London Christmas tours: Best festive tours in 2026

Experience London glowing with twinkling lights on a Christmas lights bus tour, as you catch a glimpse of some of the city's most famous landmarks and decorations. Sit back and enjoy panoramic views from the top deck, passing glittering sights such as Regent Street’s angels, Oxford Street’s sustainable stars and dazzling festive window displays.

Along the way, discover fascinating stories and history behind London’s iconic streets. Running throughout the festive season, including Christmas Eve and Boxing Day, this tour makes it easy to see many of the city’s best Christmas lights in a single trip without navigating busy shopping crowds.

We love taking in the sparkling displays from the open-top upper deck. For more highlights, read our full review on the Visit London blog.

Best for: First-time visitors and Christmas lights enthusiasts looking to see London's festive displays in one seamless tour.
Good to know: This tour is popular on weekends and in the lead-up to Christmas, so make sure book ahead. Evening departures offer the best views of London's festive lights, and we recommend the open-top upper deck for a panoramic experience – just wrap up warm!

Over the festive season, winter casts its spell over the wizarding world as Warner Bros. Studio Tour London undergoes a magical transformation for Hogwarts in the Snow. Iconic sets from the Harry Potter films are beautifully dressed with shimmering Christmas trees, flaming puddings and a snow-covered model of Hogwarts Castle.

Harry Potter fans won't want to miss this enchanting festive makeover, made even easier with return transport to the studios. Step into the Great Hall set for a festive feast, admire the glittering Yule Ball stage and uncover the secrets behind how filmmakers created snow, ice and fire. We recommend trying a Butterbeer treat, including the delicious Butterbeer ice cream in the Backlot Cafe.

Best for: Harry Potter fans looking to experience the wizarding world at its most magical.
Good to know: Hogwarts in the Snow is one of the Studio Tour's most popular seasonal events, so book several weeks in advance to secure your place.

Admire London’s illuminated landmarks as you sing along to beloved Christmas classics on a magical Singalong Christmas lights tour. Embrace the festive spirit with traditional seasonal treats, including mince pies, buttery shortbread and warming mulled wine.

As you travel through the city, take in dazzling views of Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and the London Eye, all beautifully lit for the season. There are plenty of opportunities to capture festive photos or simply sit back and soak up the atmosphere from your seat. We recommend reserving a spot on the upper deck for the best views and truly merry Christmas experience.

Best for: Christmas enthusiasts who love festive songs and light displays.
Good to know: Evening departures offer the best views of London's festive lights, especially from the upper deck. You may be seated at a shared table, adding to the fun and sociable atmosphere on board.

Step aboard The Snowman Afternoon Tea Bus for a whimsical journey through London, combining the charm of Raymond Briggs’ beloved classic with a festive afternoon tea. Tuck into mince pies, cupcakes and snowball truffles, served with a cosy hot drink, as you enjoy the sights to the soundtrack of The Snowman and classic Christmas carols.

Starting from either the London Eye or Aldwych, the tour passes iconic landmarks including Big Ben, Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus. Evening departures also showcase London’s world-famous Christmas lights, from Oxford Street’s sparkling stars to Regent Street’s angels. We recommend pairing the Aldwych departure with a trip to The Snowman in the West End for an extra-special day out.

Best for: Festive foodies and fans of Raymond Briggs' much-loved classic.
Good to know: The upper deck offers the best views, and you can upgrade your experience with festive extras, including Prosecco, mulled wine and a Snowball cocktail. For an extra touch of magic, add The Snowman goodie bag.

Celebrate Christmas Eve in London with an evening tour of the city’s sparkling landmarks, followed by a festive three-course dinner in Covent Garden. As the night unfolds, make your way to Trafalgar Square for Midnight Mass at St Martin-in-the-Fields. We love this atmospheric tradition, celebrated in one of London’s most iconic churches.

Blending sightseeing, fine dining and a festive service, this enchanting Christmas Eve tour with dinner and Midnight Mass experience is a memorable way to welcome Christmas Day in the heart of the capital.

Best for: Those looking to celebrate Christmas Eve with fine dining and a cherished tradition.
Good to know: Tickets sell out quickly, so make sure to book early. The tour finishes at around 2am, with drop-off near central London hotels. You'll need to arrange travel from the drop-off location if staying outside central London. Due to the late finish, the tour may not be suitable for young children.

Enjoy a festive Christmas Eve day trip from London, taking in four of southern England’s most famous sights. Explore Leeds Castle, a magnificent historic fortress surrounded by 500 acres of beautiful parkland, browse for last-minute gifts and seasonal treats at Canterbury Christmas Market, and stop to admire the striking White Cliffs of Dover.

On the journey back, pass through Greenwich and spot its impressive maritime landmarks. We love this mix of history, festive cheer and spectacular scenery on the Leeds Castle, Canterbury Christmas Market, Dover and Greenwich tour, making it a memorable way to celebrate Christmas Eve beyond the capital.

Best for: Adventure seekers wanting to discover historic attractions at Christmas.
Good to know: The tour includes a guided walking tour of Canterbury and entry to Leeds Castle. Admission to Canterbury Cathedral is not included.

Marvel at London’s glimmering streets on Christmas Eve with the Illuminations of London tour, a magical journey through the capital’s festive splendour. See iconic landmarks and monuments dressed for the season, from Parliament Square and Piccadilly Circus to Trafalgar Square, the Tower of London and St Paul’s Cathedral.

Along the way, an expert live guide brings the city to life with fascinating stories about London’s Christmas traditions and festive history. We love how this enchanting tour showcases the capital at its most atmospheric, making it a wonderful way to soak up the Christmas spirit on the night before Christmas.

Best for: Christmas lights fans looking for an extra dose of festive cheer.
Good to know: The tour takes place entirely by coach, making it a comfortable way to see London’s Christmas lights and landmarks without the crowds.

See the sights on Christmas Day with a Hop-on hop-off bus tour with optional festive lunch. Sit back and take in the rare tranquillity of the capital as you pass key landmarks, including Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London and St Paul’s Cathedral, hopping off to explore at stops along the way.

Take a break from sightseeing and head to Browns in Covent Garden for a traditional Christmas lunch featuring roast turkey with all the trimmings, seasonal sides, decadent desserts and a glass of wine. We think this is a wonderful way to experience London from a unique perspective, with the usual bustle replaced by a peaceful festive atmosphere.

Best for: Families and visitors wanting to experience London’s sights at their most peaceful on Christmas Day.
Good to know: Hop on and off across four routes and more than 60 stops. Buses run every 30 minutes from 10am to 4pm on 25 December only. Christmas lunch at Browns Covent Garden is served between 12pm and 1.30pm.

Walk in the footsteps of Shakespeare, Anne Hathaway and C.S. Lewis this Christmas Day on a scenic journey through history and countryside. Explore Oxford’s ancient alleys, picturesque squares and famous university landmarks before travelling through the beautiful Cotswolds, passing charming villages and rolling landscapes.

Continue to Stratford-upon-Avon, where a traditional three-course Christmas lunch awaits. Afterwards, stroll through the birthplace of William Shakespeare, spot Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and soak up the festive atmosphere of this historic market town. We recommend this special Oxford, Cotswolds and Stratford-upon-Avon day trip for a wonderful way to combine Christmas celebrations with some of England’s most iconic sights.

Best for: Those looking to discover some of England’s most picturesque towns and countryside on Christmas Day.
Good to know: The tour includes a friendly guide, walking tours of Oxford and Stratford-upon-Avon, plus a scenic drive through the Cotswolds.

Discover London and beyond on this full-day Christmas Day tour of Canterbury, Dover and Greenwich, taking in historic landmarks, maritime heritage and spectacular coastal scenery across south-east England. Travel through the Kent countryside to Canterbury Cathedral, where you can attend the traditional Sung Eucharist Christmas service before enjoying a festive three-course lunch or buffet.

Continue to the famous White Cliffs of Dover for sweeping coastal views and a memorable photo stop, with a glimpse of historic Dover Castle along the way. Return to the capital via Greenwich, a World Heritage Site renowned for its rich naval history and striking architecture. We think the Christmas service at Canterbury Cathedral makes this a particularly special way to celebrate the day.

Best for: Families and visitors wanting to enjoy a traditional Christmas Day celebration beyond the capital.
Good to know: This tour includes return coach travel, entry to the Sung Eucharist service at Canterbury Cathedral, a traditional Christmas lunch and an expert guide.

Spend Christmas Day ticking off London’s top sights on a panoramic city tour, taking in the capital’s festive atmosphere from the comfort of a luxury coach – we recommend this for a memorable Christmas Day with a difference. Pass iconic landmarks including Westminster Abbey, St Paul’s Cathedral and Buckingham Palace, all sparkling with seasonal charm.

After sightseeing, head to Westminster Pier and step aboard a relaxing Christmas Day Lunch Cruise on the river Thames. Sit back, unwind and enjoy a delicious three-course meal as you glide past some of London’s most beautiful riverside landmarks. This Christmas Day Lunch Cruise and Guided City Tour combines festive dining with spectacular views.

Best for: Those wanting to make the most of Christmas Day with sightseeing and a special festive lunch.
Good to know: Children under five are not permitted on this tour. For the lunch cruise, the dress code is festive smart casual – guests are asked to avoid wearing jeans and trainers.

Discover three iconic destinations on the Windsor, Oxford and Avebury with Christmas lunch tour, a festive Christmas Day adventure from London. Start in the historic market town of Windsor before heading to Oxford for a traditional three-course Christmas lunch in a cosy British pub.

Afterwards, explore the city’s cobbled streets and striking architecture as your guide shares stories of its rich past and famous alumni. The day ends at Avebury, a fascinating World Heritage Site home to one of Britain’s largest prehistoric stone circles. We think this tour is a wonderful way to combine festive celebrations with history, heritage and some of England’s most memorable sights before returning to London.

Best for: History lovers keen to discover royal, academic and prehistoric landmarks on Christmas Day.
Good to know: Windsor Castle is closed on Christmas Day, but you'll have time to explore the town and soak up its historic charm.

Experience the magic of London on Christmas Day with a panoramic guided tour of London with optional Westminster Abbey visit. Choose from a morning or afternoon tour and see key landmarks including Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Trafalgar Square and Downing Street, while a live guide shares fascinating stories and festive insights along the way.

The morning tour includes entry to the Christmas Day Sung Eucharist at Westminster Abbey, featuring Christmas carols, choral music, a sermon and Holy Communion. We think this is a truly special way to celebrate the day. Alternatively, opt for the extended afternoon tour to enjoy even more of London’s famous sights from the comfort of the coach.

Best for: Visitors wanting to experience London’s iconic landmarks and festive traditions on Christmas Day.
Good to know: Choose between a morning or afternoon tour, with the morning option including entry to the Christmas Day Sung Eucharist at Westminster Abbey.

Embark on a Boxing Day adventure that takes in two UNESCO World Heritage Sites and some of England’s most historic destinations. We suggest this Windsor, Bath, Stonehenge and Salisbury tour for making the most of the festive season while exploring some of Britain’s most picturesque sights.

Start in the charming market town of Windsor, where a guided walking tour reveals fascinating stories about Windsor Castle and the town’s royal connections. Continue to Stonehenge, one of the world’s most famous prehistoric monuments, and discover the many theories surrounding its mysterious origins. Catch a glimpse of magnificent Salisbury Cathedral before heading to Bath, where a guided walking tour showcases elegant Georgian streets, Bath Abbey, the Royal Crescent and Pulteney Bridge.

Best for: History lovers keen to explore some of England’s World Heritage Sites.
Good to know: This tour includes guided walking tours of Windsor and Bath, plus entry to Stonehenge.

Discover the highlights of the Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon and Warwick Castle tour this Boxing Day, taking in some of England’s most historic and picturesque destinations. We think this is a wonderful way to make the most of the festive season while exploring famous sights beyond London.

Begin the tour with a stop in Oxford, where a guided walk takes you through ancient squares, college courtyards and past the famous Bodleian Library. Continue through the charming villages of the Cotswolds before arriving in Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare. Round off the day at Warwick Castle, where medieval history comes to life through its impressive Great Hall, grand state rooms and fascinating heritage.

Best for: Families and history buffs eager to discover castles, university cities and famous landmarks.
Good to know: This tour includes entry to Warwick Castle and guided walking tours of Stratford-upon-Avon and Oxford.