When you picture photo-worthy Christmas destinations, which cities come to mind?
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If London just popped into your head, you might be a Christmas fanatic. While the city doesn’t get any of that picturesque snowfall that we normally associate with winter, it’s renowned globally as one of the top Christmas destinations.
Part of the magic falls back to London’s longstanding history and its ongoing Christmas celebrations. Some date back to the Victorian era. Aside from London’s Christmas traditions, the city also comes to life with light displays, markets, decorated landmarks, and even carolers.
Even feasting is viewed as a Christmas pastime that you can celebrate around the city. The big question is—if you’re visiting around the Christmas holiday, which tours will give you a lay of the land? Should you stick to a bus tour or go for a walking tour? And what about river cruises?
Consider this your one-stop shop for the best Christmas tours in London, whether you want to eat, drink, or just be merry. Hopefully, you’re into buses—there’s a Christmas bus tour in London for just about every mood.
(Looking for non-themed tours? Start here.)
Christmas tours in London by bus, taxi, & bike
Christmas Lights Bus Tour with Live Guide
Explore the most popular Christmas light displays in London on this open-top bus. It comes with a live guide who will narrate the magic as it unfolds. Runs for 60-80 minutes.
London Christmas Lights Tour by Vintage Bus Open Top
Board a vintage Routemaster open-top bus that will ferry you to the city’s most magical light shows. All tickets come with top seats on the 1960s-era bus, guaranteeing great views.
Live Guided Christmas Lights Open-Top Bus Night Tour
Take on the best London Christmas lights with this tour from Big Bus Tours, a well-known hop-on and hop-off tourist bus. The live guide narrates the adventure as you cruise along. Expect plenty of Christmas, as well.
Christmas Lights & Bites Tour
Cruise along in a vintage 1960s Routemaster bus while you snack on small, festive bites and drinks. As you munch, you’ll be treated to the city’s loveliest Christmas light displays. Expect cheeky commentary from live guides, too.
Paddington Bear Christmas Themed Bus Tour
Book this tour at night and you’ll be able to see the best Christmas light displays in London. You’ll also get to enjoy plenty of Paddington-themed fare thanks to the bus’s decked-out decorations. During the day, it runs as an afternoon tea tour.
Christmas Afternoon Tea Sightseeing Bus Tour
If you’re interested in the afternoon tea angle of the above tour but don’t know anything about a certain beloved stuffed bear, book this one instead. It includes an afternoon tea setup that you can enjoy while cruising around London and soaking up the Christmas decorations.
Christmas Lights Bike Tour
You can book a three-hour bike tour that includes daylight and nighttime routes. The tour takes you to some of London’s most famous Christmas landmarks, from the window displays at Harrods to Covent Garden’s lights to popular Christmas markets.
London Christmas Lights Private Guided Taxi Tour
Looking for a more intimate and personalized way to see the best Christmas décor in London? Book a private tour with a knowledgeable guide. You can experience the festive cheer at your own pace. Plus, you’ll get pick up and drop off from a Central London location. This tour is also wheelchair and stroller accessible.
Christmas tours in London on foot
Christmas Lights and Markets Tour
Christmas tours in London on a bus give you a great lay of the land—but they don’t let you take on the city’s Christmas markets. This tour provides a balance of both. You’ll see some of the major light displays, then wander through a few beloved Christmas markets.
Christmas Lights Walking Tour
Let a local London guide take you to the city’s most festive corners. Plus, you’ll also get to learn more about the holiday’s history in London and how the city helped put Christmas traditions, from window displays to Christmas trees. Expect plenty of humor and energy from your guide, Rich.
Christmas Lights Tour with Christmas Music
Join this silent disco-themed Christmas lights tour for an unexpected and exciting experience. Your tour guide will hand out headphones that blast Christmas carols (at your preferred volume) as you wander the streets and enjoy the lights. This tour is also influencer-friendly if you want to take photos and videos.
London Christmas Carol & Charles Dickens Small Group Walking Tour
This tour zeroes in on Charles Dickens’ famous tale ‘A Christmas Carol’, introducing you to the famous London locations that helped inspire the tale. As you learn about Ebenezer Scrooge, you’ll get to enjoy Christmas lights, along with visits to centuries-old taverns and hidden alleys.
Christmas Cabaret
The title says it all—this Christmas Cabaret show is hosted at the Phoenix Arts Club in London’s West End. Expect tons of Christmas-themed naughtiness that includes burlesque, drag, musical theatre, and even comedy. Just know: if you enjoy Christmas for its austere themes, this show isn’t for you.
Top London Sights Tour – Christmas Day Special
If you’ll be spending Christmas in London, book this morning tour. It takes you to the city’s most famous locations, including Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and more. You’ll get to see Christmas cheer on full display—without all the crowds.
Christmas tours in London via the Thames
Festive London Christmas Day River Thames Lunch Cruise
Also on Christmas Day, this tour includes a three-hour lunch date on the River Thames. Not only can you celebrate the holiday in style, but you’ll also have great views while you do so. Just know that it’s a day tour, meaning you won’t get to see those famous lights.
