London: Vintage Bus Christmas Lights Tour with Guide

Summary

Ride a classic london bus to see christmas lights with local stories

You’ll ride through London’s West End on a restored vintage double-decker bus as festive Christmas lights flicker overhead. With live commentary from your local guide, you’ll pass icons like Oxford Street, Harrods, and Big Ben while hearing stories you probably haven’t heard before. There’s something about seeing London lit up for the holidays that you’ll remember long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, I almost missed the vintage bus because I was distracted by the smell of roasted chestnuts drifting over from Trafalgar Square. The old double-decker was already waiting, red paint catching the last bit of daylight. Our guide — I think his name was Tom, or maybe Tim? — waved us up with a grin and a “mind the step!” that sounded like he’d said it a thousand times. The seats upstairs were nearly full, so we squeezed in next to a family from Manchester who kept pointing out every single shop window on Oxford Street. It felt like everyone was in on some secret holiday ritual except me, at least for the first few minutes.

The city looked different from up there — not just bigger, but softer somehow. Lights tangled above Regent Street and spilled gold onto the wet pavement. Tom kept up this steady stream of stories about Westminster and Whitehall, but sometimes he’d pause and just let us listen to the muffled traffic below or watch people hurrying past Harrods with their shopping bags swinging. At one point he asked if anyone knew why there’s always a Norwegian tree in Trafalgar Square (I didn’t), and when someone guessed wrong he laughed and told us about gratitude after WWII. That stuck with me more than I expected.

We passed Big Ben — still wrapped in scaffolding, which Tom called “London’s winter coat” — and then circled back toward Piccadilly Circus where the neon signs almost drowned out the Christmas lights. There was this moment when it got really quiet on the bus, everyone just looking out at the city glowing under all those decorations. I caught my own reflection in the window and thought, yeah, this is what December should feel like. The tour ended too soon for me; I could’ve stayed on that upper deck all night if they’d let us.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — London Christmas Lights Tour

• See Christmas tree at Trafalgar Square
• Pass by Harrods department store
• See Christmas lights at Piccadilly Circus
• View Houses of Parliament & Big Ben
• Pass Regent Street shopping area
• See Oxford Street high street
• Pass Apsley House (Wellington Museum)
• Pass Westminster Abbey
• Pass Downing Street and Whitehall

Top questions

How long does the London Christmas Lights tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic conditions.

Does the tour include live commentary?

Yes, there is informative and entertaining live commentary from a local guide throughout the tour.

Which landmarks will we see during the Christmas Lights tour?

You’ll pass by Trafalgar Square, Harrods, Piccadilly Circus, Big Ben, Regent Street, Oxford Street, Apsley House, Westminster Abbey, and Whitehall.

Are seats on the upper deck guaranteed?

No, seating on the upper deck is not guaranteed as it depends on availability.

Is hotel pickup included for this London Christmas Lights tour?

No hotel pickup is included; you meet at the designated departure point.

What time does the Christmas Lights tour depart?

The tour departs at 4pm and 7pm in the evening.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels but not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

Can infants join this vintage bus tour?

Infants are welcome but must sit on an adult’s lap during the ride.

What’s included

Your evening includes a seat aboard a restored 50-year-old vintage double-decker bus with panoramic views of London’s festive lights and landmarks like Oxford Street and Harrods. You’ll have live commentary from a local guide sharing stories along the way—just show up at your departure point ready to soak it all in before returning two hours later.