Browse Tag

Christmas in London

Christmas Lights Tour by Open Top Vintage Bus

Published on
/////

Climb aboard a classic open-top vintage Routemaster bus adorned with festive decorations for the holiday season, and see London’s sights and Christmas lights from a unique perspective. This is one spectacular way to see Christmas Lights Tour by Open Top Vintage Bus and one not to be missed during the festive season in London.

Christmas Lights Tour by Bus highlights

  • Enjoy the magnificent Christmas lights of London aboard an open-top bus
  • Admire the lights of Oxford Street and the window displays at Harrods
  • Listen to an amusing commentary that brings London to life by our expert London tour guide

Book this Tour

Christmas Lights in London

Every year from November onwards, London gets decorated with beautiful Christmas lights and this year it will be no different. From graciously gliding around the ice rinks and getting lost in the festive markets to admiring the light displays around London streets. It’s a fantastic time of the year which no one should miss by sitting at home. The weather should not deter you from going out. For London tourists, it’s a sheer treat viewing this spectacle of Christmas lights in beautifully decorated London.

Vintage Routemaster Bus

Experience London at the most beautiful time of year aboard an original 1960s Routemaster bus. The Routemaster buses used to operate between 1956 and 1968. They were an absolute hit with the public. However, they had to be removed from the road due to Disability Discrimination Act 1995 Compliance. Around 1,230 buses are still operational privately and modified with public safety in mind. Surely you wouldn’t want to miss riding on a classic British icon and seeing Christmas lights on this iconic bus’s rooftop.

Your Vintage Bus Tour Guide

Your English-speaking tour guide will welcome you and take you to your preferred seat. And once everyone is boarded, the tour will start. Listen to the interesting commentary from the guide as they show you the best of the city’s Christmas lights and decorations. Journey along a specially designed route with your tour guide who will crack the impression of the British tight upper lip and have you and your small group laughing all across the capital.

Book this Tour

Bus Tour Route

Get in the spirit and see the finest of seasonal decorations. Spend up to 75 minutes soaking up the iconic, astounding landmarks of London in all their festive sparkle. See the shop windows of Oxford Street, pass the Harrods department store, and much more. While walking around you may not be able to see all the London Christmas lights but with this tour, you will be able to see all of them while on top of the bus with spectacular views only for you to behold and for your cameras to capture.

What’s included in the Tour

  • Live English-speaking tour guide
  • Transport by Vintage Bus/Coach
  • Food and drinks (not included)

Meeting point for the Vintage bus Christmas lights tour

We will meet you outside the Grand Hotel at 8 Northumberland Avenue, London WC2N 5BY

Please see the google maps below for you to plan your travel to the meeting point:

Book this Tour

Important Information regarding your tour

  • Seats are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis
  • Please be prepared for bad weather conditions

You might be interested in

5 days 4 nights london tour package

5 Days 4 Nights London Tour

Seeking a memorable short trip to London? Look no further! Explore renowned London tourist attractions with a 5-days 4 night

Traditional Private Black Cab Tour of London’s Christmas Lights

Published on
//

See London’s Christmas lights in style on this Traditional private black cab tour. Cruise past top London sights and jump out for a stroll down the city’s bustling shopping streets. Feast on glitzy illuminations, twinkling lights, and extravagantly decorated shop windows in upmarket neighbourhoods such as Belgravia and Chelsea, and see the iconic Oxford Street Christmas light displays. Keep your cameras ready to exhibit the best Christmas lights in town. Receive undivided attention from your tour guide on this private tour.

Highlights of the Traditional Black Cab Tour:

  • Black taxi tour of London’s Christmas illuminations.
  • Stop to look at the must-see Oxford Street Christmas lights and walk to Regent Street
  • Take a walk through the swanky neighbourhoods of Chelsea and Belgravia to see their festivities
  • See top London attractions lit up in a festive glow: Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Tower of London
  • Learn about the history of the Christmas lights in London from your expert driver-guide
  • End your tour at your central hotel or the Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

What’s Included in the Tour:

  • Transport in a private taxi (up to 6 people) (Included)
  • Professional guide (Included)
  • Hotel pickup (Included)
  • Food and drinks, unless specified (Not Included)
  • Gratuities (Not Included)

Book this Tour

What to Expect During the tour

Greet your private driver at your central London hotel, and then hop inside the back of a classic black cab. Relax into the taxi’s cushioned seats and gaze out of the window as you travel down streets lined with twinkling Christmas decorations.

Cruise through areas like Mayfair, Chelsea, Belgravia, and Kensington, whose upmarket boutiques boast some of the capital’s most iconic annual Christmas window displays, and pass top London attractions including the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, the London Eye, and the Tower of London.

Continue to Regent Street and Oxford Street, and hop out of the cab to soak up the festive atmosphere and get an up-close look at the shop windows and lights. Your tour will then conclude either back at your hotel or at Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, where you can ice skate, try out the rides, and sip mulled wine (all at your own expense)—it’s up to you, whatever you fancy. You surely don’t want to miss out on this amazing Traditional Black Cab Tour of London’s Christmas Lights.

london black cab tour
London Black Cab Tour

Tour Itinerary

Stop At:   London – Welcome to the happiest, funniest, festive, family fun tour in London EVER. See the sights of London and marvel at the Christmas Lights all in one tour. It has it all, for the young, old and everyone in between Father Christmas wants to show you London but it is his busiest time of the year so he has got some help. As he is a very busy man Santa has engaged the help of some of London’s Cheeky Cockney Cabbies to help him.

Your driver /guide will show you the Christmas lights of London. Driving in your own private London Taxi, through the streets. Your guide will not only show you the lights but will show you the sights of London such as Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey and a lot more besides. Marvel at the wonderful festive street lighting decorations.

Photo stops are plentiful throughout the tour. Family fun is the order of the day. So for real festive family fun, from start to finish, look no further, we will not disappoint. Book Today!

Duration: 3 hours (Approx.)

Tour Start time: The tour starts at 4 PM and the last one for the day is at 10 pm.

Offered In:  English Language

Book this Tour

Additional Info about the Tour

  • Confirmation will be received at the time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • There are no booster seats in London taxis
  • Transportation is wheelchair accessible
  • Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Most travellers can participate
  • This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
  • Operated by Capital Taxi Tours

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time. Learn more about cancellations.

Book this Tour

You might be interested in

trafalgar square london 2019|Ice Skating Natural history museum London|christmas tree in Trafalgar square 2019

Christmas in London 2019

Christmas in London 2019 London is a place transformed into a Winter wonderland during December. It is filled with festive

London Christmas Lights 2021

Published on
///

London Christmas Lights 2021

Christmas is just around the corner and the city has lit up with the famous Christmas lights all around. London has kicked off its Christmas festivities with the world’s largest light switch-on this time.

The capital’s best-known hotspots including Mayfair, Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square have been decked out with more than one million LED lights (energy efficient lights) in the lead-up to Christmas festivities.

Shoppers are delighted to see the lights from Oxford Street and Regent Street since last Friday. A total of 20 streets across the city’s West End all had their lights switched on at the same time by the Lord Mayor of Westminster to mark the beginning of the 2021 festive season.

Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, said: “London is the greatest city in the world and I’m thrilled that this year the West End is hosting the largest Christmas lights switch-on ever seen.

“From our world-class shops, attractions, arts, and culture to our incredible bars and restaurants — all of which will be sparkling under more than a million lights — there is so much to see and do this festive season.

“With just six weeks to go until Christmas, I’m urging Londoners and visitors to enjoy the best our capital has to offer, see the amazing lights and support our hospitality to continue to bounce back.”

“Having lost out on Christmas last year, 2021 has to be about getting the chance to really cherish that joy that you get in the lead-up to Christmas and where better to do this than the West End?” Don’t miss out on this beautiful festive season, visit London with us. Check out our London tour packages.

You might be interested in

trafalgar square london 2019|Ice Skating Natural history museum London|christmas tree in Trafalgar square 2019

Christmas in London 2019

Christmas in London 2019 London is a place transformed into a Winter wonderland during December. It is filled with festive

Christmas in London 2019

Published on
//

Christmas in London 2019

London is a place transformed into a Winter wonderland during December. It is filled with festive eves, celebrations and lots of fun to relish. London streets are lit up with Christmas-themed lights all around.

Especially when it comes to Christmas and New Year the adventure options are no less in London.

There are plenty of options available for Christmas and New Year’s eve in London. From admiring the fireworks, cruises, candlelight dinners and beer parties to concerts one can witness the most happening year end in London.

Sightseeing during Christmas time in London

When it’s a Christmas aura all around you can hear the bells ringing at a distance. The fever is all over which begins weeks before and is reflected through the decoration all around the city.?

One can simply give themselves a visual treat while walking through the glittering streets filled with jazzy decorations in London. Christmas in London brings along the vibrant and colourful lights at various sites namely Regent Street, Kingston, Kew Gardens, Seven Dials Christmas Lights, Trafalgar Square and more.

Decorations in Trafalgar Square

One of the most popular attractions on Christmas in London is admiring the biggest Christmas tree at Trafalgar Square which is a symbol of love and peace. The tree is lighted up with beautiful heavy decoration. As a part of tradition Norwegian Spruce tree is given as a gift annually during Christmas in London.?All this can be an amazing experience during Christmas in London. Don’t miss out on going to Trafalgar square this winter while you are touring London. The site seeing can be done by the black cab, red buses and private conveyance as well. It’s pretty cold out there, so make sure to wear thick winter gear to enjoy the views and take awesome pictures and selfies 🙂 with a Christmas tree in the background. The London weather around this time of the year is around 8 -15 degrees Celsius.

christmas tree in Trafalgar square 2019
Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square 2019

Ice Skating in London

Another most thrilling experience can be ice skating at Christmas in London. With skates on the feet, one can enjoy the wonderful adventure of sliding and gliding on the ice. Some of the ice skating rinks include Alexandra Palace, Natural History Museum, Hampton Court Palace and the Tower of London.

Ice Skating Natural history museum London
Ice Skating Natural history museum London

Shopping during Christmas

It’s the most suitable occasion for all the shopaholics around the world. The best time to pick up the selective piece of decoration for the corner of your house. One can select a gift item ranging from a spruce tree to a unique antique gift for a friend. No less one can simply end a day with window shopping through the market streets in London. Shopping in London is exciting, you can start with Oxford street to Piccadilly circus.

Christmas in London is the best time to take loads of pictures of Christmas lighting, Shopping, family and friends time and Christmas dinner in China Town. Come to London in the month of December to enjoy Christmas.

You might be interested in

Top 10 Things to do in Winter/Christmas in London 2016

Published on
//

It’s the most beautiful and magical time of the year, winter has already set in and people are gearing up for Christmas celebrations. Here in this article, we have covered the Top 10 Things to do in Winter/Christmas in London in 2016. The city is magnificently decked out for Christmas and other winter events. London is the place to be to check out the spectacular Christmas lights. All the famous streets of London are transformed into a winter wonderland over the festive period.

There are many events lined up as the city has geared up for the colder weather. So if you want to spend your winter and Christmas time in London, we provide you with a helpful guide to some of the best events and places to go. Here is our list of the top 10 things to do in winter in London.

1. Winter Wonderland

Hyde Park hosts a massive winter event like every year. This is the 10th year in 2016. Visit Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park to experience the best Christmas Spirit in London. This one is on most people?s winter hit lists. This year Winter Wonderland runs from November 18 2016 – until January 2 2017. Entry to Winter Wonderland is free, however, Tickets for Ice Skating, The Giant Wheel, Magical Ice Kingdom and other shows could be booked in advance. Activities like Ice Skating, a Ferris wheel, a Fairground ride, and stalls and stands brimming with sweets and toys make Winter Wonderland a real treat for kids.

Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park
Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park

Source: Flickr Winter Wonderland- Hyde Park

2. Go Christmas Shopping

Christmas is fast approaching and it’s time to shop for yourself and your loved ones. Whether you plan to shop early or like to make it till the last minute you’ll find everything you need in these stores. If you are looking for original and interesting gifting ideas and pretty baubles, and spectacular decorations then shop till you drop at the very famous Harrods (For Decadent Decoration), Selfridges (for Stylish stocking fillers), Fortnum & Mason (for luxury food hampers), The Conran Shop( for designer home trimmings). Also, do not forget to visit London’s Christmas market and fairs. A few of the best annual Christmas markets are at The Leicester Square, the South Bank Centre Christmas Market, and The Swedish Church Christmas Fair.

Christmas Shopping at Harrods
Christmas Shopping at Harrods

Source: Flickr Christmas Shopping at Harrods

3. Trafalgar Square’s Christmas tree

This 20 Metres high tree is stunningly decorated every year at the very famous Trafalgar Square. Norway gifted it to London in 1947, and ever since then this place majorly attracts tourists. The glistening Christmas tree gifted every year by Oslo, Norway is a focal point of Christmas in London. Carol Services are held throughout the month around the tree, go check out this beautiful place on one of your beautiful winter evenings in London.

Trafalgar Square, London
Trafalgar Square, London

Source: Flickr

4. Ice Skating

A trip to an Ice rink is a must-do for every Londoner and tourist during winter. Pretty Christmas trees and lights set to the backdrop make it quite a view. So head on and twirl around with your pair of skates at some of the best Ice skating rinks in London.

Locations: Broad Gate Ice Rink, Canary Wharf Ice Rink, Somerset House Ice Rink (18th Century Courtyard ice rink) Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink, and Hyde Park- Winter Wonderland.

Ice Skating Rink at Somerset House
Ice Skating Rink at Somerset House

Source: Flickr Ice Skating Rink at Somerset House

5. London Illustration Fair

This year, 2016, marks the fourth anniversary of this fair. It? is a three days illustration extravaganza. Over 65 designers, illustrators and publishers will showcase their work/art. The fair also will host a programme of workshops, talks, Live DJs and a Bar.

Dates: From 1 December 2016 to 4th December 2016.

Address: Bargehouse, Oxo Tower Wharf, Barge House Street, London, SE1 9PH.

6. The Chocolate Festival

You simply cannot miss this event; as it’s a delight for chocolate lovers. This event hosts an array of chocolatiers and artisan delights, demonstrations, tastings and conversations, also there will be a Choco/ Cocoa Spa where the guests can try some cocoa beauty treatments, a health zone where guests will be provided information about the health benefits of chocolate. You also can pick up goodies for Christmas from their Chocolate market. So you know where to go if you are a Chocoholic.

Dates: From 1 December 2016 to 4 December 2016.

Address: Business Design Centre, 52 Upper Street, London, N10QH.

7. Dazzling London Christmas Lights

The Capital’s streets are beautifully lit every year. Christmas lights shimmer in the skies. Plan an evening to gaze upon the glittering London streets. You can spend your evenings by just strolling around and watching the lights glitter. Visit these twinkling streets of Oxford, Carnaby, Covent Garden Illuminations, Bond Street, Regent Street, Duke of York Square, and South Bank.

Regents Street decorated during Christmas, London
Regents Street decorated during Christmas, London

Source?: Flickr Regent Street, London

8. Geffrye Museum:

This is a great place to discover and learn how X-Mas was celebrated in English middle-class homes in the past like around 400 years ago. The living room is authentically decorated. The rooms of the museum are transformed for Christmas using lighting, greenery, and music. Discover the origins and meaning of Christmas traditions such as sending cards, tree decorating, hanging stockings, and Christmas lunch to name a few. You may also pick up gifts and decorations for Christmas at the Museum shop.

Address: 136, Kingsland Road, Shoreditch, London E2 8EA

9. Go on a Haunted Pub Tour

This one sounds a little weird to be mentioned in this list since Halloween is over and we are talking about the haunted tour again, but yes, why not do something different and spooky this winter? Go along with a group of friends to explore all the ghostly things. This tour is conducted by London Walking Tours and it includes a visit to three haunted historic pubs, which are kind of dark and Quirky. The tour happens only on selected Wednesdays at 7 pm.

Starting Point: Temple Station (watch out for boards and balloons)

Finishing Point: Fleet Street.

10. Christmas at Kew

This famous Royal botanical garden is lit up with more than 60,000 lights. Get your family and friends along and follow the long illuminated trail around the gardens. Sing along to the classic Christmas Tunes with Karaoke, admire the crystal flowers and colour-changing reed, enjoy a ride on the Victorian Carousel, and Pass through the shimmering tunnel of dancing lights, also delicious Christmas treats and warming winter drinks could be enjoyed which will lift your festive spirit.

Dates: From 23 November 2016 to 2 January 2017. Between 5 pm to 10 Pm.

Address: Kew, Richmond, TW9 3 AB.

In case you have missed visiting Kew Gardens during Christmas you, can always visit Kew 365 days in a year. Check out our Kew with us

BOOK KEW GARDEN ADMISSION TICKETS

And lastly, If you wish to witness the spectacular New Year’s Eve Fireworks, at the London Eye, then book your tickets in advance to secure your spot.

Eat and Drink merry and catch the best of London this winter with our list of best events.

You might be interested in

5 days 4 nights london tour package

5 Days 4 Nights London Tour

Seeking a memorable short trip to London? Look no further! Explore renowned London tourist attractions with a 5-days 4 night

London Christmas Lights 2014

Published on
//

London Christmas Lights 2014

Christmas and New Year Celebrations in London can always be a treat for all age groups. No matter what if I didn’t got the chance to travel to London this year. But I can assure you there is a lot I miss about London. Specially in winters, whole London gets in festive mood and chill in the air makes no difference whatsoever when out and about shopping and celebrating on Christmas eve and New Years night. One thing you will notice about London when you come as a tourist is, that London from November onwards starts getting decorated. The high streets and tourists places with bright, shiny, sparkling lights all in and around London. Christmas lights give such a warm and festive feel to anyone who sees them. It’s like festivities are on their way, when you see them around in central London’s famous shopping street “The Oxford Street” you feel like that you are in a very nice shopping place with lot of people from around the world. The place is lively and vibrant full of colours. When you are in London, make sure you go to these places which are worth going when Celebrating Christmas and New Year in London 2014.

Best Places to see Christmas Lights in London

1. Bond Street – You can expect the best Christmas lights showdown in Bond Street. Year after Year the lights around the city are simply spectacular and bring cheer to passers buy and shoppers from around the world.

Bond Street Christmas Lights 2014
Bond Street Christmas Lights 2014

2. Covent Garden – Covent Garden is a place which is the cosiest and warmest place in town, great sparkling lights. The piazza, the arcade all light up with lights and this time you will also see a huge Christmas tree with red and white lights. I insist not to stay in hotel when you are in London, because at this time of the year London looks gorgeous in the nights too! There is a special installation of Lego Santa with sleigh where you can go and have a selfie taken :). All in all you got to enjoy the lights, the people and the food of Covent Garden. It’s one place i always go every time i visit London.

Lego Santa at Covent Garden

Lego Santa at Covent Garden

3. Oxford Street – Oxford Street is the shopping Mecca of Europe. Shopaholics get their fix when they visit London. Your London tour is incomplete of you don’t go to Oxford street for exhibiting some shopping madness. Oxford street is not only famous for its shopping discounts on the high street, but also for the Christmas lights. This year 2014 I must say the lights have been rather simple, but no matter still the street is buzzing with tourists from all around the world. Which makes Oxford Street the must visit place when coming to London. Surely every London tour package consists a day of shopping and to be free to hangout. Make sure this is the place to visit ;).

Oxford Street Lights 2014
Oxford Street Lights 2014

4. Regents Street – Regent Street has been another shopping paradise for tourists and locals. Christmas lights again this winter are spectacular, and they’re really make a perfect sparkle to make the list complete best London Christmas lights of 2014. The whole street gets traffic free, and pedestrians have the access to walk around and shop till they drop. You will exhibit many activities happening in this street as it is a nice Georgian style building street with expensive retail chains having there high street outlets.

Regents Street christmas Lights 2014
The Regent Street Christmas lights were switched on by the pop group Take That on November 16, 2014.

When you explore these areas of London at the time of Christmas, you are rest assured that you will love these places and come back again and again next year.

You might be interested in

trafalgar square london 2019|Ice Skating Natural history museum London|christmas tree in Trafalgar square 2019

Christmas in London 2019

Christmas in London 2019 London is a place transformed into a Winter wonderland during December. It is filled with festive

Christmas in London 2013

Published on
/

Christmas is a celebration which is to some extent celebrated in every part of the world. And it’s a celebration of lights, gifting, and having a nice comfy dinner with family on the Christmas eve. Celebrating Christmas in London is alone a memorable experience. The other thing which is very famous about celebrating Christmas in London is, that the shopping by locals and tourists is at full swing. You can find huge bargains in all shops and multi-story chains. People spend for gifting people and for themselves too, as the best time to do loads of shopping is this season, which starts from first week of November and lasts till first week of January.

Harrods the luxury department store famed for its iconic Christmas window display
Harrods the luxury department store famed for its iconic Christmas window display

The famous shopping areas of London are surely is central London also known as zone 1. Oxford street, Carnaby street, Regents street, Piccadilly circus, Tottenham court road. all these areas get full and packed with shoppers from all around the world. London is also know the best shopping destination of Europe. And there are famous chain stores from luxury brands like Burberry, French Connection, Apple, Banana Republic to name few.

 Oxford street is also known for its window shopping, Selfridges decorates its window most flamboyantly for Christmas. Oxford streets has shops for all types of goods and has something for everyone, from kids to old people. warm coffee at Starbucks, cafe Nero or hearty delight at winter wonderland at Hyde park. You will surely have great time celebrating Christmas in London. Not only this, but you can buy gifts for your friends and family at a reasonably priced offers running by many high street stores like John Lewis, BHS, Debenhams, Primark, Marks and Spencers etc.

You might be interested in

trafalgar square london 2019|Ice Skating Natural history museum London|christmas tree in Trafalgar square 2019

Christmas in London 2019

Christmas in London 2019 London is a place transformed into a Winter wonderland during December. It is filled with festive

New Year Celebrations in London 2014

Published on
////

Winters in Europe are like sitting inside a freezer literally. I celebrated my 4 new years in London from 2006 to 2010. And all those years I enjoyed my time staying in London. I really enjoy shopping in London, there is a clear reason why the discounts you get on the high street and the sheer number of people who turn up for these discounts is staggering. New Year brings a lot of new opportunities and happiness to London. The year-end sale, the warmth of mulled wine, and the shopping fiesta all sum up a great New Year Celebration in London.

Harrods the luxury department store famed for its iconic Christmas window display
Harrods the luxury department store famed for its iconic Christmas window display

New Year Celebration is like ones in a year celebration, which is together with Christmas celebrated. The atmosphere changes all around when December arrives, huge shopping discounts all around, and retail business gets active for all-time high year-end sales. The decorations for Christmas and New Year are simply breathtaking around London.

New Year Celebrations 2014

The celebrations start with Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park and then the whole of Oxford Street is lit with the old tradition of lights. On New Year’s eve, there are special arrangements around the city. Spectators from around the world line up to celebrate New Year near Trafalgar Square, Near London Eye, to see the Fireworks unfold in front of them. The number of people visiting this place on the 31st night is huge and everyone enjoys the midnight music, food, and firecrackers. This year 2013, the firecrackers were awesome, and I and my friends had a ball, as we got pretty close to the London Eye, and did get a chance to see the firecrackers. It was a great start to New Year 2014 watching firecrackers and being with friends and family. It’s ones in a lifetime spectacle to see the great colourful fireworks. Must see and visit for all London lovers.

You might be interested in

5 days 4 nights london tour package

5 Days 4 Nights London Tour

Seeking a memorable short trip to London? Look no further! Explore renowned London tourist attractions with a 5-days 4 night