NYC Holiday Lights Bus Tour: A Complete Review

So, you’re thinking about taking a Holiday Lights Bus Tour in the City that Never Sleeps? I get it. Seeing New York dressed up for the season sounds like a postcard come to life, right? Like your chance to bask in yuletide cheer without frostbite getting involved, the attraction of cruising along, warm drink in hand, while thousands of twinkling lights sparkle right outside the window can be almost irresistible. I went on a lights bus tour, and I’m happy to give you my thoughts on it!

What to Expect From a Holiday Lights Bus Tour

What do you, like, actually *do* on one of these bus tours? Fair question. Usually, a holiday lights tour will cart you around to different neighborhoods known for going all-out with seasonal decorations. We’re talking about, well, sometimes unbelievable residential displays in areas such as Dyker Heights in Brooklyn, where homeowners, it’s almost like they compete for the “most festive” award. Most tours make a stop or two, too it’s almost like they give you a chance to wander around and get those all-important photos. Routes might also swing by iconic spots such as the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, as well, as that giant Saks Fifth Avenue light show, yet others promise peeks at cool department store windows all gussied up for the holidays.

You know, a tour guide typically will provide running commentary throughout the ride. The guides will be very chatty about each display, and they often pepper their talks with interesting trivia, bits of history, so too it’s almost like there is extra holiday stories tossed in for good measure.

Choosing the Right Tour: Important Things to Note

There are, you know, multiple companies offering these tours, and all bus tours, arguably, offer similar itineraries, anyway, it’s really important to check the fine print before you book. What you want to look into might include, for instance: the duration of the tour, it’s almost like how long will you be out and about; exactly which locations will be included, yet, and some go to other places, you see; whether it’s an open-top bus, a closed one, too, or some other vehicle altogether; and whether or not they provide blankets, in case you’re worried about catching the chill.

Some of the crucial questions to ask include the type of bus, right, especially depending on the weather forecast. If there’s even a chance of rain or snow, in some respects, closed is really better than open, as a matter of fact, unless you really love that wind-in-your-hair feeling mixed with freezing drizzle. The duration is also key because a “quick tour” and the one that lasts several hours, too, can offer drastically different experiences and levels of comfort.

It’s also important, arguably, to look for reviews and ratings from previous participants. Like your research from previous travellers can provide some insights, I guess, for example, is that customer service, the cleanliness of the buses, and how informed or engaging that tour guides actually are. That said, in the way that others view their experiences, your situation and the final result may differ.

My Personal Experience on the Bus

You see, I went on a tour that specifically highlighted the Dyker Heights Christmas lights, so it’s one of those famous sections of Brooklyn known for residents covering their homes with pretty excessive decorations. And “excessive” might even be a bit of understatement! These folks, it’s almost like they bring in professional decorators, right, that, is that, and some of the displays are just unbelievable—giant inflatable snowmen, light shows that sync to music, like your and reindeer prancing all over the place. Now, in that case, the houses could be easily viewed from the streets.

However, my main complaint actually would be the bus itself. Although, admittedly, it was festive looking from the outside, so in that case, it almost was kind of charming with holiday decals and played catchy seasonal music over the speakers, yet the seating was, let’s just say, not the most comfortable. In short, after about an hour, I really, really was feeling every single bump in the road.

But I also have to admit, I really thought the guide made the trip worthwhile. She had a bottomless knowledge about the neighborhood, as well as the history of those displays. Her energy was infectious, in a way, she genuinely seemed excited to share all those details with us! In the end, right, her enthusiasm really did add something quite special to the tour.

Pros and Cons of Taking a Holiday Lights Bus Tour

Okay, so, I feel, in order to, for anyone looking to book one of these, to be objective, that, basically, there really is a few potential ups and downs that could be discussed. Let’s go ahead and start with what’s potentially awesome!

• Convenience: It gets pretty exhausting to attempt seeing multiple light displays on your own, by yourself, or whatever, that, is that, you know, particularly if they’re spread out across the city. It seems like the bus takes care of, really, everything;
• Comfort: Assuming you get one with comfy seats! The beauty of, basically, not walking in super cold temperatures definitely is a selling point;
• Guided experience: When it comes to someone who knows stuff to guide you along, I’m fairly happy. Interesting historical and local insights just add another layer to the experience;

Now for the possible downsides:

• Traffic: So you will see some stop-and-go and heavy congestion. It may impact the length of, let’s say, a trip by a large amount;
• Cost: These tours, they are a little costly! Especially when you’re budgeting for, really, an entire family;
• Unpredictable weather: If it does snow or even is, like, seriously cold, then, you could have not very much fun. This can greatly alter, you see, your whole experience for better or worse;

Tips for a Better Holiday Lights Bus Tour Experience

After all of this talk, there are certain things, still, that can maximize, for instance, just how much fun you wind up having on, seemingly, this sort of holiday outing:

• Book in advance: Spots will sell quickly. Don’t just take the risk of waiting until that very last minute. Get on it, then it may well pay off for you;
• Dress warmly: Do layering, people! So even if your bus is enclosed, the chance to do a few steps or snap, obviously, some quick pictures is high;
• Bring snacks and drinks: Tour bus seats, very likely, won’t let you have everything that you need. Don’t hesitate to bring it onboard;
• Charge your phone: Really, this is kind of obvious, yeah, very, very? But it does kind of bears being said that, really, all your Instagram Stories just eat up battery;
• Check the route: So do make sure that the attractions that interest you will be covered;

Anyway, after having spent an afternoon aboard a holiday lights bus, here’s my take.

I hope this review could, just slightly, give you enough facts and knowledge about how the lights are, or the comfort and enjoyment it offers.

And hopefully this is enough to help you determine what your itinerary may be.

Whether you ride a bus or just walk it by foot, Merry Christmas, everyone!

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