If you’re planning to spend your Christmas Day and Boxing Day in London, you’re making the right choice! The city on ordinary days is already romantic. But you know what? It gets even more magical during the holiday season.
The truth is, there’s no better way to enjoy this festive season than going out. The city has lots of Christmas tours that’ll give you a wholesome and one-of-a-kind experience!
You may find it overwhelming where to start, so we’re here to help you. Our Wunderlust team listed the must-have London Christmas tours so you can plan your budget and day accordingly.
Christmas Lights Vintage Bus Tour
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Website: https://www.londoncitybustours.com/christmas-lights-vintage-bus-tour-of-london.html
Departure Point: Victoria Coach Station (Gate 0),164 Buckingham Palace Road, Victoria
Contact Details: +44 (0) 203 488 7611
Tour Schedule: November 30 – December 23: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Admission Costs: From £26
If you want a unique experience that also includes some sightseeing, this tour is for you. This is not a simple, boring tour because you’ll do it while riding a double-decker bus.
From the bus itself (a vintage 50-year-old decker) to the panoramic views, you’ll surely enjoy it. The bus will tour you around Oxford Street, Trafalgar Square, and Knightsbridge, to name a few.
While touring, expect to hear commentary from a local guide. The meeting point is usually at Victoria Coach Station (Gate 0).
Pro Tip:
Be sure to bring layers, such as gloves or hats. It can get really cold, especially if you’re sitting on the upper deck.
Illuminations of London Christmas Eve tour
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Website: https://experiences.visitlondon.com/en/london/illuminations-of-london-on-christmas-eve
Departure Point: Bus Stop 1, Bulleid Way, Victoria
Contact Details: +44 20 3105 8852
Tour Schedule: December 24: 6:30 PM
Admission Costs:
- Adult: From £69
- Child: From £64
- Family: From £256
One of the attractions in London during the Christmas season is the Christmas lights that are literally everywhere! However, the must-see ones are those in the landmarks.
In this tour, you’ll witness the main sights of the city lit up as they get ready for Christmas Eve. From Picadilly Circus to the London Eye and Buckingham Palace, you’ll get to see these famous spots in all their holiday splendor.
Just note that there is no food and drink available while you’re on tour. But you’ll receive a Christmas gift from your guide.
Pro Tip:
This tour sells out quickly, so make sure to book it as early as possible.
Salisbury, Stonehenge, Bath and Windsor with Christmas lunch
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Departure Point: 50 Grosvenor Gardens
Contact Details: +1 (702) 648-5873
Tour Schedule: December 25: 7:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Admission Costs: From £199
If you want a day trip and a slow-paced way to explore London at Christmas, this walking tour is for you. In here, you’ll have a 10-hour guided tour in which you’ll see the city’s most iconic locations.
Your day will start in Salisbury, perfect for seeing some Gothic cathedrals. After that, you’ll pass Stonehenge and then go straight for your three-course Christmas lunch. You’ll not be disappointed with the meal that’s complete with wine, coffee, or tea.
Before your day ends, you’ll visit the city of Bath for some Georgian architecture. Your last stop is the lovely town of Windsor.
Pro Tip:
You can’t go inside Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, and Salisbury Cathedral since they’re closed on Christmas Day.
Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon, Cotswolds and Warwick Castle
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Departure Point: Bus Stop 1, Bulleid Way, Victoria
Contact Details: +44 (0)207 630 2028
Tour Schedule: December 25: 8:15 AM – 7:00 PM
Admission Costs: From £80.75
Another Christmas day trip you can try is a walking tour in Oxford and the Cotswolds. This is a 10-hour tour with an English-speaking guide.
You’ll stop at Oxford, where Bill Clinton studied, then you’ll ride a coach for a scenic drive through the Cotswolds. The tour doesn’t stop there; you’ll also see Shakespeare’s birthplace, particularly their timbered house in Stratford.
Lastly, the highlight of the tour is Warwick Castle. Get to see the swords and helmets used in battle, as well as the fancy State Rooms.
Pro Tip:
The trip includes a three-course lunch, but you’re free to purchase food and drinks during your stops.
Christmas Eve city tour with dinner and midnight mass at St. Martin-in-the-Fields church
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Website: https://www.stmartin-in-the-fields.org/
Departure Point: Trafalgar Sq
Contact Details: +442077661100
Tour Schedule: December 24: 6:30 PM – 2:00 AM
Admission Costs: From £125
This one-day-a-year tour is something you shouldn’t miss. Yes, you read that right! It’s an approximately 7-hour Christmas Eve Tour that comes with a midnight mass in London.
Starting from Victoria, you’ll roam around and see Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and St. Paul’s Cathedral. After that, prepare for a three-course dinner with a glass of Prosecco!
You’ll be ending your day with a special midnight mass in St-Martin-in-the-Fields that usually lasts 1 hour and 40 minutes.
Pro Tip:
Since the tour will end pretty late in the night, you can request a drop-off near your hotel.
Oxford and Windsor Castle tour
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Website: https://www.rct.uk/visit/windsor-castle
Address: Windsor SL4 1NJ
Contact Details: +443031237304
Tour Schedule: December 25: 7:30 AM – 8:00 AM
Admission Costs: From £194
If you want to enjoy the coldest Christmas, Windsor offers a distinctly British setting. This tour also includes a stop at two more great locations, Oxford and Avebury.
Starting at 8:00 AM, you’ll hop on a ride for the first stop, Windsor. This will give you a quintessentially British vibe.
Next is Oxford, where you’ll have a Christmas lunch at a traditional pub. The final stop is Avebury, known for its historic stone circles.
Along the way, a professional guide will share insights into the history of each location, so you’re not just appreciating their beauty.
Pro Tip:
Dress warmly so you can enjoy the locations and take more pictures comfortably.
Christmas Day lunch or dinner on a cruise
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Website: https://www.goldentours.com/festive-period-christmas/thames-christmas-lunch-or-dinner-cruise
Address: Festival Pier
Contact Details: 0207 7400 400
Operating Hours: December 25: 11:30 AM – 3:15 PM
Admission Costs: From £169
Looking to spend your day on the water? This traditional dining cruise on Christmas Day will give you a different dining experience.
The cruise sails on the River Thames while enjoying London’s sights. You’ll have a three-course lunch, a welcome glass of sparkling wine, and festive music aboard. Good news since full-bar is also available!
This 3-hour and 15-minute tour will make you ask Santa for another experience like this next year. An evening option is also available for those who prefer a nighttime experience.
Pro Tip:
This tour requires semi-formal attire like dresses, dress pants, etc. Casual clothing is not allowed.
1 Day Hop-On-Hop-Off Christmas Day tour
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Website: https://www.goldentours.com/festive-period-christmas/1-day-hop-on-hop-off-tour-christmas-day
Departure Point: Any London Tour Bus
Contact Details: +44 (0) 208 886 0026
Tour Schedule: December 25: 10:00 AM onwards
Admission Costs: From £27.30
This hop-on-hop-off bus tour in London is offered only on the 25th of December, so make sure to catch it. If you want to see London in its quietest form, this is the perfect way because people are busy in their homes.
There’s a whole day tour with lunch included from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM and includes a three-course meal with a glass of wine at Browns Covent Garden. Evening tours are also available, with a focus on Christmas light displays in the city.
Regardless of your choice, maximise every stop, take lots of pictures, and appreciate each landmark before you hop back on the bus.
Pro Tip:
If you have dietary requests for lunch, make sure to contact them 72 hours before travel so they can prepare it for you.
