
Christmas in London can be a surprisingly stressful time of year. We want to see all the Christmas lights, visit all of the markets, and check out all of the trees. But the city is just MASSIVE (not to mention cold, and full of tourists walking at approximately 2mph, but we digress…). Sometimes it feels like it’s simply not possible to see everything. The solution? To jump on board a London double-decker bus for the most Christmassy bus route in town. Destination? CHRISTMAS.
Yes, this is the perfect route for a spot of Christmas sightseeing when all the lights are on, and the trees are standing proudly around the city. And all it will cost you is the princely sum of £1.75! The route in question is the 139, which runs between Waterloo and Golders Green. Now, you’re not going to see absolutely every display in London aboard this bus – but you’ll see a hefty chunk of them!

If you time your journey right, the magic begins before you even get on the bus, as you can admire the lovely Christmas tree at Waterloo first. Then you’ll be taken on a journey of all the light and decorations as we hurtle towards Christmas Day!
But now, it’s time to hop aboard. Naturally, you’ll want to bag yourself a front-row seat on the top deck, for all the best views of the festive sights to come…
Riding the Christmassy bus route
Once you’re settled in, the bus will cruise across Waterloo Bridge, allowing you to admire the twinkling lights of the city, lit up at night like the front of a Christmas card. Then you’ll get a great view of some stunning Christmas light displays as you ride along The Strand.

At Trafalgar Square, you won’t be able to miss the festive market and tree (when it arrives that is…) – which is actually an annual gift donated by the lovely people of Norway as thanks for helping them out in World War II. They’ve been gifting London a tree as part of a tradition that stretches all the way back to 1947). It typically arrives in December (to its usual warm welcome).
If you hop off around Piccadilly Circus you can take a short jaunt to check out Fortnum & Mason’s window display. It’s always a gorgeous sight to see. Snap a pic, and then it’s back to the bus!
After rounding Piccadilly Circus – where the giant billboards will no doubt be filled with Christmas content – it’s time for one of the capital’s true festive treats. Because really, what would a festive tour of London be without a journey under the heavenly Regent Street angels?

You can alight here to take a look at Carnaby Street’s festive makeover too. The new display features an energy-efficient design that can be re-used in years to come, with new designs.

And while you’re in the area, you can drop by Hamley’s Toy Store (just by the Beak Street stop) for a spot of Christmas shopping. Hopefully, you haven’t left it too late!
When you’re back on the bus, there’s another highlight of the route coming up: the famed Oxford Street Christmas lights. The shining stars are back once more – and they’re simply stunning yet again.

If you’re already restless and need to stretch your legs again, you can pop into John Lewis to check out their stunning Christmas wares and displays. If you’ve got time to kill, you can also check out the festive winter rooftop upstairs at 1864 Rooftop Bar & Kitchen. They’ve had a makeover for the festive season with rooftop igloos, mulled wine, and more!
The next stop is Selfridges, where you’ll find some delightful Christmas window displays to feast your eyes on. It’s also handy for those who are still frantically searching for gifts…
Well, that’s about it! Most of the big attractions are now behind you and it’s a mostly quiet run up to Golders Green. But you’re sure to still spot plenty of Christmas decorations and displays if you stay on the route.
Now, you could stay on for some less Christmassy attractions such as Abbey Road Studios, or Lord’s Cricket Ground. But the 139 still has a good way to go, and you’ve got plenty of other festive things to see. Unless you want to head the other direction and ride the Christmassy bus route all over again…?