Big Bus NYC: Guided Holiday Lights Night Tour by Open-top Bus

Overview

Available languages

English

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 To Expect

Times Square

See the holiday lights and festive decorations of the city

Admission Not Applicable

Midtown

Continue your tour of the holiday lights of the city

Admission Not Applicable

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

Options

NYC Holiday Lights Tour

Reviews

3.00

18 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Terrible
Nadine G,,Dec 22, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00
Horrible the whole experience was ugly.People were pushing your staff was unprepared.Your earphones didn't even work right?No one was helpful was not worth the money
Great evening lights tour
tedsE452AS,,Dec 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
the tour was exactly what we were hoping for. About an hour and a half and saw the main Christmas decorations on the storefronts and the Times Square area. Tour guide was informative (learned a lot more interesting stuff about the city than I expected) and hilarious. He is a New Yorker and gave us good NYC food/travel recommendations at the end of the ride
Not worth the money or time
Natalia A,,Dec 15, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00
Horrible experience, the tickets were incorrect in their side, I was with my 83 y/o mother and had to fight them to let them let us sit down. Once we got inside only availability was on the bottom deck. It was feeezing no heat at all and we saw nothing. A miserable 90 minutes.
Christmas light tour = disappointed
Cecilie B,,Dec 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
2.00
The tour guide was awesome, but the Christmas light tour was a disappointment. Based on the description we thought we were going to get to see decorated neighborhoods, but it was unfortunately only around the city and 5th Ave all stuff we had already seen on our other days walking around.
The Big Bus like no other
261jeshuah,,Oct 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
It’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
5.00
Great 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
5.00
Excellent 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
1.00
Lady 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
1.00
We 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
2.00
It 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.