Brussels: Open Top Christmas Lights Tootbus Tour

Planning to see Brussels during its magical Christmas season? Then you might be considering the Open Top Christmas Lights Tootbus Tour. It promises a cozy, festive journey through Brussels’ most iconic sights, all wrapped in holiday lights and accompanied by Christmas tunes. While the idea of a bright, illuminated city from an open-top bus sounds delightful, the actual experience offers some moments of charm and others that may leave you wanting more.

We like the fact that this tour combines sightseeing with a festive atmosphere, offering a unique way to soak in Brussels’ Christmas glow. The live-guided commentary in both English and French and the chance to photograph some of the city’s most Instagram-worthy spots are definite highlights. Another plus? The bus is 100% electric, making it an eco-friendly way to enjoy the capital’s seasonal sparkle.

However, there’s a hitch—the limited duration of just one hour might leave some travelers wishing for a more comprehensive experience. Plus, the reviews reveal that not everyone got to enjoy the Christmas songs as expected, which could be disappointing if music is a key part of your holiday experience.

This tour is best suited for those who want a quick, scenic overview of Brussels at Christmas and enjoy guided commentary. It’s particularly good for families, couples, or solo travelers looking for a light, relaxed outing that complements a day of sightseeing in the city.

Key Points

• Festive Atmosphere: A cozy way to see Brussels’ Christmas lights with holiday music.
• Great Views & Photo Opportunities: Stops at iconic landmarks like Grand Place and Cinquantenaire Park.
• Eco-Friendly Transport: The electric bus keeps the tour green.
• Guided in Two Languages: Live commentary in English and French enhances understanding.
• Limited Duration: Only one hour long, so it’s a quick overview rather than an in-depth tour.
• Mixed Reviews on Experience: Some travelers report issues with sound and guide attentiveness.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What Makes the Brussels Christmas Lights Tour Worth Considering

When you’re in Brussels during the festive season, the idea of a chauffeured ride through the illuminated city sounds appealing. The open-top bus offers an unobstructed view of the dazzling Christmas lights across major spots like Grand Place, where the city’s historic heart transforms into a glittering spectacle. The live guide sharing insights in both English and French makes it accessible for many visitors, and the Christmas playlist adds to the holiday cheer.

The fact that the bus runs on electric power is a plus for environmentally-conscious travelers. It’s a one-hour journey, giving you a quick but picturesque overview of the city’s most decorated neighborhoods, from Place Sainte-Catherine to Avenue Louise and Brussels Park. This is particularly convenient if you’re short on time or want a relaxed way to see highlights without walking in cold weather.

However, it’s worth noting that reviews vary significantly — some travelers loved the views and the festive atmosphere, while others found the experience lacking. For instance, one reviewer bemoaned that “no earphones were provided, so no Christmas songs”, which diminishes the holiday mood, and mentioned rain and condensation worsened visibility. Others felt the guides did not sufficiently cater to English speakers, leaving parts of the commentary unclear.

Despite these mixed reviews, the tour offers good value at $33 per person, especially considering the inclusion of Wi-Fi and the holiday playlist. For those seeking a brief, scenic holiday-themed ride, it can be a charming addition to your Brussels itinerary, especially if you’re traveling with family or friends and looking for a simple, festive outing.

Detailed Breakdown of the Tour

Departure & Pick-up

The bus departs from 90 rue Antoine Dansaert, a central location in Brussels, making it convenient for many visitors. You can reserve your spot and choose whether to start from that point or stop at Place De Brouckère. Keep in mind, once you disembark at one of the stops, re-boarding isn’t available, so plan accordingly.

The Route & Landmarks

The tour covers several of Brussels’ most photogenic and historic sites. You’ll pass by Grand Place, the jewel of Brussels with its ornate guildhalls and towering Town Hall, beautifully lit at night. Justice Palace and Dansaert neighborhoods add a touch of local charm, while Place Sainte-Catherine and Saint-Géry buzz with lively evening activity.

Other highlights include Stalingrad Square, Place Poelaert with its panoramic views over the city, and the European Quarter, where sleek modern buildings contrast with historic architecture. The Cinquantenaire Park and Brussels Park offer wide-open spaces illuminated with holiday decor, providing plenty of photo opportunities. The Christmas Market at Place De Brouckère is also included in the route, showcasing the festive stalls and decorated trees.

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Onboard Experience

The bus is open-top, giving you unobstructed views but also exposing you to cold winter air. It’s advisable to bundle up with hat, scarf, and gloves—a must for comfort. Wi-Fi is available onboard, which is handy for sharing photos or looking up additional info about sites. The Christmas playlist adds a festive soundtrack, although some reviews report issues with sound quality or lack of earphones, which can hamper the holiday spirit.

Guides & Commentary

The tour features live-guided commentary in English and French. While this dual-language approach broadens accessibility, some travelers, as one reviewer mentioned, felt that English speakers received less attention or clearer explanations. The guides are generally knowledgeable, but the delivery may vary depending on the guide’s attentiveness, which could impact your overall experience.

Duration & Flexibility

At just one hour, the tour is a swift snapshot of Brussels’ holiday lights. This brevity makes it perfect for those with limited time or as a relaxing evening excursion. You can choose between two stops—Xmas Market at Rue Fossé aux Loups or returning to Dansaert—but once you leave, re-boarding isn’t an option, so plan your timing carefully.

Cost & Value

At $33 per person, this tour is a relatively affordable way to see some of Brussels’ key illuminated landmarks. Given that it includes live guide service, Wi-Fi, and a holiday playlist, the value is decent for a quick festive experience. However, the short duration and mixed reviews on the quality of service mean it’s best suited for those wanting a brief overview rather than an in-depth exploration.

Real Traveler Experiences

One recent review summed it up with a 1-star rating, complaining, “No earphones provided so no Christmas songs. And overly French speaking guide zero thought got the English speakers. So much rain and condensation on the Wi-Fi does we couldn’t see anything. Waste of money.” This highlights that technical issues and guide attentiveness can impact the experience, especially in less-than-ideal weather.

Conversely, some travelers enjoyed the stunning views and found the guides knowledgeable and friendly. The lighting of major landmarks like Grand Place is often praised, and many appreciate the opportunity to capture holiday photos from a comfortable vantage point.

The Sum Up: Is It Worth It?

This Brussels Christmas Lights Tootbus Tour offers a charming, quick look at the city’s holiday illumination, making it an ideal choice for visitors wanting a relaxed, scenic overview. The open-top design, combined with live commentary, provides a festive atmosphere that is hard to beat during the cold winter nights.

If you’re the type of traveler who enjoys snapping photos, hearing guided insights, and soaking in holiday lights from a cozy seat, this tour can deliver some joyful moments. Just be prepared for the possibility of weather-related visibility issues or uneven guide attentiveness, particularly if the weather turns wet or foggy.

It’s best suited for families, couples, or solo travelers looking for an easy, affordable evening activity that fits into a broader Brussels itinerary. For those seeking a more comprehensive or immersive experience, or with a higher expectation for guide interaction and sound quality, you might want to explore other options or combine this with additional sightseeing.

This tour is a charming, light-hearted way to celebrate Brussels’ Christmas season, and with some planning and patience, it can add a sprinkle of holiday magic to your trip.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour, offering a quick overview of Brussels’ Christmas lights.

Where does the tour start?
It departs from 90 rue Antoine Dansaert, a central location, and you can also choose to start at Place De Brouckère.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Children up to 3 travel for free when sitting on a parent’s lap. Child discounts apply for kids aged 4–12. It’s a family-friendly experience, but remember the outdoor, open-top vehicle may be cold for young kids.

Is the bus accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for travelers with mobility needs.

Can I buy anything onboard?
While no specific onboard purchases are mentioned, you can take advantage of a hot chocolate offer at the Cécémel chalet at Place De Brouckère by presenting your tour ticket.

What if the weather is bad?
Bad weather like rain or fog can affect visibility and comfort. Many reviews mention condensation and rain dampening the experience, so dress warmly and be prepared for less-than-ideal conditions.

Can I see the lights at my own pace?
This is a guided tour with fixed stops, so you’ll see the highlights from the bus. Once you disembark at a stop, re-boarding isn’t available, so plan your time accordingly.

Is it worth the price?
Considering the short duration, guided commentary, Wi-Fi, and festive atmosphere, many will find it an enjoyable, budget-friendly activity, especially if you’re pressed for time or want a relaxed way to view the lights.

In the end, if you’re looking for a cozy, guided, scenic snapshot of Brussels at Christmas, this tour has its charms. Just manage expectations regarding weather and the brief nature of the ride, and you’ll likely enjoy some holiday cheer from the seat of an eco-friendly bus.

You can check availability for your dates here: