Holiday Lights Tour with Trolley Pub Columbus

If you’re looking for a different way to experience Columbus during the holiday season, the Holiday Lights Tour with Trolley Pub Columbus might just be your ticket. While I haven’t personally joined this tour, I’ve gone through the details and reviews, and it sounds like a surprisingly fun and relaxed way to soak up some festive cheer. It’s a good blend of sightseeing, music, and holiday spirit—all in a cozy, enclosed electric trolley.

What really caught my eye are the fully enclosed trolley—which is perfect for keeping out the winter chill—and the BYOB policy, giving the tour a casual, party-like vibe. Plus, the stops at some of the city’s best holiday displays, like The Short North Pole and Columbus Commons, make it feel more like a festive community celebration than just a sightseeing trip.

One thing to keep in mind is the minimum group size requirement—at least six riders for the tour to run—so it’s best suited for groups or friends planning ahead. If you’re after a laid-back, easygoing way to enjoy Columbus’s holiday lights with a dash of fun and music, this tour could be a lovely choice. It’s especially good for those who like a social, casual experience without the fuss of traditional sightseeing.

Key Points

• Unique transport experience: Electric-assisted, enclosed trolley for a comfy ride.
• Festive and musical: Sing along to Christmas carols with a Bluetooth stereo.
• Flexible BYOB policy: Bring beer, wine, cider, or seltzers (no liquor or glass).
• Great for groups: Tours run with a minimum of 6 riders, ideal for friends or small groups.
• All-weather comfort: Fully enclosed trolley and small propane heater for winter.
• Duration and timing: 2.5 hours in the evening, perfect for after sunset holiday views.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Why This Tour Stands Out

The Holiday Lights Tour offers a lively, informal way to get into the holiday spirit. Instead of battling traffic and crowds, you stay cozy inside the fully enclosed, electric trolley while bouncing around Columbus’s best light displays. The fact that the trolley is electric and assisted by batteries means less noise and fumes, which adds to the relaxed vibe. The decked-out lights and decorations make for great photo opportunities, and the onboard stereo system lets everyone sing along to their favorite Christmas tunes—adding a layer of fun that’s hard to beat for a casual holiday outing.

The tour’s cost of $45 per person feels reasonable given the experience, especially considering the included amenities like helmets (optional), ice packs, cups, a cooler, and holiday decorations. When you factor in the convenience of the fully enclosed trolley and the small propane heater to ward off the winter chill, it starts to feel like good value for a memorable evening.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

The tour typically runs from late November through early January, with scheduled departure times at 5:30 pm and 8:30 pm—great options if you want to combine this with dinner or other evening plans. While the exact route may vary slightly, the focus is on highlighting the city’s best holiday displays. You’ll visit areas like The Short North Pole, the Arena District, and Downtown, with stops at notable spots like Bicentennial Park and Columbus Commons.

Each stop offers a chance to admire beautifully lit landmarks and holiday installations. The Short North Pole is especially festive, with outdoor displays that sparkle against the winter night. The stops at Bicentennial Park and Columbus Commons are perfect for snapping some holiday photos or just soaking in the atmosphere.

The trolley is set up for comfort and fun. It has full holiday decorations and lights to elevate the festive vibe, and the Bluetooth stereo system means you can sing along to holiday classics without missing a beat. Plus, the ice packs and small propane heater keep everyone comfortable despite the cold.

The Experience: What It’s Like

From what reviews suggest, the overall vibe is relaxed and joyful. The tour captain, an ECI Certified Trolley Captain, keeps things moving smoothly, and the fully enclosed trolley ensures that weather won’t spoil the fun. One reviewer mentioned, “It was a fun and unique way to explore the city with friends and family,” which sums up the experience well.

Since the tour is BYOB, you’re encouraged to bring your favorite drinks—up to 36 oz of beer or 18 oz of wine per person. This makes it feel more like a festive gathering than a traditional sightseeing tour. Keep in mind that no liquor or glass bottles are allowed, and anyone drinking must be over 21, with underage guests needing to be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

The group size can go up to 36 people, but the minimum of 6 riders means it’s best suited for small to medium groups. The tour’s pacing allows for plenty of time to enjoy the lights, chat with friends, and sing some holiday tunes. Many find that the lack of a typical tour guide makes it feel more like a party on wheels—and that’s part of its appeal.

What You Should Keep in Mind

While this tour offers a lot of charm, it’s worth noting that it’s not meant for those seeking a deep historical or cultural narration. It’s more about enjoying the visual spectacle and the social experience. Also, since snacks aren’t included, you might want to bring some small bites if you’d like to nibble while sipping—just remember that no outside food or drinks other than alcohol are permitted.

The minimum group size requirement means if your group is small or if the weather is particularly bad, the tour could be canceled or postponed. It’s wise to book in advance and confirm your reservation. The flexibility of “reserve now, pay later” can help with planning, but keep an eye on the cancellation policy—full refunds are available if you cancel 24 hours ahead.

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Practical Details and Tips

• Meeting Point: Outside the red garage, with check-in inside the garage.
• Duration: 2.5 hours, mostly in the evening to catch the lights at their best.
• Cost: $45 per person, which is quite reasonable given the inclusions and overall experience.
• What to Bring: ID or passport, and your favorite drinks within the BYOB limits.
• Weather: The fully enclosed trolley means rain or snow won’t ruin your night.
• Accessibility: Five seats are available without pedaling, suitable for people of limited mobility.
• Booking: Reserve in advance, and you can cancel up to 24 hours beforehand for a full refund.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you like the idea of relaxed, social holiday experiences with a touch of festivity, you’ll likely enjoy this tour. It’s perfect for groups of friends, couples, or even families with older children who can handle the group size and alcohol policy. If you’re someone who loves holiday lights, singing carols, and a laid-back outing, this is likely to hit the spot.

However, if you prefer a more structured, historically informative tour or are traveling solo and hoping for a more intimate experience, this might not be the best fit. The focus here is on fun, socializing, and enjoying the visual holiday magic rather than detailed city history.

Final Thoughts

The Holiday Lights Tour with Trolley Pub Columbus offers a cheerful twist on traditional holiday sightseeing. It’s an accessible, cozy, and genuinely enjoyable way to experience the city’s festive displays, especially if you’re into singing along, sharing drinks, and a relaxed, party atmosphere. The fully enclosed trolley plus the holiday decorations and lights make it a memorable winter outing, especially with friends or family.

While the tour isn’t a deep-dive into Columbus’s history, it excels at creating a lively holiday ambiance. For those seeking an easy, flexible way to celebrate the season while staying warm and having fun, this experience is worth considering. Just remember to book ahead, bring your drinks, and prepare for a good time.

FAQs

Can I bring my own alcohol? Yes, you are welcome to bring beer, wine, cider, or seltzers within the allowed limits—36 oz of beer or 18 oz of wine per person. No liquor or glass bottles permitted.

Is the trolley fully enclosed? Yes, from November to March, the trolley is fully enclosed, ensuring protection against cold, snow, or rain.

How many people can fit on the trolley? The tour can accommodate up to 36 riders, which makes it suitable for larger groups, but it requires at least 6 to run.

Are children allowed on this tour? The tour is geared toward adults over 21 due to the BYOB policy. Anyone under 21 must be accompanied by a guardian and cannot drink alcohol.

What should I wear? Dress warmly, especially since it’s winter. The trolley has a small propane heater to help, but layers, hats, and gloves are recommended.

What if the minimum group size isn’t met? The tour might be canceled if fewer than six people sign up; it’s best to reserve early and confirm your booking.

Can I cancel or reschedule? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible if your plans change.

If you’re looking for a fun, festive, and relaxed way to celebrate the holidays in Columbus, the Holiday Lights Tour with Trolley Pub offers a cozy, social, and cheerful experience. It’s a welcome change from the usual holiday outings, combining the city’s lights with good company and some holiday tunes.

You can check availability for your dates here: