Advance

Christmas Lights Tours are especially popular in December. If you want to go on a specific day or at a particular time, it is advisable to book in advance.

2. Choose an Evening When It Is Dark

The Christmas lights naturally look their best when it is dark. Therefore, preferably choose a tour that departs around dusk or later in the evening.

3. Wear Warm Clothing

London can be quite cold in winter. Even if you spend most of the tour on a bus, warm clothing is still comfortable. You may also want to bring an umbrella.

4. Expect Crowds

The streets of London can be very busy in December, especially around popular shopping streets and at weekends. Make sure you allow enough time to reach the tour’s departure point.

5. Combine the Tour with Christmas Shopping

A Christmas Lights Tour is easy to combine with a day of Christmas shopping in London. For example, visit the shops and markets during the day and see the city in the evening when the Christmas lights are switched on.

Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Lights Tours in London

What Is a Christmas Lights Tour in London?

A Christmas Lights Tour is a tour past some of the most beautiful places in London that are decorated with atmospheric Christmas lights and decorations during the festive season. You can discover the city in a relaxed way without having to find the best-lit streets yourself.

When Can You Take a Christmas Lights Tour in London?

Most Christmas Lights Tours operate from the end of November until early January. The exact period varies by tour. London has a particularly festive atmosphere in December, when the main shopping streets are beautifully decorated.

What Is the Best Time for a Christmas Lights Tour in London?

The evening is the best time for a Christmas Lights Tour. Once it gets dark, the Christmas lights and decorated streets really come into their own. Many tours therefore depart around dusk or shortly afterwards.

Is a Christmas Lights Tour in London Worth It?

Yes, especially if you are visiting London during the Christmas season. During a tour, you can see different parts of the city decorated for Christmas in a short amount of time. It is also a fun way to explore London without having to plan your own route.

Should You Book a Christmas Lights Tour in London in Advance?

It is advisable to book a Christmas Lights Tour in advance. These tours are particularly popular in December, and popular departure times can fill up quickly. By booking ahead, you have more choice when it comes to dates and times.

How Long Does a Christmas Lights Tour in London Last?

The duration varies depending on the tour. Many Christmas Lights Tours last approximately 1.5 to 2.5 hours. When booking, always check the exact duration, departure point, and route of the tour.