London: Private Christmas Lights Tour with Local Guide

Summary

Private black cab tour of london’s christmas lights and festive streets

You’ll ride through London’s most festive streets in a private black cab, guided by a local who knows every shortcut and story. Expect photo stops at places like Oxford Street and Bond Street, quick walks past glowing shop windows, and plenty of chances to soak up real holiday spirit — plus hotel pickup and drop-off so you can just relax into it all. It’s one of those nights you’ll remember long after the decorations come down.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the glow — Oxford Street just bursting with color, reflections bouncing off the taxi windows as we pulled away from our hotel. Our driver, Mark (he’s been doing this for years), had that easy London humor and pointed out the best angle for photos before we’d even reached Bond Street. I tried to capture the sparkle on my phone but honestly, it never looks quite like it does when you’re there, breathing in that cold December air mixed with roasted chestnuts from a vendor somewhere nearby.

We squeezed down little lanes where those big red buses can’t go, which felt like a secret shortcut through the city’s holiday heart. Mark told us about Fortnum & Mason’s window displays — apparently there’s a whole team who spends weeks getting them right. We hopped out near Piccadilly Circus for a quick walk; the crowds were thick but everyone seemed softer somehow, maybe because of the season or maybe just because London looks different under all those lights. I tried to say “Merry Christmas” in my best British accent and got a laugh from a couple passing by (not sure I nailed it).

I didn’t expect to feel so much nostalgia seeing Hamleys all lit up — something about kids pressing their faces to the glass and parents pretending not to be tired. The guide let us linger at Selfridges too; you could smell cinnamon drifting out every time someone opened the door. We rolled past Buckingham Palace just as the sky went that deep blue before night really settles in, and for a second it was quiet in the cab except for some distant carolers near St. James’s Park. That moment stuck with me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — London Christmas Lights Tour

• Visit Oxford Street
• Explore Bond Street
• See Trafalgar Square
• Pass by Leicester Square
• Pass by Piccadilly Circus
• Visit Selfridges
• Visit Hamleys Toy Store
• Drive by Buckingham Palace
• Drive by Fortnum & Mason

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in this London Christmas lights tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included within 5 miles of Trafalgar Square.

How many people fit in each black cab for this tour?

Each taxi can hold up to six people; more taxis can be booked for larger groups.

Are the vehicles wheelchair accessible?

Yes, most vehicles are fully wheelchair accessible and suitable for prams or strollers.

Which London landmarks are visited during the tour?

You’ll see Oxford Street, Bond Street, Trafalgar Square, Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus, Selfridges, Hamleys, Buckingham Palace (drive-by), and Fortnum & Mason (drive-by).

Is this a private or group tour?

This is a private tour with your own guide-driver in a black cab.

Are photo stops included on this Christmas lights tour?

Yes, there are stops for photos where possible along the route.

Can infants join this tour?

Yes, infants are welcome but must sit on an adult’s lap unless using a pram or stroller.

Is public transportation nearby if needed?

Yes, public transportation options are available near pickup/drop-off points.

What’s included

Your evening includes private hotel pickup and drop-off within central London (within 5 miles of Trafalgar Square), your own local guide-driver in an accessible black cab (roomy enough for six), plenty of stops for photos or short walks at key sights like Oxford Street and Bond Street, plus drive-bys of Buckingham Palace and Fortnum & Mason — all at your pace so you can really take it in before heading back to your hotel or wherever you want to finish up.