New York Holiday Lights Tour by Open-Top Bus with Live Guide
New York, United States

New York Holiday Lights Tour by Open-Top Bus with Live Guide

Outty Ranking 491.5 hoursFrom $69
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Outty Ranking

49/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

Not yet rated

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Quick answer

Is New York Holiday Lights Tour by Open-Top Bus with Live Guide worth booking?

New York Holiday Lights Tour by Open-Top Bus with Live Guide is a 1.5-hour experience in New York, United States, from $69 per person. It scores 49 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
49 / 100
Rating
Not yet rated
Duration
1.5 hours
From
$69 per person

The Outty verdict

It ranks #7 of the 7 similar experiences we compared in New York, with an Outty Ranking of 49. At $69 it is priced in line with similar options (typically $59). Best for families and couples.

Prices and availability checked

Discover the magic of New York City during the holiday season on a 90-minute open-top bus tour. Marvel at the enchanting Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, stroll past the festive window displays on Fifth Avenue, and soak in the bright lights of Times Square—all from the comfort of a double-decker bus. An engaging live guide shares captivating stories and holiday traditions, making this a perfect outing for families, couples, and first-time visitors alike. With no need to navigate the bustling streets, enjoy an effortless evening of sightseeing and festive cheer. - 90-minute panoramic bus tour during the holiday season - View iconic sights like Rockefeller Center and Times Square - Live commentary from an English-speaking guide - Ideal for families, couples, and groups, with wheelchair accessibility - Enjoy 20% Off Discount on Rockettes Christmas Spectacular

What you get

    About this experience

    Discover the magic of New York City during the holiday season on a 90-minute open-top bus tour. Marvel at the enchanting Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, stroll past the festive window displays on Fifth Avenue, and soak in the bright lights of Times Square—all from the comfort of a double-decker bus. An engaging live guide shares captivating stories and holiday traditions, making this a perfect outing for families, couples, and first-time visitors alike. With no need to navigate the bustling streets, enjoy an effortless evening of sightseeing and festive cheer. - 90-minute panoramic bus tour during the holiday season - View iconic sights like Rockefeller Center and Times Square - Live commentary from an English-speaking guide - Ideal for families, couples, and groups, with wheelchair accessibility - Enjoy 20% Off Discount on Rockettes Christmas Spectacular

    What's included

    Included

    • 20% Off Discount on Rockettes Christmas Spectacular
    • 90-minute Holiday Lights Tour of NYC
    • Professional Guide
    • Iconic Double-Decker Open-top Bus with holiday decor

    Not included

    • Hotel pick-up/drop-off

    What you'll see and do

    1. Times Square

      Experience the dazzling lights of Times Square, where towering digital billboards, Broadway theaters, and bustling streets create one of New York City's most iconic nighttime scenes.

      Pass by without stopping

    2. Columbus Circle

      Admire Columbus Circle, a historic Manhattan landmark at the entrance to Central Park, surrounded by impressive skyscrapers and festive seasonal decorations.

      Pass by without stopping

    3. Central Park

      Catch glimpses of New York City's most famous park, where peaceful landscapes meet the sparkling lights and towering buildings of Manhattan.

      Pass by without stopping

    4. Louis Vuitton 57th Street Nyc

      See the eye-catching Louis Vuitton flagship store on Fifth Avenue, known for its distinctive exterior and extravagant visual displays in one of Manhattan's premier shopping districts.

      Pass by without stopping

    5. Grand Army Plaza

      Pass this historic plaza at the southeastern entrance to Central Park, featuring the famous Pulitzer Fountain and elegant surroundings that come alive during the holidays.

      Pass by without stopping

    6. Admire the world-famous Plaza Hotel, a New York City landmark featured in the beloved holiday movie Home Alone 2: Lost in New York.

      Pass by without stopping

    7. Rockefeller Center

      Marvel at the heart of New York City's Christmas celebrations, home to the legendary Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, festive decorations, and famous ice-skating rink.

      Pass by without stopping

    8. Saks Fifth Avenue

      Pass the iconic Saks Fifth Avenue flagship store, renowned for its elaborate holiday window displays and spectacular seasonal decorations.

      Pass by without stopping

    9. St. Patrick's Cathedral

      Admire the magnificent neo-Gothic architecture of St. Patrick's Cathedral, beautifully illuminated along Fifth Avenue and surrounded by Manhattan's glittering skyscrapers.

      Pass by without stopping

    10. Bryant Park

      Experience the festive atmosphere of Bryant Park's Winter Village, featuring twinkling lights, holiday market stalls, and a popular outdoor ice-skating rink.

      Pass by without stopping

    11. Radio City Music Hall

      See the legendary home of the Rockettes and the Christmas Spectacular, famous for its illuminated marquee, festive decorations, and iconic New York holiday traditions.

      Pass by without stopping

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    New York

    Redeem ticket at Stop #1, located at 7th Ave & W 48th St (Outside M&Ms World). The tour will finish at the same location.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Redeem ticket at Stop #1, located at 7th Ave & W 48th St (Outside M&Ms World). The tour will finish at the same location.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 30 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Big Bus Tours - USA

    Know before you go

    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
    • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • The tour runs from December 3, 2026, to January 4, 2027.

    Photos

    New York Holiday Lights Tour by Open-Top Bus with Live Guide, photo 2New York Holiday Lights Tour by Open-Top Bus with Live Guide, photo 3New York Holiday Lights Tour by Open-Top Bus with Live Guide, photo 4New York Holiday Lights Tour by Open-Top Bus with Live Guide, photo 5New York Holiday Lights Tour by Open-Top Bus with Live Guide, photo 6New York Holiday Lights Tour by Open-Top Bus with Live Guide, photo 7

    Good to know

    Duration
    1.5 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $69 to $72
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    0
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Big Bus Tours - USA, who run 43 experiences we rank across 8 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 59.5.

    See everything Big Bus Tours - USA runs

    Why this scores 49

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)75
    Review evidence (18% weight)0
    Booking momentum (14% weight)0
    Value for money (12% weight)48
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)50
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    New York Holiday Lights Tour by Open-Top Bus with Live Guide: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for New York.

    How does New York Holiday Lights Tour by Open-Top Bus with Live Guide compare to similar tours in New York?

    +

    It ranks #7 of the 7 similar experiences we compared in New York, with an Outty Ranking of 49. At $69 it is priced in line with similar options (typically $59). Best for families and couples.

    Who is New York Holiday Lights Tour by Open-Top Bus with Live Guide best for?

    +

    It suits families and couples best, based on its 1.5-hour length, all-ages access and free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

    Is New York Holiday Lights Tour by Open-Top Bus with Live Guide good value?

    +

    It is fairly priced. It starts at $69, close to the $59 typical for similar experiences in New York.

    How much does New York Holiday Lights Tour by Open-Top Bus with Live Guide cost?

    +

    Prices start at $69 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in New York usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does New York Holiday Lights Tour by Open-Top Bus with Live Guide take?

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    Plan for about 1.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in New York is not rushed.

    Is New York Holiday Lights Tour by Open-Top Bus with Live Guide worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 49 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (0/5 across 0 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in New York, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule New York Holiday Lights Tour by Open-Top Bus with Live Guide?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is New York Holiday Lights Tour by Open-Top Bus with Live Guide suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book New York Holiday Lights Tour by Open-Top Bus with Live Guide?

    +

    Around 0 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in New York can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in New York and add a light layer if any part of the 1.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does New York Holiday Lights Tour by Open-Top Bus with Live Guide start and how do I get there?

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    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central New York within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in New York?

    +

    New York has more bookable experiences than any other city on Outty, and the quality spread is brutal. Observation decks are commoditised, so we score them on timed-entry reliability and sunset slots. Food tours and borough walks are where the ranking really separates operators, and the top scores in the city all come from small-group guides. On Outty we rank every New York experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include NYC Bus Tour of Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens: Art, Food & Sports, Half-Day Bus Tour of NYC Top Highlights, SoHo, Little Italy, and Chinatown Walking Tour in New York. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit New York?

    +

    September to early November, and late April through June. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in New York?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in New York Holiday Lights Tour by Open-Top Bus with Live Guide?

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    Included: 20% Off Discount on Rockettes Christmas Spectacular; 90-minute Holiday Lights Tour of NYC; Professional Guide; and Iconic Double-Decker Open-top Bus with holiday decor. Not included: Hotel pick-up/drop-off. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for New York Holiday Lights Tour by Open-Top Bus with Live Guide?

    +

    Redeem ticket at Stop #1, located at 7th Ave & W 48th St (Outside M&Ms World). The tour will finish at the same location. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is New York Holiday Lights Tour by Open-Top Bus with Live Guide offered in?

    +

    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for New York Holiday Lights Tour by Open-Top Bus with Live Guide?

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    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is New York Holiday Lights Tour by Open-Top Bus with Live Guide wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible; and Transportation options are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to New York Holiday Lights Tour by Open-Top Bus with Live Guide if the weather is bad?

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    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in New York. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for New York Holiday Lights Tour by Open-Top Bus with Live Guide.

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