New York City Holiday Movie Sites and Lights Bus Tour

If you’re dreaming of soaking up the charm of New York during the holiday season while reliving scenes from your favorite Christmas movies, the New York City Holiday Movie Sites and Lights Bus Tour might catch your eye. While we haven’t taken this tour ourselves, we’ve gathered plenty of insights to help you decide if it’s worth your time and money.

What we like about this experience is the chance to see NYC’s holiday splendor from a cozy, heated bus—no battling the crowds or freezing in the cold—and the opportunity to relive iconic movie moments in their real-life settings. Plus, the tour offers fun tidbits and insider secrets from guides, which can turn a simple sightseeing trip into a more engaging story.

On the flip side, a notable consideration is the inconsistency some travelers have experienced with timings and traffic. Several reviews mention the tour starting late or feeling rushed, which can affect your overall enjoyment if you’re expecting a perfectly timed adventure. It’s best suited for those who want a broad, comfortable overview of holiday highlights rather than a meticulously curated, slow-paced experience.

If you love Christmas films, festive city views, and a bit of entertainment, this tour could be a good fit. It’s ideal for visitors who want to see key movie locations and store windows without the hassle of wandering the streets on their own or dealing with NYC’s hustle and bustle during the busiest season.

Key Points

• Comfortable transportation makes it easy to relax and take in the sights without the cold or crowds.
• Movie lovers will enjoy matching famous scenes with real locations around Manhattan.
• Guides often provide interesting stories and insider tips, adding depth to the experience.
• Timing issues and traffic congestion have been noted, so flexibility is helpful.
• The price point offers good value for a guided tour—around $78 per person—if you’re interested in both sights and films.
• Limited stops mean you won’t get long time at each site but will see a broad selection of highlights.

Starting Point and Initial Journey

The tour kicks off on the Upper West Side at 63rd and Broadway, a convenient meeting point accessible via nearby public transportation. From there, you hop aboard a luxury coach bus—most are heated in winter and air-conditioned in summer, with some equipped with bathrooms, which is nice for longer rides.

The group size is usually capped at around 55 travelers, allowing for a more intimate atmosphere but still a lively crowd. The guide begins sharing background stories and filming secrets early on, setting the tone for an engaging ride.

First Stops: Central Park and the Upper West Side

Your first highlight is Central Park West, home to the Thanksgiving Day Parade and scenes from Elf and Mr. Poppers Penguins. These locations are iconic and instantly recognizable, especially if you’ve watched holiday movies set amidst NYC’s winter scenery.

Traveling through the Upper West Side, you’ll relive moments from Scrooged and New Year’s Eve. The guide’s knowledge is often praised; many reviews describe guides as funny and informative, adding a layer of entertainment to the sightseeing. One reviewer mentioned a guide’s humor and the fun atmosphere as a highlight, which suggests guides can really make or break the vibe.

Central Park and Midtown Highlights

On to Central Park again, where scenes from Home Alone 2 at Wollman Rink and Elf at Bethesda Fountain are featured. Seeing these in person helps bring the movies to life, especially if you’ve watched them many times. The tour is designed to match film clips with the actual locations, which many find charming and nostalgic.

Moving into Midtown, the tour visits the restaurant from Serendipity, a favorite spot for many fans of the film. This is a quick stop, but enough for some photos and a moment to imagine the movie’s cozy atmosphere.

Rockefeller Center and Fifth Avenue

No holiday tour in NYC is complete without a visit to Rockefeller Center. The tour stops here to admire the enormous, world-famous Christmas tree, as seen in Home Alone 2, Elf, and Noel. Expect a festive, bustling scene with crowds and bright lights—perfect for holiday cheer, but keep in mind that during peak season, it can get very crowded.

As you descend Fifth Avenue, the decorated window displays at Lord & Taylor and other department stores shine brightly. Several reviews praise these windows, especially the Dior, Cartier, and Saks 5th Ave displays, emphasizing their beauty and holiday magic.

Wrapping Up at Bryant Park

The tour culminates at Bryant Park, home to the holiday market and skating rink. It’s a lively, festive spot, ideal for some last-minute shopping or just soaking in the holiday spirit. The guide may share some fun facts about the park and its traditions, making this a fitting finale for the evening.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour fee of $78 per person covers a professional guide and heated transportation. The convenience of a guided bus ride means you won’t have to worry about navigating or parking, especially during the busy holiday season.

However, you’ll need to budget separately for food and drinks, as these aren’t included. While the tour does include quick stops with some free time at certain locations, you might find your experience limited if you’re hoping to linger or explore independently.

Traffic and Timing: The Big Variables

Some reviews mention frustrating experiences related to traffic congestion and timing issues. For example, one traveler noted that the tour started late and ended earlier than scheduled, which could cut into your sightseeing time. Others experienced long waits during rush hour, which is common in NYC but can feel disappointing if you’re eager to see more.

The tour’s schedule begins at 7:15 pm, so it’s an evening activity, perfect for enjoying the city lights but also subject to the unpredictability of city traffic. If you’re visiting during a busy weekend or holiday, be prepared for possible delays.

The Guide and Overall Atmosphere

Guides are often praised for their knowledge and humor, adding personality to the experience. Some reviewers found their guides entertaining and friendly, making the ride more enjoyable. Others, however, expressed disappointment in the guide’s familiarity with the movie scenes or the overall professionalism.

The group size appears manageable, and quick off-and-on stops are designed for convenience, allowing you to get a glimpse of each site without the long walks.

Audience and Suitability

This tour tends to attract movie fans and those wanting an overview of NYC’s holiday lights in comfort. It’s not a deep dive into history or architecture but more about celebrating holiday cheer and film scenes. It’s suitable for most travelers, but those expecting a perfectly timed, seamless experience may find the occasional hiccup frustrating.

Authentic Voices from Travelers

Several comments highlight what works well: “The movie knowledge was great, the timeliness of the bus and fun atmosphere was exactly what we needed,” says one reviewer. Others, however, warn about the less positive aspects: “Traffic was so bad that we spent most of the time sitting on the bus waiting,” or “The tour started late, which happens, but it was very underwhelming.”

A recurring theme is that the lighting and window displays are spectacular, especially at Saks and Dior, making the experience visually rewarding. Conversely, some felt the overall experience was too dark or rushed, with limited views of holiday lights.

If you’re a fan of holiday movies and are visiting NYC during the festive season, this tour offers an enjoyable way to see iconic locations without the hassle of navigating the city on your own. It’s particularly good if you appreciate guided stories and want a relaxed, warm way to spend an evening.

However, if you’re looking for a slow, detailed exploration of each site, this might feel too hurried. Also, if you’re sensitive to traffic delays or expecting a perfectly punctual experience, keep in mind that NYC’s busy streets can throw a wrench in the schedule.

Ultimately, this tour is best suited for those seeking a light-hearted, entertaining overview of the holiday season, with a focus on movie magic and festive displays.

Is this tour suitable for kids?
While not specifically marketed as a family tour, the short stops and fun movie clips can be enjoyable for older children and teens interested in holiday films.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours, depending on traffic and stops.

Does the tour run in all weather?
Yes, most buses are equipped for winter weather with heating, so you’ll stay warm even if it’s cold outside.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not provided, so plan to bring your own if you want a snack during the stops.

What are the start and end points?
It begins at 1889 Broadway and ends at Bryant Park, near the holiday market.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance. Less than that and you won’t get a refund.

Is the tour accessible for service animals?
Yes, service animals are allowed on the tour.

In the end, the New York City Holiday Movie Sites and Lights Bus Tour offers a fun, festive way to see some of NYC’s holiday highlights from the comfort of a heated bus, with guides sharing stories along the way. It’s a good pick for movie buffs and those wanting a relaxed, guided evening in the city, especially if they’re okay with occasional traffic hiccups and limited stops. Just remember, it’s more about the scenic, cinematic atmosphere than a deep dive into every site’s history.