Since the 1950’s the Christmas lights in central London have helped inspire the magic of Christmas. Families from across the world have taken time out of their busy festive schedules to travel to London to see the Christmas lights and the annually changing window displays of the grand London Department Stores such as Fortnum and Mason, and Harrods. In fact, seeing these lights is as much a Christmas tradition as shops that are stuffed like Turkeys, Mince Pies, and Mulled Wine.
But why brave the wild winter air, get wet, and catch a chill when you can see all the best bits of London’s Christmas Lights from the comfort of a London Cab? Starting and finishing at a central London location of your choice, this tour keeps you warm and dry whilst showing you the best bits of Christmas in London. Led by a knowledgeable and qualified driver/guide, they will explain the history of the Christmas Lights and Christmas window displays, as well as sharing some Christmassy London secrets.
Inclusions & Exclusions
✔ Private Tour
✔ All guiding fees are included in the cost of this tour.
✖ Alcoholic Beverages
✖ Coffee and/or Tea
✖ Gratuities
✖ Snacks
Pickup Locations
1. Zedwell Piccadilly Circus
2. The Hoxton, Holborn
3. The Langham, London
4. The Beaumont
5. The Wesley Euston
6. The Resident Soho
7. Avonmore Hotel
8. Claridge's
9. Sofitel London St James
10. Victory House Leicester Square
11. ME London
12. Howard Winchester Hotel
13. hub by Premier Inn London Westminster Abbey hotel
14. St Giles London Hotel
15. Montcalm Piccadilly Townhouse
16. Hilton London Bankside
17. TOP Hotel John Howard Apartments
18. Radisson Blu Hotel, London Euston Square (formerly Grafton)
19. Thistle Trafalgar Square
20. Strand Palace
Additional Info: We can collect and drop you off, at any central London location. Please let us know the pick-up and drop-off locations as soon as possible.
Itinerary
1
Covent Garden
Our first destination Covent Garden market is famous for street performers, boutique market stalls, and Christmas decorations. While exploring Covent Garden market you have time to take photos, buy Christmas gifts, and listen to street performers. During this time your guide will also explain the history of Covent Garden, from its origins as land belonging to the Church, to the modern vibrant marketplace you see today.
Duration: 10 minutes
2
As we walk along the Strand, your guide will point out some of the many historical buildings that line this road. These buildings include the world-famous Savoy hotel, a favorite place with celebrities such as Frank Sinatra and JK Rowling, and Coutts Bank, the oldest surviving bank in London, where only the wealthiest and most prestigious of clients can afford to keep their money.
Along the way, you will also have the chance to stop and take photographs of the amazing Christmas lights that hang above the main road. If you'd like to stop for the perfect photo of your group, feel free to ask your guide, who will happily recommend the best place to stop and will take a photo of you all.
3
Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar Square was named after the 1805 battle of Trafalgar, between the British Navy and the larger combined navies of Spain and France. Whilst in Trafalgar Square, your guide will tell you all about the famous battle, how the British won against overwhelming odds, and how one of Britain's national heroes lost his life as part of the battle.
Whilst here, your guide will also explain how the Christmas Tree, which sits in the middle of the square, is a symbol of friendship between Britain and Norway.
Finally, you will have time to take photos and explore the market stalls which appear in Trafalgar Square every year.
Duration: 20 minutes
4
As we walk along Regent Street you will have the opportunity to once again marvel at the amazing Christmas lights that illuminate the streets and nearby buildings.
Want a photo? Just ask your guide to take one for you!
5
Hatchards
As part of the tour (depending on the start time you select), you will have a brief opportunity to visit the oldest bookstore in London - Hatchards. A favorite with book lovers everywhere, this shop is linked to almost every great writer who ever lived or worked in London. Not only are they linked to writers such as Sir Winston Churchill, but even the King gets his books here!
Not only does this stop offer us the chance to get warm, but it also means that you can purchase a Christmas present for someone you love from one of the most celebrated bookshops in the world!
Looking for a good book? Why not ask the booksellers or your guide for advice?
Duration: 15 minutes
6
Fortnum & Mason
Depending on the start time of your tour (we recommend starting before 5.30pm to guarantee time to visit), you will also have time to visit Fortnum and Mason. This iconic department store was founded by one of the Footmen to George III and is now one of the most celebrated places to shop in London.
While visitors who start their tour early will be able to get warm and see the stunning interiors of this most regal of shops, all tours will be able to see the beautiful window displays, which Fortnum's is famous for.
Duration: 10 minutes
7
Davies Street is home to one of London’s most interesting wine merchants. Known as Hedonism Wine, this company creates fantastic displays throughout the year, and their Christmas displays are not to be missed. While stopped at Hedonism Wines, you can photograph the fantastic festive display and, should you wish, explore their vast collection of wines and spirits.
Duration: 10 minutes
8
Bond Street
Bond Street is home to some of the most iconic fashion brands in the world. Whilst we walk and admire these fashion icons, you will also be able to marvel at the beauty of the Christmas decorations, which are even more radiant than the people shopping here.
9
South Molton Street is famous at this time of year for its simply superb Christmas decorations. As we walk from Bond Street to South Molton Street, your guide will point out where Jimmy Hendrix and George Fredric Handel lived and will stop to take photos of you all with the beautiful Christmas lights.
10
Oxford Street
Oxford Street is where some of London's most iconic Christmas Lights are located. Every year, there is always an incredible display of lights that will take your breath away.
As we walk down Oxford Street, you will have the chance to take in some of the window displays in the prestigious shops, such as John Lewis, as well as marvel at the beauty of the Lights.
Duration: 25 minutes
11
Regent Street
A short walk from Carnaby Street is the internationally renowned Regent Street. Originally a route to link Regent's Park to The Prince Regent's palace, the street was, and is, a beacon for anyone looking for shops of fashion and good taste. Designed by the Architect John Nash, this area is still owned by the Crown!
Thanks to its royal connections, Regent Street is always awe-inspiring when it comes to the fantastic Christmas lights that are displayed across the road.
Duration: 25 minutes
12
Carnaby Street
As we explore Carnaby Street, you might want to stop at take a look at some of the amazing fashion bands that are located on this road. Famous since the 1960's as the home of quirky British fashion, synonymous with the youth of the time, this area is also known for its bright and colorful Christmas lights, which are often unlike anything else in London!
Duration: 10 minutes
13
The Churchill Arms is considered one of the best-decorated pubs at Christmas time in London. Covered with bright light, Christmas trees, and everything to get you in the mood for the festive season stopping for a quick photo outside this pub is a seasonal must.
Duration: 10 minutes
14
Harrods
Driving past Harrods you’ll get the chance to see this year’s stunning window displays known for it’s glitz and glamour the window displays at Harrods never fail to wow passers-by.
Additional info
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
• Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
• Wheelchair accessible
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
