London: Private Christmas Lights Tour by Black Cab

Summary

London’s festive streets & Christmas lights from a black cab

You’ll ride through London’s brightest neighborhoods in a private black cab with a local guide, stopping for photos under famous Christmas lights on Oxford Street and Regent Street. Expect stories from your driver, plenty of laughs, and time to wander among festive crowds — it’s the kind of holiday feeling you’ll remember long after the trip.

What’s the experience like?

We were already laughing before we even got in the cab — our driver, Dave, had that dry London humor that sneaks up on you. The city felt different at night, all those familiar corners of London suddenly glowing with these wild colors and shapes. I kept pressing my nose to the window (sorry for the smudge marks) as we rolled past Oxford Street, where the Christmas lights looked almost too bright to be real. Dave pointed out little details I’d never have noticed — like how each neighborhood picks its own theme. He said Belgravia always tries to outdo Chelsea, which made me grin.

At one point we hopped out near Regent Street for photos. The air was sharp and cold, but you could smell roasted chestnuts somewhere nearby — or maybe that was just wishful thinking. There were families everywhere, kids bundled up and shouting at each other in three different languages. Our guide waited patiently while we tried (and failed) to get everyone in one shot under the giant angels overhead. I didn’t expect to feel so… swept up? It’s just lights, but it’s also not.

Later on, Dave took us past Buckingham Palace and Big Ben — he slowed down so my mum could get her blurry phone pics (“Don’t worry love, everyone does it,” he said). We talked about how long he’d been driving cabs (“longer than you’ve been alive”) and how every year the Christmas lights seem to start earlier. There was this moment when everything went quiet except for the hum of the taxi heater and those lights flickering outside. I still think about that view sometimes when I’m back home and December feels too dark.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — London Christmas Lights Tour

• Private London taxi tour with guide
• See Christmas lights and London sights
• Photo stops at festive street decorations

Top questions

How long is the London Christmas Lights tour?

The tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

Yes, hotel pickup is included in your private taxi.

Are photo stops part of the tour?

Yes, there are plenty of photo stops throughout the tour.

What kind of vehicle is used?

The tour uses a traditional black London taxi.

Is this Christmas Lights tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation and all areas are wheelchair accessible.

Which London neighborhoods do we visit?

You’ll see areas like Chelsea, Belgravia, Oxford Street, Regent Street, plus landmarks such as Buckingham Palace and Big Ben.

Does the tour include a professional guide?

Yes, your driver also serves as your local guide during the tour.

How many people can fit in one taxi?

The private taxi can accommodate up to 6 people.

What’s included

Your evening includes hotel pickup by traditional black cab for up to six people, a friendly local driver-guide who shares stories along the way, plenty of photo stops at London’s most famous Christmas light displays (like Oxford Street), plus easy access for wheelchairs throughout your festive ride.