Christmas

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.

Magic of Christmas: London Holiday Lights Tours

LMT Blog
Our guests Crystal and Lindsay, captured during their magical Christmas experience.

Guests discovering the best of Christmas in Londuring their private tour experience.

It’s one of our favourite times of the year at London Magical Tours and we’re delighted to hear how much guests are loving this season’s London Christmas tours. With London sparkling brighter than ever, visitors from all over the world are joining us to experience the city at its best.

 

A Festive Experience to Remember

The Private Magical Christmas Tour continues to be a true highlight of the holiday season. Step into your chauffeur-driven vehicle, enjoy holiday music playing in the background and explore London with your very own professional tour guide. It’s the perfect way to discover the city’s Christmas lights, hidden gems and iconic seasonal displays in warmth, comfort and style.

One of the highlights guests mention year after year is the chance to see the city sparkle. Our London Christmas lights tours remain a favourite for capturing the most dazzling displays across London.

Wandering what you can expect on this year’s tour? Take a look at the video below, courtesy of guest’s from Sydney, Australia. They shared how much they enjoyed the experience: the beautiful sights, the wonderful guide and driver and the chance to discover parts of London they wouldn’t have found on their own. We loved how their joy and excitement perfectly captured the spirit of the season.

 

 

Visiting London this Christmas?

Share your magical moments with us by tagging @londonmagicaltours and using #londonmagicaltours. From sparkling lights to festive decorations and hidden seasonal gems, we’d love to see how you’re celebrating this enchanting time of year.

London Christmas Lights Tours

London Magical Tours
Festive neon lights bring a playful and modern twist to Christmas in Soho.

London at Christmas – It’s So Ho Ho Ho Magical!

Did you know there are now less than 30 sleeps until Christmas?

This year sees the return of London Magical Tours’ award-winning holiday special – the London Christmas Lights Tour. With your own chauffeur-driven vehicle, holiday music playing in the background and a personal London tour guide – it’s the ultimate way to soak in the magic of the season.

Curious as to what you can expect on this year’s tour?

Let’s take a sneak peek at some of our favourite London neighbourhoods during the holiday season:

 

Giant bells and ornaments transform Covent Garden into a magical holiday wonderland.

Giant bells and ornaments transform Covent Garden into a truly festive holiday wonderland

Covent Garden, with its famous Christmas tree and iconic decorations, is always a seasonal favourite. Giant baubles, golden bells and a lively market helps to create an atmosphere that’s nothing short of magical – a highlight for visitors of all ages.

The West End is another hugely popular area, bursting with holiday lights and impressive window displays. From Regent Street, to Soho and Oxford Street – it’s a sea of lights!

 

Sparkling angels light up Regent Street, creating one of London’s most iconic Christmas displays.

Sparkling angels light up Regent Street, creating one of London’s most iconic Christmas displays

Will you be visiting London this Christmas?

To make the most of your visit, the London Holiday Lights Tours offer a seamless way to enjoy the best of the capital’s decorations and markets, all from the comfort of your private vehicle. It’s an unforgettable holiday experience – one that captures the very magical of Christmas in London.

The Magic of Christmas – Only with – London Magical Tours

Paris Christmas Lights Tours

London Magical Tours
The Champs-Élysées glowing with sparkling Christmas lights leading to the Arc de Triomphe.

Paris during the holidays: just magical!

Christmas Time in the City of Lights

Paris shines brighter than ever during the holiday season, with its elegant boulevards and charming squares being transformed into a winter wonderland:

Full of twinkling lights to grand decorations, the city offers a magical atmosphere that is best enjoyed in comfort and style. On Paris Magical Tours’ Paris Christmas lights tours, guests are taken on an exclusive journey to discover the city’s holiday beauty, accompanied by your own team: a private chauffeur and expert guide, travelling in a private vehicle.

 

Elegant Christmas trees twinkling in the heart of Place Vendôme, Paris.

The Champs-Elysees lit up in full festive mode

Discover the Holiday Atmosphere of the City of Light

Paris was named the City of Light (Ville lumière) at the beginning of the 19th century, after becoming the first city in Europe to use gas lighting to illuminate its streets. This tradition is further emphasised during the holiday season:

The Champs-Élysées glows under a canopies of lights, Place Vendôme sparkles with festive displays and department stores such as Galeries Lafayette feature enchanting window creations, to captivate young and old alike. As you travel between these sights in your private vehicle, holiday music playing softly in the background, adding a joyful touch to the journey.

 

Festive Parisian Christmas market stalls set against the iconic Eiffel Tower.

Festive Parisian Christmas market stalls set against the backdrop of the iconic Eiffel Tower.

Christmas Markets and Parisian Traditions

A highlight of the season is discovering Paris’ Christmas markets. Wooden chalets line historic squares, offering artisan crafts, festive treats and warming seasonal drinks. From Notre Dame to the stalls of the Tuileries Garden, these experiences bring together tradition and charm, offering a true taste of the Parisian holiday spirit.

 

The dazzling Galeries Lafayette Christmas tree shining under the grand stained-glass dome.

Paris has some of the finest Christmas tree displays in Europe – not to be missed!

The Private Paris Magical Christmas Tour

Visiting Paris this Christmas?

The very best way to enjoy the season is on the exclusive Paris Christmas tours. Over the course of 3 hours, you’ll be guided through the city’s most beautiful festive highlights, from the comfort of a chauffeur-driven vehicle and with the insight of your personal Paris guide. It is a personal and memorable way to celebrate the magic of Paris at Christmas.

The Magic of Christmas in Paris – Only with –

Paris Magical Tours