London’s festive lights are at full beam 💡, and what better way to see the city at its most sparkly than on the bus! 🚌
So we’ve put together the best festive bus routes for viewing the most spectacular displays, and stopping off for a spot of festive shopping! Your sleigh awaits… ✨
Christmas lights Tube map 🚇
You can also view London’s festivities by Tube! Take a look at our Christmas Tube map, which marks the locations of the best festive attractions across in the city this year 🎄👇
Number 139 Bus
This festive bus route starts off at Bond Street, where you can discover Christmas at Selfridges. Join the famous store for extraordinary festive experiences, from a feel-good Christmas market to magical moments with Santa himself! 🎅
Hop on the number 139 bus towards Waterloo and head down Oxford Street then Regent Street to admire the spectacular Christmas lights displays. The oldest light display in London, first decorated in 1954, the Regent Street light display is one of the largest in London. ✨
But the fun doesn’t stop there! Hop off outside Hamley’s and step into an enchanting world filled with fun for all the family. Pick up a special toy for loved ones, and if you’re lucky, you might even meet Santa himself! 🧸
Catch the next 139 bus to The Strand for Covent Garden. Kick off a very merry Christmas in the famous piazza, home to London’s biggest hand-picked Christmas tree, which is a huge 55 feet tall! 😲 The Apple Market lights are also not to be missed, pick up a festive drink and take a wander around all of the market stalls and stores, perfect for picking up a little something for under your own tree. 🎄
Number 22 Bus
Start your journey at Duke of York Square where you can admire their Christmas lights to take a festive ‘elfie with the angel wing lights hanging from the wall next to Castore. 👼
Next, hop on the number 22 bus heading towards Oxford Circus where you’ll reach Knightsbridge, hop off and take a short walk to see Harrods, a London icon all lit up for the festive season. Hop off for a spot of Christmas shopping! 🛍
Continue on the number 22 to Hyde Park and embrace the Christmas spirit at Winter Wonderland. ❄️ Commonly known as one of the best things to do in London at Christmas, Winter Wonderland features a huge selection of festive entertainment and activities, from ice skating to Christmas markets and live music. ⛸
Number 453 Bus
For this festive bus route, you’ll be starting your journey in Marylebone Village. Admire the Christmas lights, enjoy Christmas shopping with extended store opening hours, and pay a visit to Santa’s grotto. ☃️
The number 453 will then take you down Regent Street, where you can admire some of the most festive light displays in London. ✨ Hop off outside Hamley’s and head to Carnaby Street.
Continue your journey on the number 453 bus towards Deptford Bridge, which will take you towards Trafalgar Square where you’ll have a tree-mendous time. Every year, since 1947, the people of Norway have given the people of London a Christmas tree. This gift is in gratitude for Britain’s support for Norway during World War II. 🎄 This year, you’ll also be able to enjoy carol singers throughout the festive period! 🎶
But wait, there’s myrrh. 😉 Head to Westminster, where you’ll be able to take in all things Christmas at Westminster Abbey. You might even be able to catch one of their Christmas shows. 🎶
Lastly, hop back on the 453 and head to County Hall for South Bank, where you’ll find their fabulous winter festival. 🎅 This year, you’ll also be treated to cosy festive igloos popping up along the river, where you can enjoy alpine street food and warming drinks. ❄️
Number 390 Bus
Start your journey at King’s Cross and head towards Coal Drops Yard to admire their festive display.
Once you’ve shopped ‘til you’ve dropped, hop on the number 390 bus towards Victoria Bus Station. Get off at Tottenham Court Road and head to So Ho Ho to admire the festive lights.
Once you’ve explored Soho, jump on the number 390 and cruise down Oxford Street to admire one of the best light displays in London. You can then stop at Selfridges for a spot of festive shopping! 🛍
The 390 will then take you past the Dorchester Hotel. Hop off here to admire their Christmas decorations and a spot of Christmas afternoon tea. ☕️ Their Christmas tree alone is worthy of a festive snap! 🎄📸
Lastly, head to Hyde Park Corner and alight for Winter Wonderland. With ice skating, Christmas market stalls as far as the eye can see and circus performances, yule be sorry if you miss it! ❄️
Number 94 Bus
Hop on the number 94 bus, starting at Marble Arch towards Piccadilly Circus which will take you down Oxford Street where you can marvel at the Christmas lights ✨ or you can hop off to enjoy a spot of gift shopping! 🛍
The number 94 will then take you down Regent Street where you can admire the famous angel lights. Known as ‘The Spirits of Christmas’, Regent Street’s Christmas lights display is the largest one in the country. 😲
When you’re all shopped out, hop back on the bus to head towards Piccadilly Circus. Take a short walk to Fortnum & Mason to pick up a festive snack or ornament for your tree before heading to Leicester Square to enjoy their famous Christmas market. ☃️
Christmas lights Tube map 🚇
Best ways to pay
All buses in London are cash-free. You can pay as you go using a contactless, Oyster or Visitor Oyster card. You can also use a Travelcard or Bus & Tram Pass. 🎟️
Our Hopper fare lets you make unlimited bus journeys within one hour for just £1.75 when you use pay as you go. You can hop on and off as many buses as you like within the hour and only pay for the first bus. 🤗
Remember children under 10 travel free on buses. Plus, children aged 11 to 15 years old travel free with a 11-15 Zip Oyster photocard. 🥳
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