24 of the best London Christmas tours 2026

Experience London glowing with twinkling lights as you catch a festive glimpse of some of the city's most famous landmarks on the open-top Christmas lights bus tour. Sit back and take photos from the top deck as you glide past glittering sights like Regent Street’s angels, Oxford Street’s sustainable stars and dazzling window displays. Learn plenty of history on this tour that runs throughout the festive season, including on Christmas Eve and Boxing Day.

Duration: approximately 90 minutes
Departure point: London Eye, Victoria and Green Park 

Over the festive season, winter casts its spell over the wizarding world, bringing a magical transformation to Warner Bros. Studio Tour London. During 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. 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.

Get into the Christmas spirit with a festive cruise along the river Thames, where you can choose between a joyful lunch party or an enchanting dinner party experience. Each cruise includes a delicious meal, seasonal refreshments and on-board entertainment, all while taking in stunning views of London’s top landmarks from the comfort of your seat. The lunch cruise features a live vocalist, festive tunes and daytime dancing, while the dinner cruise offers a DJ and dancing into the night.

Duration: Three-hour lunch cruise or four-hour dinner cruise
Departure point: Westminster Pier and Tower Millennium Pier
Cost: From £79 for adults

Admire London’s illuminated landmarks as you sing along to beloved Christmas classics on a magical singalong Christmas lights tour. Embrace the enchanting spirit of the season and indulge in traditional festive delights, from mince pies and buttery shortbread to warming mulled wine. Cruise past Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and the London Eye, all aglow with dazzling displays. Reserve your seat on the upper deck for a truly merry experience. 

Duration: Approximately 90 minutes
Departure point: London Victoria 

Step aboard The Snowman afternoon tea bus for a whimsical journey through London, blending the charm of Raymond Briggs’ beloved classic with a festive afternoon tea. Indulge in mince pies, cupcakes and snowball truffles served with a cosy hot drink, as you take in the city’s sights to the soundtrack of The Snowman and Christmas carols. Departing from Aldwych, this enchanting experience pairs perfectly with a visit to The Snowman West End show. 

Duration: Approximately one hour
Departure point: London Eye and Aldwych

Celebrate Christmas Eve in London with a scenic evening tour of the city’s glistening 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 – an atmospheric and heartfelt tradition in one of the city’s most iconic churches. Experience one of London’s most enchanting Christmas Eve celebrations.

Duration: Approximately eight hours
Departure point: London Victoria

Enjoy a festive adventure out of London this Christmas Eve with a scenic tour of four captivating UK destinations. Discover the rich history of Leeds Castle and its stunning parkland, browse for gifts at the charming Canterbury Christmas Market and pause to admire the breath-taking White Cliffs of Dover. On the return journey, pass through Greenwich and take in the architectural splendour of its maritime landmarks. 

Duration: Approximately 10 hours
Departure point: London Victoria
Cost: From £99 for adults and £89 for children

Marvel at the glimmering streets of central London on Christmas Eve with the Illuminations of London tour, an enchanting journey through the city’s festive grandour. See iconic landmarks and monuments dressed in their winter coats, from Parliament Square and Piccadilly Circus to Trafalgar Square, the Tower of London and St Paul’s Cathedral. 

Duration: Approximately 90 minutes
Departure point: London Victoria
Cost: From £69 for adults and £64 for children

Spend Christmas ticking off London’s top sights on a panoramic city tour, watching the festive lights sparkle from the comfort of a luxury coach. Afterwards, take to the river for a relaxing Christmas Day Lunch Cruise, where you can sit back, unwind and savour a scrumptious three-course meal while gliding past some of the capital’s most beautiful landmarks. 

Duration: Approximately seven hours
Departure point: London Victoria
Cost: From £308 for adults and £208 for children

See the sights on Christmas Day with a hop-on hop-off bus tour, complete with an optional festive lunch. Settle into your seat and enjoy the rare tranquillity of London’s streets as the bus glides past key landmarks. Hop off at regular stops to explore highlights like Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London and St Paul’s Cathedral. After sightseeing, tuck into a traditional Christmas lunch with all the trimmings. 

Duration: One day
Departure point: Any bus stop marked with Golden Tours Hop-on Hop-off or London Tour Bus
Cost: From £65 for adults and £55 for children

Walk in the footsteps of Shakespeare, Anne Hathaway and C.S. Lewis this Christmas Day on a scenic journey through history and countryside. Begin by wandering Oxford’s ancient alleys and squares, then soak up rolling views en route to Stratford-upon-Avon, where a traditional three-course Christmas lunch awaits. Stroll past Shakespeare’s birthplace and embrace the festive charm of this picturesque market town. 

Duration: Approximately 11 hours
Departure point: London Victoria
Cost: From £199 for adults and £194 for children

Combine a royal town, a university city and an ancient stone circle on this magical Christmas Day tour from London. Begin with a stroll through the historic market town of Windsor, then head to Oxford for a traditional three-course Christmas lunch in a cosy British pub. Wander the city’s cobbled streets as your guide shares stories of Oxford’s rich and fascinating history. End the day at the mysterious stone circles of Avebury, where you’ll hear intriguing theories before returning to London. 

Duration: Approximately 10 hours
Departure point: London Victoria
Cost: From £199 for adults and £194 for children

Explore a World Heritage Site along with historic towns and cities on this captivating Christmas Day trip. Begin with the stunning architecture of Salisbury Cathedral, then marvel at the ancient monument of Stonehenge before enjoying a festive three-course Christmas lunch. After dining, wander through the elegant Georgian streets of Bath as your guide shares its rich history, and end the day with a walking tour of Windsor. 

Duration: Approximately 11 hours
Departure point: Grosvenor Gardens, Belgravia 
Cost: From £199 for adults and £194 for children

Discover London and beyond on this full-day Christmas Day bus tour, featuring historic landmarks, maritime neighbourhoods and natural wonders across south-east England. Begin with a scenic drive through Kent’s countryside and attend the Sung Eucharist service at Canterbury Cathedral, followed by a traditional three-course Christmas lunch or festive buffet. Marvel at the renowned White Cliffs of Dover, then return to the capital via historic Greenwich, rich with naval heritage. 

Duration: Approximately 10 hours
Departure point: London Victoria 

Celebrate Christmas Day in style with a one-hour trip along the river on a Christmas Day Sightseeing Cruise. Choose a seat on the lower or upper deck and soak up London’s landmarks such as Tower Bridge, the Tower of London and the London Eye, all while enjoying live onboard commentary. Stay warm on the heated decks and treat yourself to festive delights such as mince pies and mulled wine from the bar.

Duration: One hour
Departure point: Westminster Pier
Cost: From £30 for adults and £20 for children

Experience the magic of London on Christmas Day with a panoramic guided tour of the city at its most beautiful. Choose a morning tour and continue your festive journey at Westminster Abbey, where you’ll attend the hour-long Sung Eucharist service, complete with the singing of Christmas carols, music from the choir, a sermon and Holy Communion. 

Duration: Three hours for the morning tour or three hours and 30 minutes for the afternoon tour
Departure point: London Victoria

Combine comfort, culture and festive charm on an unforgettable Christmas Day tour, beginning with a panoramic guided tour through the capital in a peaceful new light. After taking in London’s landmarks, continue to St Paul’s Cathedral for the Christmas Day Sung Eucharist, where Sir Christopher Wren’s masterpiece provides the perfect setting for a time-honoured service filled with uplifting choral music and carols. 

Duration: Three hours and 30 minutes
Departure point: London Victoria

Head west from London this Boxing Day for a scenic journey through some of England’s most historic and picturesque locations. Begin in Oxford, where you’ll explore the university town and its captivating college courtyards, then travel through the charming villages of the Cotswolds. Continue to Stratford-upon-Avon, birthplace of William Shakespeare, and gain fascinating insights into his early life. End the day with a step back in time at Warwick Castle, steeped in medieval history. 

Duration: Approximately 11 hours
Departure point: London Victoria

Embark on a winter adventure this Boxing Day as you explore two iconic World Heritage Sites along with some of Britain’s most historic towns and cities. Begin in the charming market town of Windsor, where you’ll uncover fascinating stories about the castle, then journey to the ancient monument of Stonehenge to unravel its enduring mystery. Catch sight of the magnificent Salisbury Cathedral before ending the day with a guided walking tour through the elegant Georgian streets of Bath. 

Duration: Approximately 12 hours
Departure point: Grosvenor Gardens, Belgravia
Cost: From £119 for adults and £109 for children

Take in some of the south-east’s finest sights on this festive day tour, blending centuries of history with breathtaking natural beauty. Begin with a wander through enchanting Leeds Castle, exploring its lavish interiors and picturesque grounds, then continue to Canterbury Cathedral to uncover its fascinating past. On the return journey, admire the dramatic White Cliffs of Dover and pass through the historic London borough of Greenwich, renowned for its maritime heritage.

Duration: Approximately 10 hours
Departure point: London Victoria
Cost: From £118 for adults and £108 for children

Enjoy a full-day journey through some of Britain’s most enchanting historic sites on this special festive tour. Begin at Windsor Castle, where you’ll explore the elegant State Apartments, then marvel at the ancient monolithic stones of Stonehenge. Continue to Georgian Bath and step back in time with a visit to the Roman Baths. Experience these iconic landmarks adorned in seasonal decorations and brimming with winter charm. 

Duration: Approximately 10 hours
Departure point: Grosvenor Gardens, Belgravia

Visit Stonehenge this festive season and marvel at the mysterious monument that has inspired countless theories. This unescorted morning experience allows you to explore the site at your own pace, delving into the fascinating origins of these ancient megaliths. With a downloadable audio guide to enhance your visit, uncover how the world-famous 40-tonne stones were arranged into their iconic formation. 

Duration: Approximately six hours
Departure point: London Victoria

Join a full-day tour to explore enchanting historic locations beyond London, beginning with a guided walking tour of Oxford where you’ll uncover the rich history of the city and its prestigious university. Take in sweeping views of the charming Cotswolds countryside before arriving in Stratford-upon-Avon to visit the half-timbered house where the legendary Bard was born. Conclude your journey at Warwick Castle, where you’ll step into medieval life. 

Duration: Approximately 11 hours
Departure point: London Victoria

Wander through Windsor Castle and uncover more than 900 years of royal history on this fascinating day tour. Continue your whistle-stop journey to Stonehenge, a 5,000-year-old monument steeped in mystery, before heading to Oxford for a guided walking tour through the cobbled lanes of this historic university town. Take a peek inside the Bodleian Library, one of Europe’s oldest libraries, before returning to London. 

Duration: Approximately 11 hours
Departure point: London Victoria