A Chauffeur’s Guide to London’s Christmas Lights Tour

London at Christmas is a spectacle like no other. Streets glow, grand avenues shimmer and the city transforms into one vast festive stage. It is little wonder travellers come from around the world to experience the capital at its brightest.

A Christmas lights tour is one of the best ways to see London in December. You glide through the heart of the city as iconic landmarks, department stores and luxury boutiques light up the night. And when you explore it all from the comfort of a warm, chauffeur driven car, the experience becomes even more magical.

This guide brings you the ultimate route for seeing London’s famous Christmas lights as a visitor. Your OUNO chauffeur can follow this loop exactly or create a customised route based on the places you want to see most.

Relax, sit back and enjoy London dressed in its festive best.


Why a Chauffeur Is the Best Way to Experience London’s Christmas Lights

A chauffeur driven tour is the most comfortable and efficient way to take in the Christmas lights, especially if you are new to London.

Here is why it makes all the difference:

  • Stay warm and relaxed between every stop 
  • No Tube crowds or long walks in the cold 
  • No queues for taxis or rideshares 
  • No navigation needed in an unfamiliar city 
  • Flexible schedule with the ability to stop for photos at any point 
  • Panoramic views from Mercedes or electric vehicles 
  • Professional chauffeurs who know the best angles and timings 
  • Safe and seamless travel for families, groups or solo travellers 

Your limousine driver handles the traffic, timing and logistics so you can enjoy the moment. You focus on the sparkle outside while they manage the rest.


The Ultimate London Christmas Lights Tour

We’ve broken down this guide into three parts so you get an idea of how you can experience London’s Christmas lights in a way that suits you…

 

  1. Core West End Loop — the festive must-see route most visitors choose 
  1. Optional Add Ons — extra stops if you want to extend the evening 
  2. Kew Gardens Add On — a special after dark experience outside central London 

Chauffeurs know London’s streets intimately and may subtly adjust the order depending on traffic, time of day or pick up location to give you the smoothest journey. The beauty of a private chauffeur is that your tour is never rigid. It’s tailored.


Core West End Loop (Most Popular Route)

This is the heart of the Christmas lights tour. A cluster of landmarks within central London that create the classic festive circuit.

Regent Street: The Spirit of Christmas Angels

Regent Street’s sweeping golden angels are one of London’s most iconic displays. The entire avenue glows above high end boutiques and flagship stores. It is a spectacular drive by moment and a must for first time visitors.

Bond Street: The Crown Jewels Display

Luxury brands like Cartier, Chanel and Tiffany transform Bond Street into a glowing jewellery box. Your chauffeur can slow the car along the stretch so you can take photos of the glittering façades.

Oxford Street’s Light Curtain

A long cascade of suspended lights stretches over this world famous shopping street. Best appreciated from inside your chauffeur driven car. It is one of the largest festive installations in London.

Carnaby Street’s Creative Display

Carnaby is bold, artistic and different every year. Expect bright colours and themed designs that bring a modern twist to traditional Christmas lights.

Soho and Theatre District Pass Through

A lively, atmospheric transition between Carnaby and Covent Garden. Your chauffeur knows the best shortcut routes to avoid pedestrian zones and still give you the cinematic view.

Covent Garden’s Christmas Tree and Baubles

Covent Garden brings timeless festive charm. A towering Christmas tree, giant baubles and softly lit arcades make this an ideal photo stop. Your chauffeur can wait nearby while you explore the square.

Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree

The famous tree gifted annually by Norway stands proudly in the square with carol singers throughout December. A beautiful way to end the core loop.

This is the essential route most visitors choose. It fits perfectly into a relaxed evening tour.


Optional Add Ons for an Extended Tour

If you would like a longer experience or want to see more iconic festive displays, consider adding the following stops. Your chauffeur simply extends the route to include them.

Harrods, Knightsbridge

Harrods is breathtaking at Christmas. Its entire façade glows in golden lights. A drive past this landmark is a highlight for international travellers.

Annabel’s, Berkeley Square

This private members club is known for extravagant and theatrical Christmas installations. It is a quick but memorable stop on the route.sectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

Claridge’s, Mayfair

The Claridge’s Christmas tree attracts visitors from around the world. If you choose to stop, you can also enjoy cocktails in the bar before continuing your tour.

Belgravia Lights: Elizabeth Street and Motcomb Street

Elegant, understated and beautiful. These boutique lined streets are twinkling and photogenic throughout December.

Battersea Power Station Winter Displays

Recently restored and full of festive energy, Battersea Power Station offers impressive lighting and a Christmas market. A great additional stop for those who want a more modern backdrop.

The Churchill Arms, Kensington

Covered in thousands of lights, the Churchill Arms is one of London’s most over the top Christmas displays. It is a fun and unique addition to your tour.

Optional add ons fit seamlessly into a longer chauffeured evening. Your driver can shape the order based on the best traffic flow.


Special Add On: Kew Gardens Light Trail

Kew Gardens is a separate, ticketed experience outside central London. It features an illuminated trail through botanical gardens with installations, projections and seasonal music.

It is perfect if you have a chauffeur for the night, as your driver can take you directly to the entrance, wait for you and bring you back to central London in comfort.

Many travellers combine the core West End loop with Kew Gardens for a full festive evening.


The Route at a Glance

Lights Location What’s to See
Regent Street Spirit of Christmas angel lights
Bond Street Luxury brand façades and Crown Jewels displays
Oxford Street Large suspended light curtain
Carnaby Street Creative themed installations
Soho Atmospheric streets between Carnaby and Covent Garden
Covent Garden Giant Christmas tree and festive market décor
Trafalgar Square Famous Norwegian Christmas tree
Harrods, Knightsbridge Golden illuminated façade
Annabel’s, Berkeley Square Extravagant annual Christmas display
Claridge’s, Mayfair Iconic designer Christmas tree
Belgravia Lights Boutique lit streets in Elizabeth and Motcomb Street
Battersea Power Station Modern riverside winter lights
The Churchill Arms Pub covered in thousands of fairy lights
Kew Gardens Light Trail Illuminated after dark botanical trail

Only Have an Hour? Here Are the Top 5 Must See Christmas Lights

If your time is limited, or you are arriving in London late, your chauffeur can complete an express loop focusing on the most iconic displays. Here’s our top 5 recommendations…

  1. Regent Street 
  2. Bond Street 
  3. Oxford Street 
  4. Carnaby Street 
  5. Harrods 

This express tour typically runs around 45 to 60 minutes depending on traffic and is ideal for visitors who want the highlights in one smooth ride.


Pre Tour Drinks and After Tour Dining

A Christmas lights tour pairs perfectly with a festive drink or winter dinner. Here are some of our top festive picks…

Recommended Pre Tour Drinks

  • Claridge’s Fumoir 
  • The Connaught Coburg Bar 
  • Hotel Café Royal’s Green Bar 
  • The Ritz Champagne Bar

Recommended After Tour Dining

  • Sketch, Mayfair
  • The Ivy Chelsea Garden
  • Clos Maggiore
  • Aqua Shard

Your chauffeur can handle drop offs and pickups so you can relax and enjoy the evening.

Related reads:

A Chauffeur’s Guide To London’s Festive Season

Christmas Shopping In London: Chauffeur Your Way Through The City’s Best Stores

London’s Best Hotels for a Christmas Staycation — Arrive in Chauffeured Style


Create Your Own Route or Let Your Chauffeur Design One

Every visitor has different priorities. You might want more photo stops, more hotel displays or a longer loop through the quieter boutique streets. Simply tell your chauffeur your wishlist and they will build the perfect route.

Or leave the planning entirely to them. Chauffeurs know the best timings, traffic patterns, lighting angles and stopping points to give you the most cinematic experience.

International travellers often choose chauffeur curated routes for the most seamless evening.


What It Is Like to See London’s Lights with OUNO

Your Christmas lights tour includes:

  • Suited, professional chauffeurs 
  • Luxury Mercedes or all electric vehicles 
  • Heated seats and quiet cabins 
  • Fixed fares visible before booking 
  • No surge pricing 
  • Flexible waiting time 
  • Multi stop touring without additional hassle
  • Complimentary bottled water 

Luxury travel with no uncertainty. Your chauffeur. Your route. Your night.


FAQs

When is the best time to see London’s Christmas lights?
Most displays illuminate from mid November to early January. Evenings after dark offer the most atmospheric experience.

How long does a Christmas lights tour take?
The core West End loop usually takes 60 to 90 minutes. Optional add ons extend the evening as long as you like.

Can I customise my Christmas lights route?
Yes. Your chauffeur can create a personalised loop or follow your own wishlist.

Are chauffeurs English speaking and trained for international visitors?
Yes. All OUNO chauffeurs are professional, experienced and offer a high level of service for global travellers.

Which vehicle is best for a lights tour?
Many guests choose the Mercedes S Class for comfort or an electric vehicle for a quiet, smooth ride.


See London at its brightest.
Book your Christmas Lights Chauffeur Tour today and get your fixed fare in 90 seconds.


Share

Privacy Preference Center