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Christmas

Christmas Lights Tour by Open Top Vintage Bus

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Step onto a charming Christmas Lights Tour by Open Top Vintage Bus, festooned with holiday decorations, and enjoy a distinctive view of London’s landmarks and festive lights. The Christmas Lights Tour by Open Top Vintage Bus promises a truly spectacular experience, making it an essential highlight of the festive season in London. Don’t overlook this remarkable opportunity to witness the city adorned in holiday splendour from the comfort of this classic bus. It’s an unforgettable journey, providing a unique and enchanting way to embrace the magic of Christmas in the bustling heart of 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

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Christmas Lights in London

Every year, starting in November, London adorns itself with beautiful Christmas lights, and this year will be no exception. You can graciously glide around the ice rinks, get lost in the festive markets, and admire the light displays throughout the streets of London. It’s a fantastic time of the year, which no one should miss when sitting at home. The weather should not deter you from going out. Viewing this spectacle of Christmas lights in beautifully decorated London is a sheer treat for London tourists.

Vintage Routemaster Bus

Experience London during the most beautiful time of the year aboard an original 1960s Routemaster bus. These buses, which operated from 1956 to 1968, were a public sensation; however, they had to be taken off the road due to non-compliance with the Disability Discrimination Act of 1995. Despite this, around 1,230 buses remain operational privately and have been modified with public safety in mind. Surely, you wouldn’t want to miss the opportunity to ride on a classic British icon and witness the Christmas lights from the vantage point of 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 across the capital.

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Bus Tour Route

Get in the spirit and witness the finest seasonal decorations. Take up to 75 minutes immersing yourself in the iconic and astounding landmarks of London, all adorned in festive sparkle. Explore the shop windows of Oxford Street, pass by the renowned Harrods department store, and much more. While strolling around, you might miss some of the London Christmas lights, but on this tour, you’ll have the opportunity to view them all from the top of the bus, with spectacular views exclusively 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

The designated meeting location may differ based on the selected booking option.

Meeting Point Option 1: Victoria Departure

Please see the Google Maps below for you to plan your travel to the meeting point:

Meeting Point Option 2: Victoria Departure

Start your tour at the Golden Tours tourist bus stop. Look out for Jubilee Park and Garden on Belvedere Road, which is opposite the London Eye. There you will see Golden Tours’ blue buses.

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Important Information regarding your tour

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

If you’re in search of an exclusive London Christmas lights experience, consider our Traditional Private Black Cab Tour, featuring a personalized journey through the enchanting Christmas lights of London. Immerse yourself in the festive spirit with this private tour, ensuring a unique and memorable exploration of the city’s holiday charm.

 

Traditional Private Black Cab Tour of London’s Christmas Lights

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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)

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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. 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

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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.

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London Christmas Lights 2021

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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.

Christmas in London 2019

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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.

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

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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 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 attracted 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-day 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 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 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.