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  • Writer: Mr Plane Guy
    Mr Plane Guy
  • Oct 9
  • 4 min read
The Best Ways to See London Christmas Lights.

The Best Ways to See London Christmas Lights


By Flight, Travel & London Based Blogger Mr Plane Guy


Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click and buy, I might earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps keep this blog running (and fuels my habit of buying overpriced airport lattes at the airport). Thanks for your support!


London at Christmas is magical, with dazzling decorations lighting up the city’s most iconic streets. Whether you’re on a budget or want a premium experience, there’s a festive option for everyone. Just got the one day in London? Don't miss this Blog.


Cost-Effective Option: The 139 Bus Route

For a budget-friendly way to see London Christmas lights, hop on the 139 bus

known as The Viral Christmas Lights Bus Route London. Perfect for locals and tourists alike.


The Best Ways to See London Christmas Lights.


My One-Day London Christmas Itinerary


Key Details:

  • Route Highlights: Oxford Street Christmas lights, Regent Street Christmas lights, Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, Covent Garden Christmas lights

  • Frequency: Every 10–15 minutes during the day/evening

  • Duration: ~1 hour if continuous; hop-on-hop-off possible for photos

  • Cost: Standard fare ~£1.75 with Oyster card or contactless

  • Tip: Sit on the top deck for the best views and bring a warm drink or snack

  • Arrive early, it is on a first come first served seating.


The Best Ways to See London Christmas Lights.

Premium Option: Organised Tours with GetYourGuide

For a more immersive Christmas experience, consider one of these GetYourGuide tours. These tours offer live commentary, festive extras, and open-top or riverside views.


Top Tours:

  • London Christmas Lights Tour by Vintage Bus Open Top – 75 min, open-top views, from €32 per person

  • Christmas Lights Nighttime Bus Tour with Live Guide – 1.5 hrs, live commentary, highlights Oxford Street, Regent Street, Covent Garden, from €39 per person

  • London by Night Sightseeing Open-Top Bus Tour – 1.5 hrs, panoramic views including London Eye and Trafalgar Square, from €34 per person

  • Great British Afternoon Tea Bus Tour – 1.5 hrs, Christmas lights + festive treats, from €68 per person

  • River Thames Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Cruise – 1–2 hrs, riverside views of illuminated landmarks, from €28 per person


Top Tip: Book these tours in advance, they get very busy during the festive season. I’ve done them multiple times and they’re worth every penny!


👉 For a stress-free way to see all the highlights, I recommend this London Christmas Lights and Markets Walking Tour it covers the best festive spots in just a few hours.


Top Tip: Book your Christmas tours in advance to skip queues and make the most of your festive day, you won’t have time to buy tickets on the spot!


The Best Ways to See London Christmas Lights.

People Also Ask


What is the best Christmas light bus tour in London?

The Vintage Double-Decker Bus Tour provides open-top views and festive decorations across the city.


What is the best bus route for Christmas lights in London?

The 139 bus route covers Oxford Street, Regent Street, and Trafalgar Square — a cost-effective, self-guided option.


What is the best bus tour to take in London?

London by Night Sightseeing Open-Top Bus Tour offers panoramic city views, live commentary, and iconic light displays.


What’s the best way to see the Christmas lights in London?

Combine the 139 bus route for a budget-friendly tour with a premium GetYourGuide tour for live commentary and open-top views.


Additional Tips

  • Dress warmly: December nights in London can be chilly.

  • Bring a camera: These bus routes and tours are highly Instagrammable.

  • Combine options: Hop on the 139 for flexibility and take a premium tour for commentary and unique viewpoints.

  • More festive inspiration: Explore my Europe Christmas Markets guides.


Travel Tip: Bring a warm drink or snack for the ride to make it even cosier.

or plan in advance and get the organised Christmas Lights tour, book in advance it gets very popular,I’ve done this tour a few times, and it’s always magical, get your tickets early to secure a spot.



👉 Book your London stay with lastminute.com and unlock unbeatable prices on top hotels perfect for saving more to spend at the Christmas markets


The Best Ways to See London Christmas Lights.


Also Check out Booking.com for some great offers on hotels in London



Book your London stay with Lastminute.com for great deals on top hotels, perfect for saving more to spend at the Christmas markets!


The Best Ways to See London Christmas Lights.

👉 Next reads:



that me travel blogger and flight expert, The Best Ways to See London Christmas Lights.

Hello, I’m Paul a professional jet-setter and all-around plane travel pro. After 15 years working in and around planes, I became a flight delay expert at a London Airport and mastered plane travel hacks, a PLANE flight expert with BIG travel plans but small carry-on.

Now, I share PLANE travel news, tips, reviews, and deals with honesty, humour, and zero baggage! Thanks for reading The Best Ways to See London Christmas Lights.




Follow me on Instagram for the latest lounge reviews, PLANE tips, and PLANE deals.


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