Voting opens to have your say on where the Christmas Light Bus will tour

Oxford Bus Company is inviting the public to have their say on where its much-loved Christmas Light Bus should spread some festive cheer this December.

Decked out with hundreds of twinkling lights, the popular City Sightseeing Oxford double-decker has become a cherished fixture of the festive calendar.

This year, the Christmas Light Bus will illuminate even more communities around Oxford, with people invited to have a say on where it goes.

In addition to Oxford and the surrounding area, voting options include locations further afield such as Thame, Wallingford and Witney in Oxfordshire, as well as Amersham in Buckinghamshire.

Tours of the Christmas Light Bus will take place on 11th, 12th, 18th and 19th December. Tours will run between 4pm and 8pm, with the final tour on Saturday 19th December running until 9pm.

With Christmas classics provided by Christmas Light Bus partner Get Radio, and a brass band joining the festivities on selected dates, the tours will bring plenty of festive fun. At designated locations, the bus will stop so that Go Thames Valley volunteers can give out treats, including vegan and gluten-free options.

Luke Marion, Managing Director of Oxford Bus Company, which owns and operates City Sightseeing Oxford, said: “This time of year is about spending time with loved ones and giving back to the community.

“That’s no different for us, and the Christmas Light Bus is one of the ways we spread a little festive joy with the tours a great way to enjoy some free festive magic.

“Although it’s not possible to visit every single area, we’re giving our customers and the general public the opportunity to have a say in where we go.”

Voting will end at 11:59pm on Sunday 15th November and the final routes will be announced on Tuesday 1st December via the Oxford Bus Company website and social media channels.

Each person gets one vote only. Duplicates will be removed to ensure that voting remains fair for everyone.

The Christmas Light Bus will also play a glittering role at Oxford’s Christmas Light Festival, which takes place from Friday 13th November to Sunday 15th November.

The bus will visit Blackbird Leys, Rose Hill, Wood Farm, Headington and Barton on 13th November, and then the city centre, Kidlington, Wolvercote and Botley the following day.

Go Thames Valley is the region’s largest bus operator, with its portfolio including Oxford Bus Company, Thames Travel, Carousel Buses, Pearces, Pulhams, City Sightseeing Oxford, and the airline coach service.

To find out more about the Christmas Light Bus, and to vote for where it will visit, please see: www.oxfordbus.co.uk/lightbus2026