London Christmas Lights Bus Tour: My Festive Tootbus Experience

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If you visit London at Christmas, the Christmas lights bus tour is one thing you shouldn’t skip. I booked the Tootbus Christmas Lights Tour, and it was such a cute way to see the city. The music, the Santa hats, the top deck views — it all felt like a little holiday movie.

The Tootbus Christmas Lights Tour

I booked the Tootbus Christmas Lights Tour hoping for a fun way to see London’s holiday displays.

Side view of the Tootbus Christmas Lights Tour bus in London, decorated for the holidays with passengers boarding.
The Tootbus Christmas Lights Tour bus at the boarding point before heading out

As soon as we boarded, the staff handed out Santa hats, which instantly set the mood.

Everyone on the bus seemed excited and relaxed, and it felt like we were all settling in for something festive.

Where We Sat on the Top Deck

We chose to sit on the top deck, which I highly recommend if the weather allows.

The front of the upper deck is covered so you stay protected from the wind, while the back is completely open for those who want unobstructed views.

The upper deck of the Tootbus Christmas Lights Tour, complete with festive Santa hats and holiday décor.

We picked seats right in the middle, which gave us the best of both worlds.

It felt cozy enough to enjoy the ride but still open enough to see the lights above us.

Music, Jokes, and Holiday Fun

The moment the bus pulled away, Christmas music started playing through the speakers. It wasn’t too loud, just enough to add warmth to the night.

The guide mixed in fun jokes and little holiday facts as we drove, which made the experience feel lighthearted and personal instead of scripted.

The Christmas Light Displays We Saw

The tour took us past all of London’s most iconic displays, including Regent Street’s glowing angels, Oxford Street’s bright lights, Piccadilly Circus, and the storefronts around Harrods.

Top-deck view of Regent Street in London lit up with Christmas angels during the Tootbus holiday lights tour.
View of Regent Street’s famous Christmas angels from the top deck of the Tootbus tour.

Seeing everything from the top deck felt different than walking.

You get this uninterrupted view of the lights stretching across the streets, and you stay warm and relaxed the entire time.

Peter Pan–themed Christmas light display on Oxford Street in London, with blue-lit building columns and festive decorations.
One of the Peter Pan–themed Christmas lights along Oxford Street

Why I Loved The Tootbus Christmas Light Tour

What stood out most was how easy it all felt. No crowds pushing in, no need to rush from one neighborhood to the next.

Just a slow, comfortable ride through some of the prettiest holiday streets in the world.

Star-shaped Christmas lights hanging above Oxford Street in London, seen from the top deck of the Tootbus holiday tour.
A canopy of glowing star lights along Oxford Street, one of the prettiest views from the Tootbus Christmas tour

If you want a calm, festive way to experience Christmas in London, this tour is such a sweet option.

How to Book the Tootbus Christmas Lights Tour

Booking the Tootbus Christmas Lights Tour is easy, and it’s something you’ll want to reserve ahead of time because the December dates fill up fast.

You can book the experience on Get Your Guide!

Choosing Your Date and Time

Once you choose your date and time, your confirmation arrives by email, and you can show the ticket on your phone when you board.

The tour runs once the sun sets, and there are usually several departure times each evening.

I recommend picking one of the earlier slots if you want the brightest views of the lights, or a later one if you prefer a quieter, calmer ride.

Where the Tootbus Tour Starts

All tours leave from a designated meeting point in central London, which is clearly listed on your ticket.

Give yourself a little extra time to find your bus and get in line so you can choose your preferred seat on the top deck.

Holiday Week Advice

If you’re visiting London during peak holiday weeks, it’s worth booking your tickets a few days in advance.

This tour is popular for a reason, and spots do sell out, especially on weekends.

Explore More of London at Christmas

I spent an entire week doing everything festive in London.

Make sure to read my 26 Festive Things To Do in London This Christmas Season in 2025.

I also recommend booking one, or all, of these 4 Festive Afternoon Teas in London To Try This Christmas.

My favorite dinner spot at 34 Mayfair, the Best Christmas Restaurant in London.

Also, go Ice Skating at Somerset House in London at Christmas.

Read all of my London Travel Guides!

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