Board an open-top vintage bus at Embankment and glide through London’s most festive streets — Oxford Street, Regent Street, Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly — beneath thousands of LED lights and seasonal music. This 90‑minute evening tour mixes history, holiday displays, and photo-ready viewpoints.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
A crisp December evening and an open-top vintage double-decker: the city lights flare to life and the bus pulls away from Embankment, tires humming beside the river. Streetlamps throw long shadows across the Strand as the guide cues a selection of holiday music; Oxford Street appears ahead like a ceiling of slow-falling stars.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Minimal physical exertion; suitable for all fitness levels though requires standing or climbing steps onto the bus.
Wildlife
History
Regent Street and the Strand trace city-planning decisions from the early 19th century; Trafalgar Square’s Norwegian tree has been gifted annually since 1947 as thanks for wartime support.
Conservation
Major Christmas displays in central London now use energy-efficient LEDs; visitors are encouraged to use public transport, avoid littering, and respect local businesses during busy holiday periods.
Reserve your spot on the Christmas Lights Tour by Vintage Bus in London today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Dress for the cold
Top-deck exposure makes wind chill real; bring an insulated jacket, hat and gloves.
Arrive early for better seats
Arrive 10–15 minutes before departure to secure a top-deck spot for unobstructed views and photos.
Bring a waterproof phone case
Night shots and open-deck spray from the Thames breeze can be risky—protect electronics.
Use public transport to Embankment
Embankment Station is the easiest access point; avoid driving and parking in central London if possible.
Insulated jacket
Protects against wind chill on the exposed top deck during evening tours.
winter
Compact camera or smartphone with low-light capability
Captures night displays and moving scenes more clearly than standard phone cameras.
winter
Small daypack
Carries layers, tickets, and any purchases from stopover markets without getting in the way on the bus.
Travel umbrella or waterproof shell
Useful if the forecast predicts rain; top deck offers little shelter from showers.
fall