Holiday Lights Trolley Tour

A Festive Spin Through Philadelphia’s Holiday Lights: The Trolley Tour

Imagine winding through Philadelphia’s streets on a Victorian-style trolley, all decked out in lights, garlands, and holiday cheer. For around $60 per person, you get about two hours of scenic sights, music, and a chance to stretch your legs at a couple of key spots. This tour takes you through some of the city’s most decorated neighborhoods, including Smedley Street, Miracle on 13th, Love Park, and City Hall, with a few stops for photos and fresh air. It’s a cheerful way to soak in the holiday spirit with friends, family, or colleagues, and the mobile ticket makes planning straightforward.

What we love is the festive ambiance—the decorated trolley, holiday music, and lights create a cozy, joyful environment that makes the city feel especially warm and welcoming. The tour also offers some stunning views of iconic Philadelphia landmarks like City Hall and the Comcast Building, which are beautifully illuminated during the season. Plus, the chance to get out briefly at Smedley Street and Miracle on 13th allows for some quick photo ops and a bit of movement, breaking up the ride nicely.

One possible consideration is the mixed reviews—while some travelers praise the skill of the driver and the holiday displays, others have found the experience less satisfying, citing poor customer service or confusion. The tour’s overall rating hovers around 3 out of 5, indicating that it may be hit-or-miss depending on expectations.

This experience is best suited for families, holiday parties, or groups looking for a lighthearted way to enjoy Philadelphia’s festive lights without a lot of walking or planning. If you’re into holiday sights, cheerful music, and a cozy ride, this tour could be just the ticket.

Key Points

• Festive Atmosphere: The trolley is decorated with lights and holiday decor, creating a cheerful environment.
• Iconic Sights: Stops include City Hall, Love Park, and neighborhoods known for their holiday displays.
• Short and Sweet: At about two hours, it’s a manageable way to see several neighborhoods without a long commitment.
• Limited Stops: Only two stops for photos and stretching—may not be enough for those wanting more time at each location.
• Mixed Reviews: Some travelers rave about the displays and navigation, while others report customer service issues.
• Value for the Price: All fees and taxes are included, but reviews suggest experiences vary in quality.

The Experience in Detail

Starting Point and Overall Structure

The tour begins at 21 S 5th St, a central location that’s easy to access via public transportation or by car. From there, you board the Victorian-style trolley, which is festively decorated to set the holiday mood. The two-hour duration includes loading, touring, and unloading, with a few scheduled stops and plenty of driving through illuminated streets.

The Route and Key Stops

The itinerary guides you through some of Philadelphia’s most photogenic holiday neighborhoods. As the trolley makes its way past City Hall and the Comcast Building, you’ll get great views of the city’s towering, lit-up architecture—perfect for photos. The tour also passes Washington Square and Franklin Square, both decorated with seasonal lights, adding to the festive atmosphere.

The stops at Smedley Street and Miracle on 13th Street are highlights. You’ll get about 10 minutes at each location—long enough for quick photos and to stand outside and take in the sights. Jennifer, in her review, called Miracle on 13th Street “amazing”, praising the skill of the driver, who navigated the tight streets with ease. The light displays on these streets are what many travelers look forward to during the holiday season.

What’s Included and Not

The price includes all fees and taxes, which is straightforward and good value for a package that covers transportation, lighting, and some entertainment. However, alcoholic beverages are not included—and if you’re hoping to bring your own, just remember it’s a BYOB tour. The tour is suitable for most travelers, and service animals are allowed.

Customer Experiences and Feedback

Reviews are mixed—out of six, three are very positive, praising the stunning light displays and competent driving. Jennifer’s review highlights how much she enjoyed the vibrant decorations and the festive mood. On the other hand, Candace’s negative review criticizes the experience as “terrible,” citing poor customer service and unprofessional responses to her review.

This disparity suggests that your experience may depend on the day, the guide, or even your expectations. Some travelers find the tour to be a delightful holiday tradition, especially if they enjoy lighting displays and lively music, while others might feel it’s too rushed or not well-organized.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Book early—the tour is often booked about two weeks in advance.
• Arrive at the meeting point early to ensure smooth boarding.
• Dress warmly since much of the experience is outdoors at stops.
• Bring your own holiday playlist or snacks if you want to enhance your experience.
• Be aware that the group size is limited to 43 participants, which helps keep things intimate but may fill up quickly during peak season.
• If you’re looking for more time at each neighborhood or detailed storytelling, this tour might feel a bit brief.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for families with kids, who enjoy holiday lights and music, or groups celebrating the season. It’s also good for first-time visitors wanting a quick, festive overview of some of Philadelphia’s most decorated neighborhoods. If you’re seeking a relaxed, lighthearted way to enjoy the city’s holiday display without much walking or planning, this trolley tour fits the bill.

However, if you prefer more in-depth exploration or personalized commentary, you might find this tour a bit superficial. The limited stops mean it’s more about the ride and the lights than historical insights or detailed narratives.

The Sum Up

The Holiday Lights Trolley Tour offers a cheerful, convenient way to see some of Philadelphia’s most festive neighborhoods during the holiday season. With its decorated trolley, lively music, and scenic routes, it captures the joyful spirit of the city’s holiday display. While reviews vary—some travelers sing its praises for the stunning lights and skilled drivers, others have been disappointed by customer service—the overall value lies in the experience of sharing holiday cheer with loved ones in a cozy, mobile setting.

This tour is best suited for those looking for a short, fun, and festive outing rather than an in-depth exploration. It’s perfect if you want a simple way to enjoy Philadelphia’s holiday lights without too much walking or planning, and if you’re comfortable with the possibility of variable experiences.

If you’re visiting Philadelphia during the holiday season and want a memorable, light-filled evening, this trolley ride could become a cherished part of your seasonal tradition. Just remember to book early, dress warmly, and keep your expectations in check—like holiday lights, the experience can shine brightly or flicker depending on the day.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs for approximately two hours, including loading and unloading, with about 20 minutes of scheduled stops and travel time.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at 21 S 5th St in Philadelphia and ends about 200 feet away, at the corner of Market Street & North 5th Street.

What neighborhoods are visited during the tour?
The tour takes you through neighborhoods known for holiday displays, including Smedley Street, Miracle on 13th, Love Park, and City Hall.

Are there any stops where we can get out and walk around?
Yes, there are two stops—Smedley Street and Miracle on 13th—each lasting about 10 minutes, allowing for brief walks and photos.

Is this tour suitable for kids?
Yes, the festive atmosphere and light displays make it appealing for families, especially those wanting a relaxed holiday outing.

What should I bring or wear?
Dress warmly, as much of the experience is outdoors, especially during stops. Feel free to bring snacks or holiday music if you want to personalize your ride.

In all, the Holiday Lights Trolley Tour offers a cheerful taste of Philadelphia’s holiday magic, perfect for those seeking an easy and festive way to celebrate the season.