London Christmas Lights Bus Tour: Night Views & Live Guide

Summary

See London glow at night with festive lights from an open-top bus

You’ll ride an open-top bus through central London as festive lights sparkle overhead and a local guide shares stories and fun facts along the way. See Regent Street’s angels, Oxford Street’s stars, Trafalgar Square’s famous tree and Big Ben lit up at night. It’s cozy, lively, and leaves you with that warm holiday feeling long after you step off.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to feel like a kid again just sitting on the top deck of a bus in December, but there I was — cheeks cold, hands wrapped around a paper cup (I brought my own tea, don’t judge), watching London’s Christmas lights flicker past. Our guide, Sam, had this way of making even the traffic jams feel like part of the show — he pointed out how the fairy figures above The Strand were inspired by old theatre stories. I probably missed half his jokes because I kept craning my neck up at those glowing angels on Regent Street. They really do look like they’re floating.

The bus rolled past Trafalgar Square and I caught a whiff of roasted chestnuts drifting through an open window — or maybe that was just wishful thinking. There’s something about seeing the giant Christmas tree there (Sam said it’s a gift from Norway every year) that makes you pause. Piccadilly Circus was all neon and noise as usual, but somehow softer under the holiday lights. On Oxford Street, those thousands of little stars made everything shimmer — even people walking by seemed slower, like they were soaking it in too.

We swung by Fortnum & Mason (the whole building turned into a red advent calendar — I mean, only London would do that) and then Big Ben came into view at the end. That clock face glowing in the dark… I still think about that moment. The tour finished back near the London Eye and honestly, I didn’t want to get off yet. Maybe it was just the cold air or maybe it was something else — you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — London Christmas Lights Bus Tour

• Board bus at Belvedere Road by London Eye
• Enjoy live guide introduction and fun facts
• Drive down The Strand, see fairy light figures
• Pass Trafalgar Square Christmas markets and tree
• Admire lights at Piccadilly Circus
• View illuminations on Regent Street
• See 5,000 stars on Oxford Street and Selfridges
• Pass Fortnum & Mason red advent calendar
• Admire Big Ben illuminated at night
• Return to Belvedere Road, tour ends

Top questions

How long does the London Christmas Lights bus tour last?

The tour lasts between 60 to 90 minutes depending on traffic conditions.

Where does the Christmas Lights bus tour start and end?

The tour starts and ends at Belvedere Road by the London Eye.

Is there a live guide on board during the tour?

Yes, an English-speaking guide is on board throughout your journey.

Can infants join the London Christmas Lights bus tour?

Yes, children aged 0-4 can travel free if sitting on an adult's lap; otherwise purchase a child seat for them.

Are food or drinks provided during the Christmas Lights bus tour?

No food or drinks are included on this tour.

Does this tour allow hop-on hop-off stops?

No, this is not a hop-on hop-off service; you remain on board for the full duration.

Will we see Big Ben and Trafalgar Square during the tour?

Yes, you'll pass both Big Ben and Trafalgar Square as part of your route.

Is there a restroom available on board?

No restrooms are available on this bus tour.

What’s included

Your evening includes a seat on an open-top bus through central London with festive lights all around, guided commentary in English throughout your 60-90 minute ride, and easy boarding near the London Eye before returning to your starting point at night’s end.