Christmas in London: The Most Christmassy Route on a Double-Decker Bus
Ah, Christmas in London. The city glimmers with lights, tourists get lost at every corner, and the smell of mulled wine hangs in the air like a drunken uncle who’s overstayed his visit. It’s a magical time… unless you’re trying to navigate through a sea of people moving at a glacial pace. I mean, honestly, if they walked any slower, they’d be going backward!
Now, if you want to bask in all the festive glory without breaking a sweat—or a toe—there’s no better solution than jumping on one of London’s iconic double-decker buses. You get to sit upstairs, preferably right at the front, and feel like a king surveying your Christmas kingdom. The route? 139, a lovely little chariot that takes you from Waterloo to Golders Green. And what’s the ticket price? Just £1.75. That’s cheaper than your overpriced eggnog latte, and far more efficient for sightseeing!
Hop On, Hop Off — But Mostly Stay On
The magic doesn’t just begin when you hop on. Oh no! First, you can feast your eyes on the splendid Waterloo Christmas tree before the journey kicks off. Looks lovely, doesn’t it? It’s like a giant bauble has exploded—and you can be the one to take an obligatory top-down selfie with it. Remember, nothing says ‘I love Christmas’ like a good Instagram filter over a tree!
Once you’re on the bus, hold on tight as you glide over Waterloo Bridge. Look left and right to witness London decked out like it’s just stepped out of a festive postcard. The lights twinkle like Christmas miracles come to life, and you might find yourself softly humming a carol. Or, you know, just grumbling about the price of a pint!
Next, as the bus rolls you through The Strand, festive lights will dance before your eyes. And now, you simply cannot miss the iconic Trafalgar Square Christmas market with its grand tree gifted by Norway. Yes, thank the Norwegians for it, but let’s be honest: they also gave us a very confusing Eurovision contest last time, so it’s a toss-up!
Take a little field trip down to Piccadilly Circus where you can marvel at all the dazzling Christmas displays. Oh, and make sure to snap a few photos of the Fortnum & Mason showcase. Seriously, who wouldn’t want a picture of a posh store during the holidays? It’s like proving to your friends you’re absolutely ‘living your best life’… while you’re snacking on discount mince pies from Tesco!
And just when you thought the sights couldn’t get any better, you’ll find yourself under the heavenly angels of Regent Street. Talk about setting the mood! But wait, before you let your eyes glaze over, take a breather at Carnaby Street and admire its eco-friendly festive makeover. Because nothing says ‘Merry Christmas’ quite like saving the planet!
By now, the urge to shop will likely hit. Don’t worry; it’s a natural reaction. If you’re in the mood to drop some serious cash—or just window shop like a true Londoner—Hamley’s Toy Store is just around the corner! Now, if you’re thinking you need to get on that bus again to avoid the temptation of spending all your money on toys you’ll never use, I can’t blame you.
The Final Stretch: Lights, Cameras, Shopping!
As you continue on your merry way, you’ll pass Oxford Street. The Christmas lights here are practically the stars of a holiday movie! If they were any brighter, they’d be giving the sun a run for its money. Ah, the beauty of consumerism wrapped in twinkling fairy lights!
Feeling jittery with all this festive cheer? John Lewis is next, and their displays are breathtaking. It’s like walking through a Christmas card that took some serious artistic license. And don’t even get me started on their rooftop bar which will make you feel like you’re getting the luxe treatment. With igloos and mulled wine, who needs a winter wonderland when you have a rooftop view of the city?
The final stop on this journey of nostalgia and glitter is Selfridges. They don’t do things by halves, especially when it comes to Christmas. Their window displays are like little showcases of joy—and a reminder of why you entered adulthood with existential dread! But at least you can find a gift for that one person who still believes in Santa.
And when you think the tour has ended, remember: there’s always more Christmas decorations if you decide to stick on the bus. Want to go see Abbey Road Studios or Lord’s Cricket Ground for some flavour of less Christmassy attractions? Go right ahead! Just ensure you’ve sufficiently caffeinated yourself for another round of sightseeing—or, as I prefer to call it, the ‘excuse to binge shop while pretending to enjoy the sights’!
So, whether you’ve got a holiday list longer than Santa’s or you’re simply out for a bit of festive fun, the 139 bus has got you covered. Just keep your eyes peeled, your camera ready, and your sanity intact—because Christmas in London is truly a sight to behold!
Christmas in London can transform into a surprisingly stressful time of year as the hustle and bustle of the festive season envelops the city. With the skyline aglow with enchanting Christmas lights, bustling markets filled with seasonal treats, and the majestic trees adorning the streets, it’s a visual feast. Yet, navigating the sprawling urban landscape can be daunting—it’s a bustling metropolis after all, and don’t forget the chilly temperatures and the throngs of tourists moving at a leisurely pace. So, how can you truly soak in the holiday spirit without feeling overwhelmed? The answer lies in hopping on one of London’s iconic double-decker buses, taking you on the most Christmassy route in the city. Your ultimate destination? A vibrant celebration of CHRISTMAS.
Indeed, this bus route is perfectly curated for seasonal sightseeing, especially when the city transforms into a winter wonderland adorned with twinkling lights and festive decorations leading up to Christmas Day. All this delightful exploration will cost you a mere £1.75. The bus route you want is 139, which runs between Waterloo and Golders Green. While this journey won’t showcase every monument in London, it certainly captures a significant portion of the city’s holiday charm.
The magic begins before you get on the bus, as you can first admire the beautiful Waterloo Christmas tree, a stunning centerpiece that captures the spirit of the season. Beneath the twinkling lights, immerse yourself in the magnificent decorations that herald the upcoming festivities.
Now, let’s hop aboard. Make sure to snag a front-row seat on the top deck for the most picturesque views of the festivities that lie ahead…
Christmas bus route
Once you’re all settled in, the bus will glide over Waterloo Bridge, offering breathtaking views of the twinkling lights that blanket the city. The illuminated skyline at night resembles a scene from a heartwarming Christmas card. As the bus continues along The Strand, prepare to be amazed by some of the impressive Christmas light displays that line the streets.
When you arrive in Trafalgar Square, the vibrant Christmas market and the towering tree will undoubtedly catch your eye (as long as it has arrived, of course…). This iconic tree is a cherished gift from the people of Norway, given annually as a symbol of gratitude for the support received during World War II, with the tradition tracing back to 1947. It typically graces the square in December, receiving a warm and festive welcome from Londoners and tourists alike.
While you’re in the area, a quick detour to Piccadilly Circus is a must, where you can enjoy the breathtaking Fortnum & Mason showcase. Bursting with creativity and holiday spirit, it’s a splendid sight worthy of a snapshot before you return to the bus.
After circling Piccadilly Circus, with giant festive posters illuminating the area, it’s time to indulge in one of London’s treasured highlights. What would a festive tour of London be without cruising beneath the sparkling angels that adorn Regent Street?
This area also offers the chance to hop off and appreciate the stunning festive makeover of Carnaby Street, showcasing an energy-efficient design that promises to delight for many seasons to come.
Since you’re in the vicinity, a stop at Hamley’s Toy Store (situated conveniently close to the Beak Street stop) is a fantastic opportunity for some last-minute Christmas shopping. Hopefully, it’s not too late for you to pick up those perfect gifts.
When you reboard, prepare yourself for another highlight: the magnificent Oxford Street Christmas lights. Shimmering stars once again adorn the street, creating a truly stunning spectacle.
If you’re feeling restless and eager to stretch your legs, consider stepping off at John Lewis to admire their stunning holiday displays and unique Christmas items. If time allows, don’t miss the chance to visit the refurbished 1864 Rooftop Bar & Kitchen, which now features cozy rooftop igloos, mulled wine, and other festive treats.
As for the next stop, it’s the celebrated Selfridges, known for its jaw-dropping Christmas window displays—an absolute delight for the eyes and a practical pit stop for frantic gift-seekers.
And just like that, most of the major attractions have whizzed by and the drive to Golders Green offers a quieter experience. However, continuing along the route, you’ll still have a splendid view of charming Christmas decorations adorning the streets.
If you wish to linger in the festive atmosphere, consider visiting some of the city’s less Christmas-specific attractions, such as Abbey Road Studios or Lord’s Cricket Ground. But bus 139 has many more festive sights in store, not to mention the option to ride the route again if you so desire…
Carnaby Street, which has embraced eco-friendly decorations that beautifully marry holiday spirit with sustainability. It truly embodies the notion that the best way to spread Christmas cheer is by caring for the planet—who knew saving the world could also look so festive?
As you continue your journey, the bus will rumble along Oxford Street, where the Christmas lights dazzle like stars. This iconic shopping thoroughfare transforms into a heavenly corridor of brightness, beckoning both locals and tourists alike to partake in retail therapy. As the lights twinkle overhead, it’s impossible not to get caught up in the excitement of the holiday shopping season.
Next up is the much-loved department store, **John Lewis**. Renowned for its stunning Christmas displays, a visit here is akin to stepping into a whimsical winter wonderland. Don’t miss their rooftop bar for a touch of luxury—sipping mulled wine from a cozy igloo while overlooking the city is quintessentially festive and undeniably Instagram-worthy.
But the real pièce de résistance of the route is the granddaddy of Christmas shopping, **Selfridges**. Known for its elaborately themed window displays, this department store goes all out for the holidays, showcasing festive joy in every corner. It’s the perfect place to pick up that special gift, even if it is just for the one person in your life who still believes in Santa Claus!
as your bus journey winds down, don’t forget that London is brimming with more holiday magic. If you choose to stay on the bus, you could check out landmarks like **Abbey Road Studios** or **Lord’s Cricket Ground**, offering a different flavor to your festive outing. Make sure to bring along your hot drink of choice to keep warm, because nothing says holiday fun quite like enduring the cold while admiring seasonal decorations!
To sum it all up, whether you’re hunting for gifts, admiring sparkle after sparkle, or simply enjoying the festive vibes, the 139 bus offers an unparalleled way to experience the spirit of Christmas in London. Embrace the hustle and bustle, snap a few photos, and enjoy the ride. Because let’s be honest, what’s the holiday season without a little Christmas cheer?
