Philadelphia: Holiday Lights Trolley Tour BYOB

Philadelphia: Holiday Lights Trolley Tour BYOB

Imagine cruising through the historic streets of Philadelphia on a vintage-style trolley, the city’s best holiday lights twinkling all around you. For just $60 per person, this 1.5-hour BYOB tour offers a cozy, festive way to see the city’s most decorated neighborhoods while enjoying holiday music and a relaxed, celebratory atmosphere. Led by knowledgeable guides, you’ll get a chance to experience the city’s seasonal charm without the fuss of walking or driving yourself.

Two aspects stand out immediately: the personalized touch of bringing your own drinks, and the stops that allow for quick leg-stretches and photo ops. It’s a perfect balance of sightseeing and comfort, especially during the chilly holiday evenings. That said, the tour doesn’t include food or drinks, so you’ll want to plan ahead if you’re craving a snack or beverage to pair with the holiday tunes.

One thing to consider is the limited accessibility—this tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, and some sites like the Miracle on 13th Street have restricted access on certain dates. Still, if you’re after a spirited, fun way to soak up the season’s atmosphere with family or friends, this tour hits the spot.

This experience is best suited for those who enjoy a relaxed, guided tour with a personal touch, especially if you appreciate holiday spirit, some history, and a bit of singing along. It’s perfect for visitors who want to see the best of Philadelphia’s holiday decor without the hassle of navigating by car or crowded walking tours.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Festive atmosphere with holiday lights, music, and decor
• BYOB allows you to bring your favorite drinks for a personalized experience
• Stops at Smedley Street and Miracle on 13th St. for photos and exploration
• Guided commentary provides fun facts and holiday trivia
• Comfortable Victorian-style trolley makes for a cozy ride
• Accessible for most travelers except wheelchair users
• Starts at 21 South 5th Street in front of the Bourse Building

A Detailed Look at the Holiday Lights Trolley Tour

If you’re visiting Philadelphia during the holiday season, this trolley tour offers a lively, intimate way to see the city’s most decorated streets. For $60, you get 1.5 hours of guided sightseeing with plenty of opportunities to soak in the festive atmosphere. The trolley itself is a charming Victorian-style vehicle, adding a nostalgic feel to your evening, and the live holiday music creates a cheerful soundtrack for the ride.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

The tour begins at the Bourse Building, a historic downtown landmark, where your guide will welcome you and set the holiday scene. As you set off, you’ll pass by some of the city’s iconic sights like City Hall, Dilworth Plaza, and the Comcast Building—beautifully lit and decked out for the holidays. These are great spots for photos, especially with the glow of iconic architecture framing the scene.

One of the highlights is the stop at Smedley Street, where you’ll have a chance to hop off and stretch your legs. This street is renowned during the holiday season for its stunning light displays, making it an ideal spot for photos or just soaking in the festive atmosphere.

Starting December 1, you’ll visit the Miracle on 13th Street, a neighborhood tradition featuring elaborate light displays and holiday cheer. Keep in mind, this site isn’t available on November 29 and has limited access on November 30, so plan accordingly. You’ll also pass by Christmas Village at Love Park—an outdoor market filled with holiday vendors, crafts, and seasonal treats—though the tour doesn’t stop there.

Continuing on, you’ll cruise past Washington Square and Franklin Square, both decorated beautifully for the season, and glide past the Christmas Village again if it’s open. The entire experience is framed by the twinkling lights, holiday music, and the relaxed camaraderie of fellow travelers.

The Guides: Knowledgeable and Engaging

Guests frequently mention that the guides are lively, friendly, and full of fun facts. One reviewer particularly appreciated Lisa’s engagement, trivia, and gift-giving—adding a personal touch that elevates the experience. The guides’ enthusiasm helps create a warm holiday spirit, especially important during the colder months.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Atmosphere: Holiday Cheer on Wheels

What makes this tour stand out is the combination of lights, music, and storytelling. As you cruise, you can sing along to Christmas carols or simply enjoy the beautiful sights. The holiday music is live, which adds a lively dimension that many travelers find delightful.

The Logistics: Practical Details

The tour lasts about 1.5 hours, making it an easily fitting activity after a day of sightseeing or before a festive dinner. The meeting point is conveniently located in front of the Bourse Building, and it’s recommended to arrive 15 minutes early to settle in and find your spot.

Since it’s BYOB, bring some wine, cider, or hot chocolate to toast the season. Just remember, alcohol isn’t allowed on the trolley itself, so plan to enjoy your drinks before boarding or after the ride.

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, which is a big plus if you’re staying downtown—eliminating the hassle of finding transportation. It’s also a good value considering all the sights and festive cheer packed into a short window.

The Downsides: What to Keep in Mind

While the tour is a festive highlight, it’s not accessible for wheelchair users, which could limit options for some travelers. Plus, no food or drinks are included, so you might want to bring snacks or beverages to enhance your experience.

Weather can also be a factor—dress warmly, as you’ll be outside for photo stops and some walking. The lights are spectacular, but if rain or snow hits, it could dampen the experience or limit photo opportunities.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you enjoy guided experiences that blend history, holiday cheer, and a relaxed pace, this trolley tour is a fantastic choice. It suits families, couples, and groups of friends who want to enjoy the lights without the exhaustion of walking or navigating traffic. The personalized guide and the opportunity to bring your own drinks** make it especially appealing for those who love a bit of festive community spirit.

Travelers who appreciate authentic local traditions—like the Christmas Village or Miracle on 13th Street—will find this tour a fun and efficient way to see the best of Philadelphia’s holiday displays. It’s also a good option for visitors with limited mobility, provided they can handle some outdoor photo stops.

Summary: Is It Worth It?

This trolley tour offers a balanced mix of festive sights, engaging guides, and cozy transportation, making it a solid choice for celebrating the holiday season in Philadelphia. At $60, it delivers good value—especially when you consider the convenience of hotel pickup and the lively, personalized guide experience.

While it’s not a deep dive into Philadelphia’s history or architecture, it’s an authentic, cheerful way to enjoy the city’s holiday spirit with minimal hassle. The highlight stops and the guided commentary bring a personal touch that many reviews rave about, particularly the lively guides and the opportunity to sing along.

If you’re looking for a fun, relaxed, and beautifully decorated way to see Philadelphia’s holiday lights, this tour is likely to become a memorable part of your visit. Just remember to dress warmly, bring a few drinks, and be ready to enjoy the festive ride.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, it’s family-friendly and a fun way to introduce kids to Philadelphia’s holiday lights and local traditions, especially with the lively guides and music.

Can I bring alcohol?
You’re welcome to bring your own drinks, as it’s a BYOB tour. Just remember, alcohol isn’t allowed on the trolley itself, so enjoy your beverages before or after the ride.

Does the tour run every evening?
The tour is usually available in the evening and at night, with specific start times. It’s best to check the schedule when booking.

Are there any accessibility limitations?
Yes, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, and some sites like Miracle on 13th Street have limited access during certain dates.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts around 1.5 hours, making it easy to fit into an evening of holiday activities.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly, especially if you plan to hop off at stops or take photos outside. Comfortable shoes are also recommended for walking during photos and stops.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off, making it convenient for downtown travelers.

To sum it up, the Philadelphia Holiday Lights Trolley Tour BYOB offers a lively, picture-perfect way to experience the city’s holiday splendor. It’s well-suited for those who love holiday traditions, casual guided experiences, and a warm, festive atmosphere. Whether you’re visiting solo, with family, or friends, it’s a memorable way to celebrate the season in Philadelphia.

You can check availability for your dates here: