New York Holiday Lights and Movie Sites Bus Tour

Experiencing New York during the holiday season often means battling crowds and navigating busy streets. This 2.5-hour guided bus tour offers a cozy, relaxed way to enjoy the city’s most dazzling lights and famous movie locations. Led by a lively local actor, this tour promises a blend of festive sights and Hollywood magic—all from the comfort of a warm bus.

One of the highlights? The tour’s ability to combine visual delights like Rockefeller Center’s giant Christmas tree with movie-site memories, such as the apartment from Elf or the store windows on Fifth Avenue. It’s a perfect way to get a quick but memorable taste of the city’s holiday sparkle, especially if you’re short on time or prefer sightseeing from a comfortable seat.

However, it’s worth noting that this tour doesn’t include entrance to the sites, so if you’re after in-depth exploration, you’ll need to plan additional visits. Also, the experience is primarily about viewing from the bus or quick stops, not extensive walking or touring inside landmarks.

This experience suits travelers seeking a fun, informative, and festive overview of New York during the holidays. Families, movie buffs, and holiday lovers will find it especially appealing—offering a good mix of iconic sights and seasonal magic without the hassle of navigating on foot.

Key Points

• Comfortable transportation: A fully enclosed bus ensures warmth and protection from the winter chill.
• Professional, engaging guides: Several reviews praise guides like Bela, Brian, and Benji for their knowledge, humor, and attentiveness.
• Iconic movie sites: Spot locations from Elf, Home Alone, Serendipity, and Scrooged that bring holiday movies to life.
• Festive window displays: Peek into department store windows at Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, and Lord & Taylor—perfect for holiday photo ops.
• Photo opportunities: Stops at Rockefeller Center’s Christmas tree and Lincoln Center are highlights for memorable pictures.
• Flexible booking: Free cancellation up to 2 days in advance adds peace of mind, especially during busy holiday seasons.

A Detailed Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour begins at 1889 Broadway, outside a Starbucks, making it easy to find and accessible from many parts of Manhattan. The bus itself is described as modern, clean, and fully enclosed—crucial qualities when touring during the coldest months. One reviewer appreciated the restroom facilities onboard, which can be a lifesaver during longer outings or for travelers with small children.

The group size varies depending on the day’s demand, with options possibly including coach buses, mini-buses, or vans. This variability means you might encounter a more intimate experience if you’re in a smaller group.

The Guide and Entertainment

A recurring highlight in reviews is the guides’ knowledge and charisma. Guests mention guides like Bela, Brian, and Benji as being attentive, funny, and well-informed. They don’t just point out landmarks—they share movie behind-the-scenes stories and fun facts that keep the ride engaging.

One guest described Bela as “amazing,” noting how well he showed everything promised, while another praised Brian’s entertaining delivery and extensive movie knowledge. The guides also help with tips, like the best spots for photos or what to look out for during the tour.

Sightseeing Stops and Highlights

Rockefeller Center

No holiday tour is complete without a visit to Rockefeller Center. You’ll get a view of the enormous Christmas tree and sometimes a quick photo op in front of it. One reviewer loved the “serendipitous moment” of Macaulay Culkin’s reunion with his mom from Home Alone 2. While the tour doesn’t include getting off the bus for a long walk, the quick stop allows for a glimpse of this iconic holiday scene.

Fifth Avenue Window Displays

The tour passes by the brightly decorated storefronts on Fifth Avenue—think Macy’s, Saks, and other flagship stores. Visitors enjoy seeing the elaborate holiday displays, which have become part of New York’s festive tradition. Some remarked that seeing these windows up close gave their holiday spirit a boost.

Lincoln Center and Bryant Park

Another highlight is the Lincoln Center Christmas tree, perfect for a quick photo. The tour also passes through Bryant Park, where the holiday market and skating rink add to the seasonal atmosphere. These spots are often appreciated for their festive ambiance and are good for quick photos or just soaking in the holiday cheer.

Movie Sites and Hidden Gems

The tour cleverly combines famous filming locations with lesser-known gems. For example, you’ll learn where Bill Murray’s taxi driver discovers he’s the Ghost of Christmas Past in Scrooged, or catch a glimpse of the apartment where Buddy the Elf stays with his dad. Many reviews appreciate how the guides play clips of the movies on the bus’s screens, helping to connect the sites with their cinematic stories.

The Holiday Spirit and Practical Aspects

During the holiday season, Manhattan’s streets can be crowded and overwhelming. This tour offers a relaxing alternative—you can enjoy the lights and movie scenes from the warmth of the bus, with minimal walking. Several guests mention the comfort of the modern bus and the attention to providing a cozy environment.

Price-wise, at $78 per person, it offers a fairly affordable way to see a curated selection of holiday sights and movies. Since it doesn’t include site entry fees, it’s primarily about the sightseeing experience rather than in-depth tours of individual landmarks. For many, the value lies in the combination of entertaining storytelling, convenient transportation, and holiday sights.

Reviews and Feedback

Most reviews are highly positive, praising the guides for their entertainment and knowledge. One user mentioned that even during busy holiday periods, the guide did their best to get everyone to the best sites. Others appreciated the clips shown during the ride, which kept the experience lively and engaging.

A common compliment is that the tour offers a “good overview” of the city’s festive spots, making it an excellent choice for those wanting a holiday-themed introduction to Manhattan. Some minor downsides include the inability to get off near the Rockefeller Center tree for a longer photo session or the occasional mention of bus amenities like the bathroom being less than spotless—though these are minor considerations.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This holiday lights and movie site tour is ideal for travelers who want a fun, festive overview of Manhattan without the hassle of walking long distances or navigating crowded streets. It’s especially good for families with children, movie buffs eager to see filming locations, or visitors during the holiday season looking to soak in the seasonal spirit comfortably.

It’s also perfect for those short on time but still eager to see the key sights with a bit of storytelling and humor. If you’re seeking a relaxed, guided experience that highlights the best of Christmas in New York, this tour fits the bill.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For $78, this tour offers good value, combining entertainment, iconic sights, and holiday magic in a manageable package. The guides are clearly passionate and knowledgeable, making the experience more than just a bus ride. While it doesn’t replace in-depth exploration, it’s an excellent way to get a quick, festive snapshot of New York’s holiday highlights.

The positive reviews about the guides and the well-curated stops make this a reliable choice, especially if you enjoy movies, holiday lights, and a relaxed sightseeing style. Keep in mind, if you’re looking for extensive site visits or insider access, you might need to supplement this experience with additional sightseeing.

Ultimately, this tour is a cheerful, convenient, and visually stunning way to celebrate the holidays in the Big Apple. It’s a lovely option for those wanting to feel the holiday magic without the fatigue of walking or the stress of crowded attractions.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children under 6 can join for free, but seating isn’t guaranteed, so they might need to sit on a caregiver’s lap.

Does the tour include entry to any sites?
No, it’s mainly a sightseeing bus tour, so sites are viewed from the bus or quick stops; entry isn’t included.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 2.5 hours, with starting times varying, so check the schedule when booking.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins outside Starbucks at 1889 Broadway and ends back at the same meeting point.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel for a full refund up to 2 days in advance.

What languages is the tour offered in?
The tour is in English.

Is there a restroom onboard?
Yes, some reviews mention the bus has restroom facilities, which can be convenient.

Are the buses heated and comfortable?
Yes, the buses are described as modern and fully enclosed, ensuring comfort during winter.

Is it worth paying extra for priority boarding?
Based on reviews, priority boarding is not necessarily worth the additional cost, as it only means sitting in the front rows.

If you’re in New York during the holiday season and want a cheerful, laid-back way to see some of the city’s most iconic movie and holiday sights, this tour could be just what you need. It offers a good balance of entertainment, comfort, and festive cheer—perfect for making holiday memories without the stress.