Skip to main content

Private Party - 2026 Original Holiday Light Tour - Founding Footsteps

Description

You can now book your own corporate, family, or private event for the Philly's ORIGINAL BYOB Holiday Light Trolley Tour. It is the best way to ring in the season! Our amazing local musicians will leave even the biggest scrooge feeling festive. Talented musicians will play holiday music as we travel to some of the most festive locations in the city. Singing along is highly encouraged! We found last year that the more engaged the crowd is, the more fun everyone has, so don’t be shy about belting out your favorite holiday tunes and feel free to BYOB! BOOK TODAY! Discounts given if Monday or Tuesday are booked!!

Tour info

Duration
2 hours
Group Size
Up to 32 people
Price starts at
$1,850
Meeting Point
901 N Delaware Ave
Open in Google Maps

Why take this tour?

When I was a kid, my mother would pile me and my three siblings into our station wagon and drive around our neighborhood to take in the Christmas lights. She’d sing along to the carols on the oldies radio station while we looked out the window either singing along or trying to pretend we were too cool to do so despite being mesmerized. I based the Holiday Light Tour on this memory since it’s something I fondly recall and there are so many great light displays throughout Philadelphia. We started this event in 2016 as a fundraiser, with just one tour, where we played carols through a Bluetooth speaker. Our goal for last December was to add live music and run a handful of tours for family and friends, as well as a fundraiser for some local nonprofits. On the morning of November 28th, we had sold around 20 tickets. That afternoon, an article from PhillyVoice went viral and over the next three days, my wife and I fielded enough calls and emails from guests to sell out 28 tours. (Having to answer all of those inquiries and book quality musicians within three days, just three weeks after having our first child, wasn’t stressful at all!) Pulling this off was definitely a Christmas miracle and we couldn’t be more excited to see what we’ll be able to present with time to plan for this December. This year we have even more time slots scheduled and look forward to providing you all with a fun, memorable holiday experience. 

Frequently asked questions

You can park at Craft Hall's lot. If that is full, you can use Lot A at the Rivers Casino located at 1001 N Delaware Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125. Parking is free.
Starting right now, email us today to book. You can click the Calendar and check to see if the time slot you are looking for is available.
Approximately two hour
The trolley holds 32 people for your private tour.
Our BYOB policy for this tour is as follows: We ask that you do not bring coolers that hold more than a twelve-pack as they take up too much space. We’re fine with either bottles or cans. There will be a recycling bin on board. If you prefer wine, you may bring disposable cups on board - no wine glasses! We ask that you refrain from bringing hard liquor on board. EVERYTHING STAYS ON THE TROLLEY
Yes. At the first stop, Smedley Street Christmas Spectacular, we will get off the trolley and take in the decorations on foot. There will also be an opportunity to use the restroom here. We will also check out Franklin Square on foot.
Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that our trolley will have a location to wait for guests. Last year, when space was unavailable, we would try to accommodate by unloading and reloading on the street itself. There is already a lot of traffic on this street during the holidays and we do not want to make ourselves a nuisance to the block’s residents.
Yes. At the Smedley St. stop, there is a local bar where our guests may use their bathroom. Also, Franklin Square Park has public restroom. Once we leave Franklin Square Park, there will not be any bathrooms for the last ½ hour of the tour.
Unfortunately the trolleys do not have ramps, lifts or tie-downs. There are three large steps between the sidewalk and the aisle of the trolley - if you or someone in your party has a disability, but can make it up the steps, we are happy to reserve one of the front benches for you.
Due to the overwhelming demand for this tour, we are unable to offer refunds.

Things to know

Cancellation Policy

All deposits are non-refundable.

What to Bring

The tour is BYOB, but please limit it to beer, wine and seltzer.

Things to Know

The rest of your payment will be due the week before your tour.

Recent Reviews

50 Verified reviews
Tammie
Google Reviews

Tammie

December 31, 2025

Loved to be a part of the last Christmas Light tour of 2025. Had a blast singing Christmas songs and admiring the lights of Philly.

Candice S
Google Reviews

Candice S

December 31, 2025

We had a great time overall. Our trolley guide was friendly, entertaining, and a really talented musician, which made the experience a lot of fun. The only part we didn’t love was the stop at Stokes Bar. The jukebox wasn’t working so it felt pretty quiet, the bartender wasn’t ver…

Jessica Bumpous
Google Reviews

Jessica Bumpous

December 31, 2025

A ton of fun!

Page 1 of 17

Check Availability

From
$1,850

Why book with us?

  • Book instantly directly with provider
  • Get the lowest price guarantee
  • Worry-free flexible cancellation policy
Human support:(609) 795-1776

More Experiences

The Philly Captain hosting the Historically Hilarious BYOB Tours of Philadelphia!
Duration
2 hours 30 minutes
Group Size
Up to 32

The Philly Captain hosting the Historically Hilarious BYOB Tours of Philadelphia!

An entertaining, comedic story-telling adventure through Philadelphia, covering the city's major attractions. Tours runs for 2 and half hours featuring The Philly Captain. All ages are welcome. 21+ to drink.

from
$45
A Taste of History Tour
Duration
2 hours 30 minutes
Group Size
Up to 32

A Taste of History Tour

The Ultimate Philly Food & History Trolley Tour. While there are plenty of ways to eat your way through the city, no one does it quite like this. Founding Footsteps is proud to launch a first-of-its-kind experience: a food tour Philadelphia foodies and history buffs alike will obsess over. We’ve combined the rich, storied past of our city’s culinary staples with exclusive stops at the top eateries in town. The best part? You aren’t walking off those calories—you’re cruising in style. Sit back and enjoy the sights and sounds of the city in our famous BYOB trolley as we navigate through Philly’s most iconic neighborhoods. A Taste of History: What’s on the Menu? This isn't just a snack break; it’s a 2.5-hour deep dive into the flavors that put Philly on the map. Our food tour Philadelphia itinerary includes: • Historic Old City: Taste where it all began in the birthplace of American independence. • Authentic Little Italy: Experience the deep-rooted traditions of the 9th Street Italian Market. • Surprise Neighborhood Stops: We’ll venture off the beaten path to secret spots only the locals know. The "Philly Four": Guests will sample legendary local sandwiches, world-famous cheesesteaks, artisan pizza, and decadent desserts throughout the journey. Why Choose This Tour? Most tours make you choose between a history lesson or a full stomach. We give you both. From the origins of the hoagie to the evolution of the modern food scene, our expert guides narrate the journey while you enjoy the convenience of our climate-controlled trolley. Pro Tip: Our trolley is BYOB! Feel free to bring your favorite beer or wine to pair with your cheesesteak as we roll through the city. Book Your Seat at the Table Ready to experience the premier food tour Philadelphia has to offer? Whether you're a lifelong resident or visiting for the weekend, this tour is the most delicious way to see the city. Planning a group outing? A Taste of History Tour is available as a private tour, perfect for bachelor parties, birthdays, or unique corporate events.

from
$76
Old City Historic Walking Tour
Duration
1 hour 30 minutes
Group Size
Up to 20

Old City Historic Walking Tour

Explore historic Philadelphia on this walking tour of the Old City District, a quick and convenient introduction for first-time visitors. See outside of Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the Betsy Ross House, Ben Franklin Post Office, Carpenters’ Hall, and more. Then wander down Elfreth’s Alley, the nation’s oldest continuously inhabited residential street. Plus, choose from multiple departure times to suit your needs. Our storytelling guide will cover famous historic moments in American history as well as the history that you won't see in textbooks! Our Old City Historic Walking Tour can also be booked as a private tour!

from
$30
You Call It BYOB Tour
Duration
4 hours
Group Size
Up to 32

You Call It BYOB Tour

The Ultimate BYOB Trolley: Your Custom Philly Experience Looking for the most flexible and fun Philly experience for your next group outing? Forget the standard tours and take the wheel—metaphorically speaking—with our custom private trolley rentals. Whether you're celebrating a milestone or just want a unique day out with friends, we provide the ride, the vibes, and the driver; you provide the itinerary! ••••Your City, Your Way••••• This is the premier way to craft a personalized Philly experience. We don’t tell you where to go; we simply make sure you get there in style. Door-to-Door Service: We’ll pick your group up from your preferred location and drop you off wherever you'd like to end your night. Total Freedom: You have three hours to visit the breweries, bars, or restaurants of your choice. Want to hit the craft beer scene in Northern Liberties or grab rooftop cocktails in Center City? It’s entirely up to you. The Ultimate BYOB/BYOF: Our trolleys are fully BYOB/BYOF-friendly. Bring your favorite bottle of wine, a six-pack of local craft beer, or food to enjoy while you cruise between stops. Perfect For Any Occasion Looking to elevate your next gathering? This customizable Philly experience is a fan favorite for: • Bachelor & Bachelorette Parties • Birthday Celebrations • Corporate Team Building • Family Reunions Note: Please drink responsibly. All guests must be 21+ to consume alcohol on the trolley. Ready to Book Your Private Ride? Don't settle for a standard rideshare when you can have a private trolley. Gather your crew, stock the cooler, and prepare for a legendary tour of the city. [Inquire About Private Trolley Rentals Today!]

$10 Tuesdays: Historically Hilarious BYOB Tours of Philadelphia
Duration
2 hours
Group Size
Up to 32

$10 Tuesdays: Historically Hilarious BYOB Tours of Philadelphia

We are running $10 tickets every Tuesday to donate our proceeds to a non profit. We still provide you an entertaining, comedic story-telling adventure through Philadelphia, covering the city's major attractions. Tours runs for 2 hours. All ages are welcome. 21+ to drink.

from
$10
School Tours for Students
Duration
3 hours
Group Size
No limit

School Tours for Students

At Founding Footsteps, we take pride in creating tours that are not only educational, but also immersive and captivating for students. Our tours are thoughtfully designed to bring Philadelphia's fascinating history and rich culture to life, providing students with an interactive learning experience that goes beyond the walls of the classroom. We believe that learning should be engaging and memorable, and our tours are crafted with this principle in mind. We strive to make history come alive for students by incorporating interactive elements and engaging storytelling throughout our tours. By doing so, we hope to instill a lifelong appreciation for history and culture in our young learners. We understand that budget constraints can be a major concern when planning school trips. That's why we offer competitive pricing options, making our tours accessible to as many students as possible. We believe that every student should have the opportunity to learn and explore outside of the classroom, and we aim to make that possible by providing affordable and high-quality tours. At the heart of everything we do is our passion for education and our commitment to providing students with an unforgettable experience. We take great care in creating tours that are not only informative, but also engaging and fun. We believe that learning should be an adventure, and we invite students to join us on a journey through Philadelphia's vibrant history and culture.