Christmas

London Christmas Lights Tours – Behind the Scenes Look

LMT Blog

 

With the announcement of the dates for this year’s London Holiday Lights Tour, join us on a special behind the scenes look, as we follow a family on our annual special, the Private Magical Christmas London Tour (3 hours).

After being picked up from their Central London accommodation, the family went on a magical journey of Christmas through the ages, led by their own team: a professional tour guide, plus their own chauffeur.

The addition of a chauffeur is a London Magical Tours exclusivity – and as our returning guests always comment – it makes a huge difference to the experience, especially at such a busy time of year. First in line, every time, with no parking worries. Plus our chauffeurs know all the best Christmas music to create the festive spirit, as you move between the best of the London Christmas locations.

 

Taking in London’s beautiful Christmas displays during their private tour.

Sleigh Ride – The family taking in London’s beautiful Christmas displays during their private tour of the London holiday Lights

Christmas Lights and Decorations

One of the highlights of the Private Magical Christmas London Tour is being able to go in search of some of London’s best Christmas lights and decorations – much more than just the lights. London is unique in that each neighbourhood has its own set of holiday lights and decorations – making Christmas time the best part of the year to discover the capital.

Our guests took their time exploring, stopping for photos and loved learning about each festive neighbourhood at their own pace. Just look at these oversized Christmas baubles!

 

The family capturing a festive moment with the oversized Christmas baubles behind them.

Christmas time in London is so much more than the lights – just look at those festive baubles!

The Magic of Christmas in London

The tour continued with the family joining their professional guide on guided walks to help bringing the London Christmas story to life. There was plenty of time to stop for photos, enjoy the sights and make the most of their evening without being tied to a large group. Our London Christmas lights tours are designed for that – to make exploring London comfortable, personal and memorable.

 

Enjoying the festive atmosphere and decorations around Covent Garden.

Christmas Trees big and small – you’ll discover the very best on the Private Magical Christmas London Tour

Want to learn more? Click on the video at the top of this post for a glimpse of our lovely guests on their tour to see what made their Christmas visit so special. If you’re planning your own festive adventure, a tour London Christmas lights is a wonderful way to experience the city together.

Visiting London this Christmas? Share your favourite moments with us by tagging @londonmagicaltours and using #londonmagicaltours. We’d love to see the festive sights you discover during your visit.

 

Ready to plan your Private Christmas Tour? Contact our team to start planning your experience. For more information before booking, visit our FAQ page.

The Most Magical Time of the Year – London at Christmas

LMT Blog

 

Christmas in London is even more special when shared with the people you love. As preparations are now in full swing for the announcement of this year’s London Christmas Lights Tour, we’re looking back at our guest’s experiences on last year’s Christmas extravaganza and sharing some of our favourite comments.

 

Taking in one of London’s iconic landmarks during the festive season.

London at Christmas time – there’s no where else quite like it

London at Its Most Festive

The Private Magical Christmas London Tour (3 hours) is the perfect way to take in all the famous Christmas lights, decorated streets and seasonal displays. With a private guide and professional chauffeur, the joy of Christmas comes to life at a relaxed pace, without worrying about getting around the city.

 

A happy moment shared during their private Christmas tour.

Guests discovering the best Christmas trees – big and small – on London Magical Tours’ annual holiday lights tour

A Christmas Experience Made For You

Every London holidays lights tour can be tailored to suit your group, whether you’re travelling with family, friends or someone special. There is time to stop for photos, enjoy the festive sights and make the most of your evening in London.

Planning a winter visit? Our London Christmas Tour is a great way to experience the city’s festive highlights with your own private team.

Ready to plan your Christmas experience? Contact our team to start planning your tour. For more information before booking, visit our FAQ page.

 

Share your favourite moments from your Christmas in London with us. Tag @londonmagicaltours and use #LondonMagicalTours to share your experience.

Paris Christmas Lights Tours – A Family Christmas

LMT Blog

 

A family trip to Paris becomes even more memorable during the festive season. For one family visiting from Canada, exploring the city with our Paris Christmas Lights Tours was a true highlight of their holiday.

 

Enjoying a festive moment beside a beautifully decorated Christmas tree in Paris.

Our guests going in search of some of the capital’s most spectacular Christmas trees and decorations

A Memorable Family Experience

After completing their Magical Paris Christmas tour, the family described it as “une expérience unique, très agréable” — a unique and very enjoyable experience.

With a private guide sharing stories along the way and a dedicated chauffeur taking care of the journey, Christmas time is the best time of the year to  enjoy Paris comfortably, away from the masses for a special evening together.

 

Taking in the sparkling Christmas lights across Paris during a festive evening tour.

Christmas time in Paris – it truly is the most wonderful time of the year

Discover Paris At Christmas

During the festive season, Paris comes alive with sparkling lights and beautiful landmarks. From the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe to the Champs-Élysées and Place Vendôme, the city offers plenty of magical sights to enjoy after dark. Our Paris Holiday Lights Tours make it easy to take in these festive scenes while travelling comfortably through the city.

Whether you are planning your first festive visit or returning for another Christmas in Paris, Paris Christmas Tours offer a memorable way to experience the city in its seasonal glow.

 

Ready to plan your Private Christmas Tour? Contact our team to start planning your experience. For more information before booking, visit our FAQ page.

The 12 Days of Christmas: Family Tours

LMT Blog
Our cheerful guests pose with the festive partridge in a pear tree behind them.

Guests taking in the lights and decorations on this season’s Magical London Christmas Tours

The Twelve Days of Christmas

Did you know that “The 12 Days of Christmas” carol began as a fun memory game, played at the dinner table?

Players would recite gifts in order — forget a line and a playful forfeit awaited! Over time, this simple game became one of Britain’s most beloved holiday songs.

This year sees the song resurface as a particular highlight across London Magical Tours’ award winning Christmas tours.

 

Holiday magic in Chelsea — a partridge in a pear tree comes to life among the lights and decorations.

Come and discover the gifts from the Twelve Days of Christmas — including the 6 Geese a-laying

From Family Game to Christmas Classic

From a partridge in a pear tree, all the way to 12 drummers drumming – the quirky gifts on the Twelve Days of Christmas list made for a fun but tricky memory game. Originally played by families at the table on Christmas Day, by the 18th century printed versions spread the song far beyond homes – and it soon became a festive carol, sung by both choirs and families alike.

If you wish to experience the spirit of the season in London, don’t miss the festive extravaganza that is our London Christmas Lights tour — it’s the perfect way to see the city’s holiday magic come alive.

 

Christmas trees and festive decorations fill Duke of York Square, spreading holiday cheer everywhere.

Children love taking part on mini-adventures on our Private Magical London Christmas Lights Tours

London Holiday Magic

Few world cities decorate for the holidays quite like the capital of the UK. London brings the Twelve Days of Christmas to life with festive decorations and playful installations, all inspired by the song.

For a truly magical evening with friends or family alike, don’t miss our London Christmas Lights tours, running through to 6th of January.

Visiting London this Christmas?

Share your magical moments with us! Tag @londonmagicaltours and use #LondonMagicalTours — from festive lights to seasonal surprises, we can’t wait to see how you celebrate the best time of the year with us.

A Royal Christmas at Windsor

LMT Blog
The majestic Christmas tree at St George's Hall, Windsor Castle

The majestic Christmas tree at St George’s Hall, Windsor Castle

A Christmas visit to Windsor always feels special — and thanks to Queen Victoria’s own writings, we get a wonderful glimpse into how the royal family celebrated the festive season more than 170 years ago. Her 1850 diary entries reveal a warm and intimate Christmas filled with family traditions, gift-giving – and timeless royal charm.

 

A sweeping view of Windsor Castle’s grand exterior, a timeless symbol of the British monarchy.

Windsor Castle: A timeless symbol of the British monarchy.

Christmas Eve at Windsor Castle

On 24 December 1850, Queen Victoria describes a quiet, wintry morning at Windsor as she walked with her children, while Prince Albert went shooting. Much of the day was spent preparing and giving presents — to Lady Lyttelton, their personal staff and members of the household.

Her highlight was seeing the Christmas tree and table, lovingly prepared by Prince Albert:

“My beloved Albert took me to my tree & table, covered by such numberless gifts, really too much, too magnificent.”

Among her treasures were watercolours, oil paintings and a bracelet designed by Albert himself, holding a miniature of Princess Louise — a gift she called “of infinite value.” The children “jumped & shouted with joy” over their toys, filling the castle with festive excitement.

 

Christmas Day at the Castle

On 25 December, Victoria reflected with gratitude on “the return of this blessed season.” She enjoyed a mild winter’s walk with her children, attended Christmas service, and revisited her gifts throughout the day. The castle glowed once again in the evening as the trees were lit and the children played happily around them.

 

Queen Victoria would have 9 children with Prince Albert and many wonderful Christmases together - before his young passing led to her dressing in black

Queen Victoria would have 9 children with Prince Albert and many wonderful Christmases together – before his young passing led to her dressing in black

The royal household gathered for Christmas dinner, with the young princes and princesses appearing throughout the meal — a lovely reminder that even royal celebrations revolved around family.

Boxing Day continued the festivities with charades, poetry recitations and performances by the children, including young Bertie (later King Edward VII), who recited Shakespeare’s Seven Ages “remarkably well.” Despite the dull weather, Windsor remained bustling with warmth and cheer.

These diary glimpses offer a touching look into a Victorian royal Christmas — a magic that still lingers today when exploring Windsor Castle on a Private Windsor Tour.

 

Visiting Windsor with London Magical Tours?

Share your magical moments with us by tagging @londonmagicaltours and using #londonmagicaltours. Whether it’s royal landmarks, countryside strolls or hidden gems, we’d love to see how you’re celebrating this holiday season.