Holiday Lights Trolley Tour

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

If you’re seeking a charming way to see Philadelphia’s holiday lights and decorations, the Holiday Lights Trolley Tour promises a cozy, festive experience. Offered by Philadelphia Sightseeing Tours, this two-hour journey takes you through some of the city’s most beautifully decorated neighborhoods aboard a Victorian-style trolley decked out in holiday cheer. While it offers a relaxed way to enjoy the city’s seasonal glow, it’s worth considering some of the mixed reviews before booking.

One of the most appealing aspects of this tour is its warm, holiday-themed atmosphere. The trolley itself is adorned with lights, holiday decor, and music, helping you get into the festive spirit. The chance to stop at and view neighborhoods like Smedley Street and Miracle on 13th Street adds a personalized touch. Plus, the itinerary includes iconic sights like City Hall, Love Park, and Franklin Square, giving you a good sense of the city’s holiday ambiance. However, some travelers have found certain aspects less than ideal, especially regarding guest interactions and navigation.

This tour is perfect for families, groups of friends, holiday parties, and even corporate gatherings looking for a relaxed, scenic experience. If you love holiday lights, enjoy festive music, and want a no-fuss way to see the city, this could be a good fit. But if you’re expecting a highly polished or guide-led experience, you might want to weigh those expectations carefully.

Key Points

• Festive Atmosphere: The trolley is decorated for the holidays, creating a cozy, seasonal vibe.
• Iconic Philadelphia Sights: Pass by City Hall, Love Park, Franklin Square, and more, providing a scenic holiday backdrop.
• Neighborhood Highlights: Stops include Smedley Street and Miracle on 13th Street, known for their impressive holiday displays.
• Flexible Experience: You can get out at some stops to stretch your legs and enjoy the displays up close.
• Value for Money: At $59.99 per person, it offers a relaxed, family-friendly way to enjoy the city’s holiday cheer—though some may find the overall experience uneven.
• Mixed Reviews: While some rave about the views and navigation skills of the driver, others report rudeness and dissatisfaction.

An In-Depth Look at the Holiday Lights Trolley Tour

Starting Point and Duration

The tour begins at 21 S 5th St, a central location that’s easy to access via public transportation or taxis. With a duration of approximately two hours, including loading and unloading, it’s a manageable outing that can fit comfortably into a winter afternoon or evening. The tour is designed for most travelers, with a maximum group size of 43, ensuring a more intimate experience compared to large bus tours.

The Victorian-Style Trolley Experience

Traveling in a Victorian-style trolley adds a nostalgic, cozy element to the journey. Decked out with holiday lights and decor, the trolley creates a festive atmosphere from the moment you step aboard. The included music elevates the mood, with seasonal tunes that complement the visual spectacle. This setup is particularly appealing for families with children or groups wanting a relaxed, photo-ready experience.

Itinerary and Highlights

The tour involves a mix of guided stops and scenic drives. The guide or driver—who some reviews praise for their skill—navigates tight streets with impressive expertise, especially at stops like Miracle on 13th Street. Here’s what you can expect:

• Stop at South Smedley Street: Known for its eye-catching holiday light display, this stop allows about 10 minutes for guests to stretch their legs and admire the decorations up close. Reviewers note that this stop is free to visit, making it a simple yet delightful highlight.
• Miracle on 13th Street: Starting November 28th, this display is often called “amazing” by visitors who appreciate the intricate light setup. The driver’s navigation skills here are particularly appreciated, especially given the tight streets.
• Ongoing Scenic Drive: From here, the trolley proceeds past iconic sites like City Hall and Love Park, offering excellent photo opportunities from the comfort of the trolley. Passersby and drivers often comment on how well the tour showcases Philadelphia’s holiday lighting.

Neighborhoods and Landmarks

All of these stops and drives are designed to showcase Philadelphia’s most decorated neighborhoods, creating a holiday-themed cityscape. The inclusion of Christmas Village at Love Park and Franklin Square adds to the festive feeling, though access to certain sites may depend on current public health restrictions or operational hours.

Authentic Experiences and Hidden Gems

While the tour doesn’t include extensive commentary, the experience of seeing neighborhoods like Smedley Street—where some guests get out and walk around—and enjoying the sparkling lights is what makes this tour charming. The reviews mention that the driver made skillful maneuvers through very tight streets, making what could be a stressful navigation into an impressive feat.

Customer Experiences: The Good and The Not-So-Good

One reviewer, Jennifer, described her experience as “amazing” and praised the driver’s skills navigating tight streets, particularly on Miracle on 13th. She appreciated the fun and lively atmosphere, which made the tour memorable. She also valued the opportunity to stretch at Smedley Street, which added a relaxed element to the experience.

In contrast, Candace reported a “terrible experience,” citing rude staff and poor responses to her complaints. She felt that the overall experience fell short of expectations and was disappointed in the customer service. This highlights the importance of managing expectations and understanding that experiences can vary depending on the guide and staff.

Price and Value

At $59.99 per person, this is a fairly typical price point for a specialized, seasonal city tour. It offers an accessible way to enjoy Philadelphia’s holiday displays without large crowds or extensive walking. The inclusion of all fees and taxes makes it straightforward, but some travelers might find it a bit pricey if they are expecting a guided, narrated experience; it’s more of a scenic ride with stops than a detailed tour.

Practicalities and Tips

• Booking in advance is recommended, with an average of 14 days prior, to secure your spot during the busy holiday season.
• The tour is BYOB, so you can bring your own drinks if desired—adding a fun, festive touch for adult groups.
• The meeting point is centrally located, and the drop-off spot is about 200 feet away, making it easy to continue exploring afterward.
• Service animals are allowed, which is a considerate touch for travelers with pets.
• Expect the weather to impact your experience; if it’s canceled due to poor weather, a full refund or reschedule is offered.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trolley ride is an ideal pick for families with kids, small groups of friends, or holiday parties who want a laid-back way to see the city’s decorated streets. It’s perfect if you love festive lights, seasonal music, and a cozy ambiance. However, if you’re looking for a highly detailed narrative or a more upscale experience, this might fall short.

Those interested in interactive stops—like getting out at Smedley Street or Miracle on 13th—will appreciate the stops, but be aware that some reviews mention mixed levels of customer service. If you’re seeking a guide-led, highly organized experience, you might prefer other city tours that focus more on commentary.

The Sum Up

The Holiday Lights Trolley Tour offers a charming way to soak in Philadelphia’s holiday spirit from the comfort of a beautifully decorated Victorian-style trolley. Its highlights include scenic rides past iconic landmarks, stops at dazzling neighborhoods, and the chance to enjoy seasonal music and decor. While some guests have praised the driver’s skill and the displays, others have experienced less-than-ideal customer service, so it’s a good idea to set your expectations accordingly.

For families, holiday groups, or anyone who simply loves festive lights and relaxed sightseeing, this tour provides a good value—especially if you want a memorable, photo-friendly experience. However, those craving a more narrated or premium experience might want to explore other options.

Overall, it’s a festive, accessible way to see Philadelphia during the most wonderful time of the year, especially if you’re in search of a lighthearted, cheerful outing that embraces holiday cheer.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is family-friendly and a fun way for kids to see holiday lights.

Can I bring my own drinks?
Yes, the tour is BYOB, so you can bring alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages.

What sights will we see?
You’ll pass by City Hall, Love Park, Franklin Square, and enjoy stops at Smedley Street and Miracle on 13th Street for their holiday displays.

How long does the tour last?
About two hours, including loading and unloading, making it a manageable outing.

Is there a dress code or recommended attire?
Comfortable, warm clothing is advised as you’ll be outside at certain stops and traveling during winter.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour, with a full refund.

What should I expect from the guide or driver?
Reviews mention skilled navigation and a friendly demeanor, but experience can vary. Be prepared for a scenic, less commentary-heavy ride.