London Christmas Lights Open-Top Bus Tour with Live Guide
Traveler rating
4.3/5
Based on 192 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is London Christmas Lights Open-Top Bus Tour with Live Guide worth booking?
London Christmas Lights Open-Top Bus Tour with Live Guide is a 1.5-hour experience in London, United Kingdom, from £22 per person. It scores 67 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.3/5 rating across 192 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 67 / 100
- Rating
- 4.3/5 (192)
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- From
- £22 per person
Experience the magic of Christmas in London aboard an open-top Big Bus sightseeing tour. Take in the city's spectacular festive lights and decorations from your guaranteed top-deck seat as you travel through London's famous streets, including Oxford Street, Regent Street and Piccadilly Circus. Enjoy entertaining live commentary from your English-speaking guide, Christmas music and wonderful views of London's illuminated landmarks. This 90-minute panoramic tour is a memorable way to experience London's festive atmosphere without navigating the busy streets on foot. Perfect for visitors, families and anyone looking to enjoy a special Christmas experience in the capital.
What you get
- Guaranteed Top-Deck Seat
- 90-minute Christmas Lights Tour by Open-Top, Double-Decker Bus
- Christmas music
- English-speaking Live guide
About this experience
Experience the magic of Christmas in London aboard an open-top Big Bus sightseeing tour. Take in the city's spectacular festive lights and decorations from your guaranteed top-deck seat as you travel through London's famous streets, including Oxford Street, Regent Street and Piccadilly Circus. Enjoy entertaining live commentary from your English-speaking guide, Christmas music and wonderful views of London's illuminated landmarks. This 90-minute panoramic tour is a memorable way to experience London's festive atmosphere without navigating the busy streets on foot. Perfect for visitors, families and anyone looking to enjoy a special Christmas experience in the capital.
What's included
Included
- Guaranteed Top-Deck Seat
- 90-minute Christmas Lights Tour by Open-Top, Double-Decker Bus
- Christmas music
- English-speaking Live guide
Not included
- Food & Drinks
What you'll see and do
Oxford Street
Oxford Street Lights. Oxford Street is the shopping destination that needs no introduction. And its annual lights are just as iconic. This year, the street is lit up with one million stars that are free to admire for everyone.
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Regent Street
Regent Street brings you the ‘Spirit of Christmas’ with its stunning festive lights showcasing the best of modern British design. Regent Street has long been renowned for its spectacular lights display during the festive season, as the first ever central London location to boast Christmas lights, which decorated the street in 1954.
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Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar Square’s famous Christmas tree has been cut down in its native land and is on its way to London. Every year the city of Oslo kindly donates a Christmas tree to London and it is proudly displayed in the city centre.
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Houses of Parliament
The business of Parliament takes place in two Houses: the House of Commons and the House of Lords. Their work is similar: making laws (legislation), checking the work of the government (scrutiny), and debating current issues.
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Piccadilly Circus
Piccadilly Circus Lights. Piccadilly Circus is a road junction and public space of London's West End in the City of Westminster. It was built in 1819 to connect Regent Street with Piccadilly.
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London Eye
London Eye. The London Eye, or the Millennium Wheel, is a cantilevered observation wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames in London. It is Europe's tallest cantilevered observation wheel, and is the most popular paid tourist attraction in the United Kingdom with over 3 million visitors annually.
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Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey. Westminster Abbey, formally titled the Collegiate Church of Saint Peter at Westminster, is a large, mainly Gothic abbey church in the City of Westminster, London, England, just to the west of the Palace of Westminster.
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Thames River
The River Thames is London’s famous historic river, winding through the heart of the city and playing an important role in its history and development.
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Nelson's Column
Nelson’s Column is an iconic London monument in Trafalgar Square, built to commemorate Admiral Horatio Nelson and his victory at the Battle of Trafalgar.
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The National Gallery
The National Gallery is one of London’s most famous art museums, home to an outstanding collection of European paintings spanning several centuries.
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Whitehall
Whitehall is a historic street in central London, famous for its government buildings and landmarks, including the Cenotaph and Horse Guards.
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Horse Guards Parade at Whitehall
Horse Guards is a historic building in Whitehall, best known for its mounted guards and the daily Changing of the King’s Life Guard ceremony.
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10 Downing Street
Downing Street is one of London’s most famous streets and is home to the official residence and office of the UK Prime Minister at 10 Downing Street.
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Big Ben
Elizabeth Tower is one of London’s most iconic landmarks and houses the famous Great Bell known as Big Ben, overlooking the Houses of Parliament.
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Waterloo Bridge
Waterloo Bridge crosses the River Thames in central London and offers impressive views of the city, including the London Eye and St Paul’s Cathedral.
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Admiralty Arch
Admiralty Arch is an impressive London landmark connecting Trafalgar Square with The Mall, the grand ceremonial route leading to Buckingham Palace.
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Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
London
Show your printed or digital ticket to a Big Bus team member at Green Park Stop #1. Departures: 10 and 40 minutes past the hour, 4:10pm–9:10pm. Please arrive 15 minutes before departure. Duration: approx. 90 minutes. Please dress warmly for the tour.
Meeting point
London
Show your printed or digital ticket to a Big Bus team member at London Eye Stop #12. Departures: on the hour and half hour, 4:00pm–9:30pm. Please arrive 15 minutes before departure. Duration: approx. 90 minutes. Please dress warmly for the tour.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Show your printed or digital ticket to a Big Bus team member at Green Park Stop #1. Departures: 10 and 40 minutes past the hour, 4:10pm–9:10pm. Please arrive 15 minutes before departure. Duration: approx. 90 minutes. Please dress warmly for the tour.
Ends at
Show your printed or digital ticket to a Big Bus team member at London Eye Stop #12. Departures: on the hour and half hour, 4:00pm–9:30pm. Please arrive 15 minutes before departure. Duration: approx. 90 minutes. Please dress warmly for the tour.
Options you can book
Green Park Departure Tour
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes Single-Loop Christmas Tour : Covering London's best Christmas Light displays. Live Guided: Christmas Themed Commentary from an English-speaking Live Guide. Starting point: Green Park, Underground Ltd, Piccadilly, London W1J 9DZ, UK
London Eye Departure Tour
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes Single-Loop Christmas Tour : Covering London's best Christmas Light displays. Live Guide: Christmas Themed Commentary from an English-speaking Live Guide. Starting point: London Marriott Hotel County Hall, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd, London SE1 7PB, UK
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Big Bus London
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- The Tour operates on selected dates from 12 November to 30 December 2026. Choose your preferred departure point when booking: London Eye – Stop #12: Departures on the hour and half hour from 4:00pm–9:30pm. Green Park – Stop #1: Departures at 10 and 40 minutes past the hour from 4:10pm–9:10pm.
- Use the printed map or download the Big Bus Tours app to find your chosen departure point.
- We recommend dressing warmly, as the bus is open-top.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 192 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
3 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
192 verified traveler reviews for London Christmas Lights Open-Top Bus Tour with Live Guide. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Beautiful lights, festive setting, great for your first night in London at the holidays!
Ideal trip for your first evening after an international flight - the cold air helps keep you awake, and you get a tour of which holiday lights you'd like to return to. We did the option with guaranteed open-top seating, and everything went just as planned. The tour offered more than enough time for gorgeous photos. I'd suggest wearing insulated pants and of course, appropriate hat, gloves, etc. Even wrapping a travel shawl/blanket around kiddo's legs helped shield from the wind. A warm beverage would have been nice had we planned ahead. Gorgeous sites in a really festive atmosphere. Unforgettable.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your amazing review! We are thrilled to hear that our evening tour was the perfect start to your trip. Our open-top seating option and festive atmosphere truly make for unforgettable experiences. Don't forget to bundle up and plan ahead with a warm beverage next time. Happy travels!
via Tripadvisor
Terrible
This tour was booked for 12/31/25 at 6pm. The access point was not accessible due to road blockages for the NYE events in London. This tour should not have been an option for booking. We were not notified of a cancellation, or early closure, or alternate meeting point. I messaged the tour operator around 4:30 pm that day, after seeing the roads starting to be blocked, and received no response. Big Bus Tours wants to offer another Big Bus tour in another city for which I declined. Viator /Trip Advisor is now reaching out to the tour operator in regards to my request for a refund. It seems a long process given that the tour did not take place at all. I am giving one star because at least they responded to my email… but still without a resolution.
Response from the operator: Dear valued customer, we apologize for the inconvenience caused by the road blockages on the day of your tour. We understand your frustration and are actively working on a resolution with Viator/Trip Advisor. If you could please reach out to us directly so we can resolve this situation for you. Best Wishes Vicky
via Tripadvisor
Really nice, take you...
Really nice, take you around the best part of London. I have lived in London for 13 years and still find this tour interesting! But make sure you keep yourself warm!
Response from the operator: Hi Xiaoli_Y, Thank you for your feedback! We are grateful to know that even locals can find our tours interesting! Knowing that our guests have a great time on our tours is incredibly important to us. We would be happy to see you again in the future! Best wishes. Cristian T, Big Bus Tours
via Viator
As above
I have written an email to the company to complain that we were unable to access the London eye part as by the time we finished the bus tour it had closed. I have not had any reply
Response from the operator: Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We apologize for any inconvenience you experienced regarding the London Eye closure. Our team is looking into this and will respond to your email as soon as possible. We value your feedback and appreciate your patience.
via Tripadvisor
Great tour
Kevin was a really great guide. Funny and knowledgeable. Would recommend this tour. Quite pricey, but in comparison to London prices it is about right.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for the great feedback, we're glad you enjoyed our tour! Our team works hard to make sure our customers have a fun and informative experience. We strive to provide the best value for your money and hope to see you on another one of our tours soon!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- 4+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- £22 to £37
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 67
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Big Bus London, who run 4 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 53.5.
See everything Big Bus London runsWhy this scores 67
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
London Christmas Lights Open-Top Bus Tour with Live Guide: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for London.
How much does London Christmas Lights Open-Top Bus Tour with Live Guide cost?
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Prices start at £22 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in London usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does London Christmas Lights Open-Top Bus Tour with Live Guide take?
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Plan for about 1.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in London is not rushed.
Is London Christmas Lights Open-Top Bus Tour with Live Guide worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 67 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.3/5 across 192 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in London, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule London Christmas Lights Open-Top Bus Tour with Live Guide?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is London Christmas Lights Open-Top Bus Tour with Live Guide suitable for kids and families?
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The operator sets a minimum age of 4. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 1.5-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book London Christmas Lights Open-Top Bus Tour with Live Guide?
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Around 67 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in London can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in London and add a light layer if any part of the 1.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does London Christmas Lights Open-Top Bus Tour with Live Guide start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central London within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in London?
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London's best attractions split cleanly: the museums are free and need no booking, so the paid market is about views, theatre and getting out of the city for a day. That makes value scoring unusually important here, and the Outty Ranking penalises anything charging premium prices for access you could get for nothing. On Outty we rank every London experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include The Great British Rock and Roll Walking Tour, Soho Music & Historic Pubs Tour, London Small Group Tour of Historical Pubs. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit London?
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May to September for long evenings, December for the Christmas markets. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in London?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in London Christmas Lights Open-Top Bus Tour with Live Guide?
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Included: Guaranteed Top-Deck Seat; 90-minute Christmas Lights Tour by Open-Top, Double-Decker Bus; Christmas music; and English-speaking Live guide. Not included: Food & Drinks. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for London Christmas Lights Open-Top Bus Tour with Live Guide?
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Show your printed or digital ticket to a Big Bus team member at Green Park Stop #1. Departures: 10 and 40 minutes past the hour, 4:10pm–9:10pm. Please arrive 15 minutes before departure. Duration: approx. 90 minutes. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is London Christmas Lights Open-Top Bus Tour with Live Guide offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for London Christmas Lights Open-Top Bus Tour with Live Guide?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is London Christmas Lights Open-Top Bus Tour with Live Guide wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Transportation options are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to London Christmas Lights Open-Top Bus Tour with Live Guide if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in London. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about London Christmas Lights Open-Top Bus Tour with Live Guide?
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Across 192 reviews averaging 4.3 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for London Christmas Lights Open-Top Bus Tour with Live Guide?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including Green Park Departure Tour, London Eye Departure Tour. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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