Big Bus NYC: Guided Holiday Lights Night Tour by Open-top Bus
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
As night falls over Manhattan, the city transforms into a glowing wonderland — and there’s no better way to see it than from the top deck of a Big Bus. Feel the crisp winter air on your face as you pass Times Square’s neon lights, glide by the glittering façade of Saks Fifth Avenue, and gaze up at the twinkling Rockefeller Center tree, a true symbol of the holiday season.
Your live guide brings the magic to life with captivating stories about New York’s winter traditions, movie moments, and cultural landmarks. Hear how the city celebrates its festive holidays from Thanksgiving to Christmas to New Year’s Eve and discover the local secrets behind some of its most beloved sights.
With convenient departures and panoramic views, this tour takes the stress out of navigating busy holiday crowds — so you can focus on making memories. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a lifelong New Yorker, you’ll see the city sparkle in a whole new light.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Free photoshoot digital photos available for purchase after tour
Professional Guide
2-hour Holiday Lights Tour of NYC
Iconic Double-Decker Open-top Bus with holiday decor
Complimentary festive drink after tour at Planet Hollywood
Hotel pick-up/drop-off
What To Expect
Times Square
See the holiday lights and festive decorations of the city
Midtown
Continue your tour of the holiday lights of the city
Options
Holiday Lights Tour
Reviews
14 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
The Big Bus like no other
261jeshuah,
Oct 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It’s just espectacular the bus is clean and safe and the guide tour was incredible friendly! Highly recommended to everyone who wants to have the best views of NY at night
One of the best experiences
bhaskarammu,
Sep 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience! An absolutely fantastic Big Bus tour! The best way to see the city. The guide, who was also an actor, had been excellent too! Highly recommend!
Best tour....
C4094TJkarenv,
Jul 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent tour. A must do adventure...The tour guy was very informative and make the tour fun. Can't wait to go again. Charlie and Karen
Our uber driver showed us more than she did and was not 2 hrs.
eclectic138400,
Dec 29, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00Lady was not very knowledgeable. Was just a bus tour with un informational jibber and we saw the same stuff with our uber driver.
Save Your Money!
Luv2eatout75,
Dec 23, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00We booked a holiday night tour hoping to see some of the holiday lights throughout the city. This was not the tour to take. We have used Big Bus before for a night tour of the city and Brooklyn which was excellent but not this tour. After spending over 200.00 we saw the Rockefeller tree and a few lights. Save your money and walk. Manuel and his tour guide were excellent at navigating NYC traffic.
It was advertised as a...
Paulette R,
Dec 21, 2024
- Review from Viator
2.00It was advertised as a two hour tour but we were back in an hour even though the traffic was heavy at times. Definitely not worth the price paid.
Great experience!!!
Denise D,
Dec 15, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a 1 day bus trip to NYC. We booked the holiday lights tour for the end of our day knowing we had an hour window to get back to our bus to head home. We ended up getting a text that they our bus home had to get us earlier. When we got to the tour we explained our situation, we talked to several people who worked to the company out on on the busiest street, they were so understand and pulled strings to get us on an earlier bus. They were all so lovely to work with. I gave them cash as a thank you- figuring they expected it and they were so thankful. I had read reviews that traffic was so bad that many groups couldn’t finish the tour. That was NOT the case for us. We seen everything as planned even with horrible traffic. Our driver and guide were so amazing. The guide was so knowledgeable and personal-able! Only negative- it was freezing!! But we found it worth it and froze up top anyways lol bring extra things to stay warm!
It was ok.
Will J,
Dec 11, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00It was ok, I expected better in New York City. Guide was ok, but not up to big city standards. A little unenthusiastic. The open air top provided a good view.
Nice experience on the holiday lights tour Dec 2024
LisaMartin1009,
Dec 10, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Chrisley and Manny were great! We enjoyed seeing the lights and having Christmas music playing on the bus. The highlight of the trip is the Rockefeller tree, 5th Avenue, and Macy's.
Holiday light tour failing to shine !!
Paul M,
Dec 8, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00This was the worst tour we have ever had with this company. See Midtown Manhatten lit up for the festive season. What they failed to explain was that a number of keysights were in place but hadn't been switched on.Chris Lee, our guide, told us that we were on a 2 hour tour to Brooklyn, following correction from his colleagues said 2 hour holiday light tour. 1 hour and 10 minutes we returned to the final stop and joined a line of disgruntled passengers. Chris and the driver responded to the complaints with 'nothing to do with us, take it up with the company'. Customer service training clearly required.
From $69.00
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Operated by Big Bus Tours - USA