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2026 Original Holiday Light Tour - Founding Footsteps

4.9•23 reviews

Description

Experience the holiday season like never before with Philly's ORIGINAL BYOB Holiday Light Trolley Tour! Immerse yourself in festive cheer as our talented local musicians serenade you with delightful holiday tunes. Join us on a journey to the city's most festive locations, where the twinkling lights and joyful atmosphere will surely warm your heart. Sing along to your favorite holiday songs and let the music fill the air with merriment. Last year, we discovered that the more involved our guests are, the merrier the experience becomes. So, don't hesitate to belt out those tunes and bring your favorite beverages along for the ride. Let's make this holiday season unforgettable together! šŸŽ„šŸŽ¶āœØ

Tour info

Duration
2 hours
Group Size
Up to 32 people
Price starts at
$40
Meeting Point
901 N Delaware Ave
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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.
Yes, we love to see people of all ages on the tour. If your child needs a seat, then they need a ticket.
Starting right now, tickets will be made available through on this website on Monday at noon. 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 30 people comfortably. This is the maximum number of tickets we sell on public tours. If you would like to reserve an entire trolley for your group, you can fit an additional 2 people but those last 3 seats can be tight, which is why we don’t make them available for public tours. The maximum number of guests on a public tour is 30 and 32 on a private tour - no exceptions.
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 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 Park 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 has public restroom. Once we leave Franklin Square, 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. However, with at least one week notice we will attempt to resell the seats. If successful, we will refund any recouped revenue. Pending availability, we are happy to move your reservation to a different time slot with at least 72 hours notice.
Of course. Why else would we do it :)

Things to know

Cancellation Policy

Due to the overwhelming demand for this tour, we are unable to offer refunds. However, with at least one week notice we will attempt to resell the seats. If successful, we will refund any recouped revenue.

What to Bring

The tour is BYOB, but please limit it to beer, wine and seltzer. Small Snacks are ok too! :)

Things to Know

Dress warmly.

Children

Kids are definitely allowed. This is for them :)

Recent Reviews

23 Verified reviews
Quinn Lee HomeStarr Realty
Google Reviews

Quinn Lee HomeStarr Realty

December 17, 2024

Took this trolley on Saturday night (12/14/24) with a bunch of friends. We had a great time! Genevieve was our tour guide and entertainer, she was awesome—she not only is a great guitar player and singer, she has a generous spirit, a fun vibe and she is kind and funny. We sang so…

Anastasia Gonchar
Google Reviews

Anastasia Gonchar

December 17, 2024

wonderful time and perfect way to experience holiday cheer! Even though our session was in the rainy weather, it didn't stop us from having a blast singing Christmas host with the entire trolley. Our musician guides and "bus" driver Mark (lol ifykyk) were great!

Ali Nebistinsky
Google Reviews

Ali Nebistinsky

December 17, 2024

This holiday trolley tour was such a blast!! Our musical hosts were fun and engaging and sang the best holiday tunes. This may need to be our new holiday tradition!

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