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 landmarks in a short time. From a comfortable double-decker bus, you travel through the heart of the city, past iconic streets, squares, and monuments, all wrapped in a stunning glow. While the busy traffic and Christmas shoppers pass by, you can enjoy a relaxed ride with a great view. In this blog, I explain what you can expect during the tour.
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.
Yes, definitely. The tour is relaxing, cozy, and gives you a complete picture of London’s Christmas atmosphere. Whether you travel with family, friends, or alone, it’s an experience you won’t forget quickly. The combination of historic buildings, modern light installations, and the guide’s stories makes it a highlight of your city trip.
My 5 tips for the Christmas lights tour in London
Based on my own experiences, I share 5 practical tips for the Christmas lights tour in London:
1. Book early to avoid disappointment, especially in December.
2. Choose an evening ride for the best contrast between the dark sky and the lights.
3. Dress warmly, especially if you’re sitting on the open top deck—it can get chilly.
4. Bring a good camera or smartphone to capture the best moments.
5. Check your pick-up point well in advance and arrive on time for a stress-free start.
Special offers for a city trip to London during Christmas
If you’re planning a city break to London during Christmas and would like to visit some of the sights and attractions, take advantage of the offers below and save money on your entrance tickets.
Christmas Lights Tour in London: Is It Worth It?
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 landmarks in a short time. From a comfortable double-decker bus, you travel through the heart of the city, past iconic streets, squares, and monuments, all wrapped in a stunning glow. While the busy traffic and Christmas shoppers pass by, you can enjoy a relaxed ride with a great view. In this blog, I explain what you can expect during the tour.
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.
Is the Christmas lights tour in London worth it?
Yes, definitely. The tour is relaxing, cozy, and gives you a complete picture of London’s Christmas atmosphere. Whether you travel with family, friends, or alone, it’s an experience you won’t forget quickly. The combination of historic buildings, modern light installations, and the guide’s stories makes it a highlight of your city trip.
My 5 tips for the Christmas lights tour in London
Based on my own experiences, I share 5 practical tips for the Christmas lights tour in London:
1. Book early to avoid disappointment, especially in December.
2. Choose an evening ride for the best contrast between the dark sky and the lights.
3. Dress warmly, especially if you’re sitting on the open top deck—it can get chilly.
4. Bring a good camera or smartphone to capture the best moments.
5. Check your pick-up point well in advance and arrive on time for a stress-free start.
Edward
Author Cities To Travel
Special offers for a city trip to London during Christmas
If you’re planning a city break to London during Christmas and would like to visit some of the sights and attractions, take advantage of the offers below and save money on your entrance tickets.
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