Holiday Lights Trolley Tour

A Close Look at the Holiday Lights Trolley Tour in Philadelphia

If you’re considering a festive outing in Philadelphia, the Holiday Lights Trolley Tour promises a cozy way to see the city’s best holiday displays. While it’s not a perfect experience, it offers some delightful moments that can make your holiday season a little brighter. From the festive decor to the friendly commentary, this tour aims to blend sightseeing with holiday cheer.

What we like about this tour is how the Victorian-style trolley is decked out in lights and holiday decor, creating an immersive festive vibe. Plus, the stops at iconic spots like Miracle on 13th Street and Love Park give you a nice sense of the city’s holiday spirit. That said, it’s worth noting that some reviews highlight inconsistency, especially around customer service and navigation.

This experience works best for those who enjoy easy, relaxed sightseeing with a touch of holiday magic. Families, groups of friends, and even corporate parties might find it a cozy way to enjoy Philadelphia’s decorations without much fuss. But if you’re hoping for an in-depth or highly polished experience, you might want to consider other options or supplement this tour with additional sightseeing.

Key Points

• Festive Atmosphere: The trolley is decorated in lights and holiday decor, adding to the seasonal vibe.
• Ideal for Relaxed Sightseeing: It’s a two-hour tour, perfect if you want a short, easy way to see the city’s holiday displays.
• Popular Stops: Highlights include Miracle on 13th Street, Love Park, and City Hall.
• Mixed Reviews on Service: While some guests praise the guides and navigation, others report rude responses and poor customer service.
• Affordable Price Point: At $59.99 per person, it’s a moderately priced way to enjoy holiday lights.
• Limited Interaction: The tour offers a view from the trolley, with some stops for viewing displays but no extensive guided commentary.

What to Expect From the Tour

The Holiday Lights Trolley Tour runs for approximately two hours, including loading and unloading. It departs from 21 S 5th St and travels through some of Philadelphia’s most decorated streets, offering views of the city’s holiday displays from the comfort of a Victorian-style trolley.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour kicks off with guests gathering aboard the trolley at the designated starting point. From there, you’ll be guided through the city, passing by notable landmarks like City Hall and Washington Square, all while enjoying holiday music and festive lights aboard the trolley.

One of the highlights is the stop at South Smedley Street for a 10-minute walk-through of a dazzling light display. You can stretch your legs here and take photos of the beautifully decorated homes and streets, which adds a nice touch of holiday magic. Interestingly, this stop is free to explore, so you get some extra time enjoying the displays up close.

Next, you’ll visit Miracle on 13th Street, a renowned holiday display that many guests find especially impressive. One reviewer praised the experience, mentioning how skillfully the driver navigated the narrow streets, praising the overall vibe as “had a blast.” This stop also lasts around 10 minutes, giving you a decent window to appreciate the lights and snap some pictures.

Throughout the tour, you’ll pass by major spots like Love Park, City Hall, and Dilworth Plaza, offering a glimpse of the city’s festive spirit from the trolley’s windows. The tour is designed to be a relaxed, scenic journey, where you can sit back, sing along to holiday tunes, and enjoy the beautifully decorated streets.

The Experience from a Guest’s Perspective

One reviewer especially enjoyed the stunning views and noted that the driver had “mad skills navigating the very tight streets,” which is reassuring if you’re concerned about a bumpy ride. However, not everyone was satisfied; a less favorable review described the experience as “terrible,” criticizing customer service and response to issues. So, it’s a bit of a mixed bag, and your experience might depend on who’s guiding the tour and the weather conditions.

The Details Matter: Pricing, Group Size, and Practicalities

At $59.99 per person, this tour falls into a reasonable price range for a festive city experience. It includes all fees and taxes, so there are no hidden costs, but alcohol is not included — it’s BYOB if you want to add drinks. Keep in mind, the tour is capped at 43 travelers, which helps keep the group manageable but still relatively large.

The mobile ticket system makes it easy to book in advance—most people book about two weeks ahead, which is smart if you want to secure a spot during busy holiday times. The tour departs from 21 S 5th St and ends just a short walk away, near Market Street & North 5th Street.

While most travelers can participate, it’s good to note that the tour is near public transportation, which makes reaching the start point easier. The experience is straightforward, and service animals are allowed, making it accessible for many.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This is a good choice for families, friends, or groups looking for a relaxed way to enjoy Philadelphia’s holiday lights without much hassle. It’s especially suited for those who love seeing local displays and are comfortable with a sightseeing ride that emphasizes scenery over detailed narration. If you’re after a quick, festive outing that captures the holiday spirit, this tour could hit the spot.

However, if you’re expecting a highly polished experience or detailed commentary, you might find this tour a bit lacking in polish. Some reviews suggest the guides can be hit or miss, and customer service experiences may vary. Also, be prepared for potential crowds or weather considerations, as bad weather could lead to cancellations or a less enjoyable experience.

Final Thoughts

The Holiday Lights Trolley Tour in Philadelphia offers a cozy, visually appealing way to enjoy the city’s winter displays. It’s a good value for the price, especially if you appreciate scenic views, holiday decor, and a relaxed pace. The stops at Miracle on 13th Street and Love Park are particularly charming, and the trolley’s festive interior helps set the mood.

It’s best suited for those who want a simple, fun holiday outing rather than a deeply immersive or guided experience. If you’re traveling with friends or family and want to take in some of Philadelphia’s iconic holiday sights without too much planning, this is a decent option. Just keep in mind that reviews are mixed—some guests love it, others find it underwhelming—so go in with realistic expectations.

Overall, if you’re looking for a festive, lighthearted way to see the city decorated for the holidays, you might find this tour worth a try. But if customer service or a more detailed experience matters a lot to you, it might be worth exploring other options or supplementing this with additional sightseeing.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not specifically marketed as a family tour, children who enjoy holiday lights and a gentle ride will likely find it entertaining. Keep in mind that the tour is about two hours long and involves some walking at specific stops.

Can I cancel this tour if I change my mind?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible if plans change.

What’s included in the price?
The ticket price includes all fees and taxes. It does not include alcohol, which is BYOB, and there are no additional costs listed.

Where does the tour start and end?
It starts at 21 S 5th St and ends a short distance away at Market Street & North 5th Street.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is this tour accessible for people with service animals?
Yes, service animals are allowed.

How long is the tour and what’s the group size?
The tour lasts about two hours, and groups are limited to around 43 travelers.

Is the tour guided or just a ride?
You’ll be guided from the trolley, with commentary and festive music, but the focus is more on sightseeing rather than detailed historical narration.

In the end, the Holiday Lights Trolley Tour could be a charming, low-stress way to enjoy Philadelphia’s holiday sights, especially if you’re after a festive vibe rather than an in-depth city tour. Just keep expectations realistic, and you might find it to be a cozy holiday treat.