London’s Christmas Lights! There’s no place like London during the holidays, and this year you can experience the best of London’s Christmas lights for just £1.75! Skip the chilly walks and long Tube rides with these carefully planned bus routes that will guide you through London’s most iconic festive displays. From Oxford Street’s sparkle to Regent Street’s angel lights, here’s everything you need to know to enjoy the sights of Christmas in London from the warmth of a double-decker bus.
Why See London’s Christmas Lights by Bus?
Touring London’s Christmas lights by bus gives you a comfortable, scenic view of the city’s festive magic without breaking the bank. For just £1.75, you can hop on one of London’s classic red buses and tour iconic holiday light displays, from Carnaby Street to Covent Garden, all in one go. Plus, buses allow you to sit back, relax, and take in the twinkling lights from a top-deck view.
Read on for the best bus routes to experience London’s top Christmas light displays in comfort and style.
Photo Credit: Love London (FB Page)
The Best Routes to See Christmas Lights in London
Here are the top bus routes to experience London’s Christmas lights this season:
🎄 Bus 453 – Marylebone Village to Deptford Bridge
Starting Point: Marylebone Village
Highlights:
- Marylebone Village – Begin your journey in the quaint Marylebone Village, a neighborhood bursting with holiday charm, festive lights, and even a Santa’s grotto. Hop on Bus 453 and get ready for the magic ahead.
- Regent Street – The bus travels through Regent Street, where you’ll be surrounded by the iconic “Spirit of Christmas” angel lights, one of the most famous holiday displays in London.
- Carnaby Street – Take a quick detour to Carnaby Street for a vibrant, colorful light display that changes themes every year. From Hamley’s toy store on Regent Street, it’s just a short walk.
- Trafalgar Square – Watch for Trafalgar Square, home to London’s towering Christmas tree gifted from Norway, a long-standing tradition.
- Westminster Abbey and South Bank – Wrap up your trip at Westminster Abbey before continuing to County Hall near South Bank, where you can enjoy riverside views and more festive decorations.
🎄 Bus 94 – Marble Arch to Leicester Square
Starting Point: Marble Arch
Highlights:
- Oxford Street – Oxford Street dazzles with thousands of sparkling lights, setting the perfect start to your holiday lights journey.
- Regent Street – Continue down Regent Street to see London’s famous angel lights. Known as “The Spirits of Christmas,” these angels make up the largest Christmas light display in the UK.
- Piccadilly Circus & Fortnum & Mason – Hop off at Piccadilly Circus to walk over to Fortnum & Mason for a holiday treat. This iconic department store is decked out with holiday charm and makes a great photo stop.
- Leicester Square Christmas Market – End your journey at Leicester Square, home to a cozy Christmas market with stalls, festive food, and entertainment.
🎄 Bus 139 – Selfridges to Waterloo
Starting Point: Selfridges, Oxford Street
Highlights:
- Selfridges & Oxford Street – Start outside Selfridges, where stunning holiday windows and festive lights along Oxford Street create the ultimate holiday shopping and sightseeing experience.
- Trafalgar Square and Covent Garden – Head towards Trafalgar Square to see the grand Christmas tree, then continue to Covent Garden. With oversized baubles, shimmering bells, and a 60-foot tree, Covent Garden is one of London’s most iconic Christmas destinations.
- Waterloo & South Bank – End your journey at Waterloo, where you’re just a short walk from South Bank’s Christmas Market. This riverside market offers festive treats and views of London’s holiday lights along the Thames.
🎄 Bus 98 – Marble Arch to Tottenham Court Road
Starting Point: Marble Arch
Highlights:
- Marble Arch to Tottenham Court Road – Covering Marble Arch and Oxford Street, Bus 98 offers a cozy, scenic route to see some of London’s top Christmas lights displays.
Tips for the Best Christmas Lights Experience
- When to Go: Evening hours, when the lights are fully illuminated, provide the best views.
- Top Deck Views: Head to the top deck of the bus and sit at the front for a panoramic view of London’s holiday lights.
- Photo Opportunities: Plan stops along the way, especially at Regent Street, Leicester Square, and Covent Garden to capture photos of London’s holiday magic up close.
Final Thoughts: Experience London’s Christmas Lights for Less
Seeing the Christmas lights in London by bus is an affordable, cozy, and scenic way to experience the city’s festive charm. For just £1.75, you can explore the best of London’s holiday lights, from Oxford Street to Covent Garden, and soak up the Christmas spirit across the city. So save this guide, grab a warm drink, and enjoy London’s holiday lights from the comfort of a double-decker bus.
Whether you’re a Londoner or just visiting, these bus routes offer an easy and memorable way to make the most of Christmas in London this season.
