Taking a London Christmas lights bus tour is a winter bucket list experience. During the festive season, London gets lit up with thousands of magical twinkling lights, and we finally got the opportunity to see them. Golden Tours is one of the most popular providers of these London Christmas lights tours, and that is who we went on this exciting experience with.
If you’re considering a Christmas lights bus tour in London this Christmas, here’s what to expect and everything you need to know. Plus tips for enjoying your trip and our honest review of Golden Tours. I am a mum to two little boys, so I will also include some family-friendly tips!
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DISCLAIMER: This tour was kindly gifted to me by Golden Tours. All opinions are honest and my own. I also use affiliate links. If you purchase through one of these links, I may earn a small commission. There is no additional cost to you, and I am extremely grateful, as it helps me to run my blog.
Our London Christmas Lights Bus with Golden Tours: Review and Tips
Below, I will share our full review of Golden Tours, tips for enjoying your experience and exactly what to expect from this London Christmas lights tour.
What Is the London Christmas Lights Bus Tour?
You may be wondering what exactly a London Christmas lights bus tour is. It’s a festive open-top sightseeing experience that takes you past London’s most iconic Christmas light displays. Instead of walking the busy streets (which can be especially hard with young children in tow). You can sit back and enjoy the best of London’s Christmas lights from above.
The key difference between this and a regular London bus is the open top. This allows you to see amazing views of the lights. You also have a tour guide on board who will share with you many interesting facts about London, and maybe even a fesive joke!
So, if you want to see the London Christmas lights without the crowds, or you’re visiting with kids who can’t manage long walks in the cold, a Christmas lights bus tour is one of the easiest and most magical ways to do it.
Why I Chose Golden Tours
There are a few different London Christmas lights tour options. I chose Golden Tours as I had already done an afternoon tea on a pink London Bus tour with them (read my review on that here) and really enjoyed it! I already knew Golden Tours is a great provider, so I was pleased they were happy to collaborate with me.
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A Golden Tours bus waiting to depart from the London Eye. | A close up view of Big Ben from the bus, one of Londons top tourist attractions.
Route & Highlights: What You’ll See on the Tour
Golden Tours operates 3 different routes; they are all similar but depart from different locations, which is very convenient! You have the choice of departures close to Victoria Train Station, The London Eye or Green Park. I’ve linked the route maps for reference. NOTE: There is also a 4:15 pm bus departure from Victoria. This one does not go down Oxford Street, so personally, I wouldn’t book this one.
Most tours last around 60–90 minutes and follow a similar route through Central London’s most beautifully decorated areas. This includes Regent Street, Oxford Street, Trafalgar Square, and the glowing shopfronts around Piccadilly and Knightsbridge. You’ll also see some of London’s most iconic landmarks, such as St Paul’s Cathedral and Big Ben.
As you ride, a live guide shares fun facts, making it feel like a Christmas experience as much as a sightseeing tour.
Our Review of the Golden Tours Christmas Lights Bus Tour
We really enjoyed this tour, and it was a fun, festive thing to do either on your own, as a couple or as a family. I was amazed at how close you felt to the lights above you, and you really do get incredible views.
We were lucky with the weather; it got a little cold towards the end, but it didn’t rain.
My only slight negative was that you purchase an upper or lower deck ticket, you dont get assigned a specific seat. This led to everyone rushing to board the bus and get a good seat, which was not ideal!
Luckily, we still got a good seat. Honestly, I feel where you sit on this tour makes a huge difference, and I will talk more about that below.
I messaged Golden Tours and they confirmed if you book a top deck seat, you’re guarenteed to get one. At peak times they run multiple buses that depart at roughly the same time, so if you’re not sat with your group, you could ask to switch to the next available tour.
Overall, we really enjoyed this tour and would recommend it if you want to see the London lights in a relaxed way without the crowds!
An incredible close-up view of Regent Street Christmas lights from the Golden Tours bus.
Tips for Enjoying Your London Christmas Lights Bus Tour
Below are a few tips to help make sure you get the most out of this London lights experience.
- Book the Top Deck – you can book the upper or lower deck for this tour. I would highly recommend the top deck. For me, sitting on the bottom deck would be just like sitting on a regular London bus, and you wouldn’t get the same views as on the top!
- Arrive Early – I mentioned earlier, you don’t get an assigned seat on the bus. It is done on a first-come, first-served basis so it is best to be there early!
- Sit on the Right – we happened to sit on the right-hand side of the bus (when you’re looking at the front). I think you get better views from this side as you’re closer to the centre of the road.
- Sit Outside – There are a few seats at the front of the bus that are covered; the back is open. If you feel the cold easily (or it’s raining), you may want to sit under cover as it will be warmer. However, I think the best views are from where it is open. Personally, I think the very back row would be best, but you’ll have to be quick to get there!
- Wrap Up Warm – it’s winter, you’re in England, it will most likely be cold. Wear layers, hats, gloves, scarves etc.
- Pack a Hot Water Bottle – my eldest feels the cold easily, and it would have been much less enjoyable if he was freezing. We packed a thermos of hot water and used it to fill a hot water bottle just before the bus started (obviously, take care when pouring this!). It kept him cozy and made all the difference to him. Dont have a hot water bottle? Consider a blanket!
View of the Disney x Selfridges Christmas Collaboration | Christmas lights on The Strand.
Tips for Enjoying the London Christmas Lights Bus Tour with Kids
Is this tour suitable for children? Absolutely, while it’s not specifically aimed at children but they definately can enjoy it.
Here are a few tips and things to note, especially for families! For reference, our kids are 6 years old and two-years-old.
- Children Under 4 Ride Free – but they will have to sit on your lap. If you want them to book them a child (age 5-15) ticket.
- Consider your Timings – I booked a 5pm departure and gave them an early dinner as my kids are early risers, early to bed boys. Taking my children out for an 8pm departure would be a nightmare. Decide which time is best for your kids’ schedule!
- Burn Energy Before You Ride – The tour involves sitting for 60-90 minutes. We departed from the London Eye, so the kids had a run around the grass in Jubilee Gardens (just by the bus stop) before we departed.
- Wrap Up Warm – you do not want freezing, miserable kids. I mentioned my top tip of taking a hot water bottle in the section above. This really was a game-changer for my son!
- Pushchairs (Strollers) Info – We took our small pushchair (a Joolz Aer+). This folds to be cabin-sized, and it easily fit under our seats. The bottom of the bus was pretty empty, so I assume you could leave your pushchair there. However, I wouldn’t try to board with a large one!
Close-up view of the iconic Fortnum & Mason Christmas Display | My son is enjoying the magical lights.
Cost and How to Book
This tour starts from £26 per adult (at off-peak times), with most tours being £30 for adults and £17 for kids. Children aged 4 and under can ride for free if they sit on the lap of a paying adult. If you want them to have their own chair, you’ll need to book a child ticket.
BOOK YOUR CHRISTMAS LIGHTS TOUR DIRECTLY WITH GOLDEN TOURS AND RECEIVE 10% OFF WITH MY CODE ALEX10
Thank you for reading our review of Golden Tours’ London Christmas light bus tour. We hope you have a magical Christmas in London.
Happy Exploring,
