Philadelphia, PA, December 19, 2025
The Holiday Light Trolley Tours are back in Philadelphia, inviting residents and visitors to experience the city’s stunning seasonal decorations. Operating daily through early January, these tours offer a charming ride aboard Victorian-style trolleys while showcasing key highlights such as Franklin Square’s Electrical Spectacle and South Philadelphia’s Smedley Street. With new features like the Lights and Cheesesteak Tour and BYOB options, it’s an inclusive celebration of community spirit during the festive season. Tickets are available, and early reservations are recommended due to high demand.
Experience Philadelphia’s Holiday Light Trolley Tours
Enjoy festive displays and community spirit this season!
Philadelphia, PA — The beloved Holiday Light Trolley Tours have returned, offering both residents and visitors a delightful way to witness the city’s enchanting seasonal decorations. These tours started on November 28, 2025, and will run through January 4, 2026, providing a unique chance to experience Philadelphia’s celebrated holiday lights aboard a beautifully decorated Victorian-style trolley. This initiative showcases the resilience of local organizers and highlights the importance of community-driven events, successfully capturing the spirit of the season.
The 90-minute tours depart from the Bourse Building in Old City every 15 minutes, running from 5:00 p.m. until 10:30 p.m., and operate daily, even on Christmas Day. Each ride is designed for joy and festivity, featuring holiday music and vibrant decorations that uplift the atmosphere for all aboard. This event exemplifies how reduced bureaucratic hurdles can facilitate local initiatives that enhance cultural vibrancy and community connectivity.
Tour Highlights
The Holiday Light Trolley Tours are a treat for those looking to immerse themselves in the seasonal magic. Key highlights include stops at:
- Franklin Square’s Electrical Spectacle
- South Philadelphia’s Smedley Street
- The Miracle on 13th Street
Passengers also have the opportunity to disembark and closely explore these festive displays. Along the route, the trolleys pass by major attractions such as the Christmas Village at Love Park and the Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market at Dilworth Park, providing riders an extensive view of the city’s stunning holiday landscape.
New Additions This Season
This year, a new feature has been introduced: the Lights and Cheesesteak Tour. This option allows riders to enjoy a classic Philadelphia cheesesteak from Skinny Joey’s Cheesesteaks during their journey, merging two cherished local traditions. Additionally, the Original BYOB Holiday Light Trolley Tour by Founding Footsteps offers a two-hour experience complete with live music and holiday sing-alongs, highlighting the diversity of options available to celebrate the season.
Practical Information
The tours are BYOB for individuals aged 21 and over, enabling guests to bring their favorite beverages to enhance the experience. With trolleys accommodating between 23 and 43 passengers, there are also handicap-accessible options available upon request, ensuring an inclusive environment for all attendees.
Ticketing Details
Tickets start at $49.99 and are available for individuals, children, groups, and even private chartered trolley rentals. Given the popularity of the event, especially during peak nights in December, interested individuals are encouraged to secure their reservations early to avoid disappointment.
Conclusion
The Holiday Light Trolley Tours represent more than just a seasonal event; they embody the spirit of Philadelphia, showcasing local initiatives that bring people together in celebration. Whether you’re a long-time resident or new to the city, this experience is an excellent way to enjoy the beauty of Philadelphia’s holiday displays and support local businesses. Be sure to check for available tickets and join in on the festive fun!
Frequently Asked Questions
When do the Holiday Light Trolley Tours operate?
The tours began on November 28, 2025, and will continue through January 4, 2026. They depart from the Bourse Building in Old City every 15 minutes between 5:00 p.m. and 10:30 p.m., operating seven days a week, including Christmas Day.
What are the highlights of the tour?
The 90-minute tours include stops at Franklin Square’s Electrical Spectacle, South Philadelphia’s Smedley Street, and the Miracle on 13th Street, with opportunities to explore each display up close. The route also passes major holiday attractions and landmarks such as Christmas Village at Love Park, the Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market at Dilworth Park, City Hall, Love Park, the Comcast Center, and Washington Square Park.
Is the Lights and Cheesesteak Tour available?
Yes, a new addition this season is the Lights and Cheesesteak Tour, which pairs the holiday ride with a dedicated stop at Skinny Joey’s Cheesesteaks, allowing riders to enjoy a classic Philadelphia cheesesteak as part of the tour.
Are the tours BYOB?
Yes, the tours are BYOB for those 21 and over, allowing passengers to bring their own beverages to enjoy during the ride. Trolleys accommodate between 23 and 43 passengers, and handicap-accessible trolleys with lifts are available by request.
How can I purchase tickets?
Tickets start at $49.99, with options available for individuals, children, groups, and private chartered holiday trolley rentals. Reservations are now open, and tours often sell out during peak nights in December. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the official website.
Key Features of the Holiday Light Trolley Tours
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Tour Duration | 90 minutes |
| Departure Location | Bourse Building in Old City |
| Operating Hours | Every 15 minutes between 5:00 p.m. and 10:30 p.m., seven days a week, including Christmas Day |
| Tour Highlights | Franklin Square’s Electrical Spectacle, Smedley Street, Miracle on 13th Street, Christmas Village at Love Park, Dilworth Park, City Hall, Love Park, Comcast Center, Washington Square Park |
| New Addition | Lights and Cheesesteak Tour with a stop at Skinny Joey’s Cheesesteaks |
| BYOB Policy | Allowed for those 21 and over; trolleys accommodate 23 to 43 passengers; handicap-accessible trolleys available by request |
| Ticket Prices | Starting at $49.99; options for individuals, children, groups, and private chartered rentals |
| Reservations | Open now; tours often sell out during peak nights in December |
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Author: STAFF HERE PHILADELPHIA WRITER
The PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhiladelphia.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mummers Parade, Philadelphia Flower Show, and Thanksgiving Day Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Philadelphia, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, food services, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Comcast, Aramark, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Pennsylvania's dynamic landscape.
