Take the Holiday Lights Tour to explore the magical streets of San Francisco
Witness the famous landmarks sparkling brightly with lively decorations
Experience select installations from the ILLUMINATE SF™ Festival of Light
Enjoy a sweet ending with a complimentary Ghirardelli hot chocolate
This limited-edition seasonal experience is available only during the holiday period
Smartphone Voucher Accepted! No need to print the tickets

The Holiday Lights Tour in San Francisco offers a relaxing panoramic tour through the beautifully decorated streets and buildings. Enjoy the charm of the festive season in the City by the Bay. Admire the city as it transforms into a glowing wonderland filled with holiday lights and Christmas spirits. This panoramic non-stop journey takes you through some of the most famous landmarks, including the glittering Christmas Tree at Union Square, the illuminated skyscrapers along 555 California Street, and more. You’ll also experience select installations from the ILLUMINATE SF™ Festival of Light. Throughout the ride, you can simply sit back, enjoy the festive atmosphere, and capture memorable photos of the city’s sparkling skyline. To make the evening even sweeter, every guest receives a complimentary Ghirardelli hot chocolate at the end of the Holiday Lights Tour. Download our free mobile app for a perfect companion to your sightseeing adventure. The Holiday Lights Tour in San Francisco gives you the perfect Christmas celebrations and a charming atmosphere.

Hop aboard the open-top Holiday Lights Tour to celebrate the magic of Christmas in the City by the Bay. As the evening settles, the Christmas lights illuminate the city with festive spirit. This panoramic non-stop tour takes you to the city’s most iconic neighborhoods and landmarks, all shimmering with holiday spirit. With seats assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, the atmosphere feels lively yet relaxed as everyone prepares to enjoy a magical night out. The illuminated streets create a picture-perfect start, setting the tone for the night. Live the magic of San Francisco’s festive Christmas season in our Holiday Lights Tour.

Enjoy the holiday sights of the city’s well-known landmarks and neighborhoods, all beautifully decorated for the season. Highlights include the glittering Christmas Tree at Union Square, the illuminated skyscrapers along 555 California Street, the twinkling lights of Pier 39, and the grand glow of City Hall. Travel through vibrant neighborhoods, including Chinatown, Nob Hill, Polk Gulch, SOMA, the Embarcadero, and Fisherman’s Wharf – each with its own unique holiday charm. Throughout the ride, you also encounter select installations from the ILLUMINATE SF™ Festival of Light. These large light art displays make the festive season more exciting. They combine the city’s artistic energy with the joy of the holidays.

Upon arriving at Ghirardelli Square, you are welcomed with a complimentary Ghirardelli hot chocolate. As this marks the end of the Holiday Lights Tour, this sweet reward after a magical journey is a perfect way to conclude your holiday adventure. Also, download our free mobile app for the perfect pocket companion to your sightseeing adventure. Our live bus arrival times feature shows you exactly where the bus is along the route and which stops are coming up. Capture the magic of holiday displays while uncovering the city's best festive spots with the Holiday Lights Tour.

80-minutes Holiday Lights Tour
Access to Mobile App
Live Guide on board
Complimentary Ghirardelli Hot Chocolate

Hotel Transfers
Food and Beverages
Entrance Fees (Unless Specified)

Show the Mobile/ Printed ticket to start the Christmas Lights Tour to the staff member at the meeting location: Stop #6 – Union Square South (280 Geary St, opposite Macy’s entrance, next to steps).

A staff member of Big Bus Tours will check the code present on the ticket during bus boarding.

Please report 30 minutes prior to departure time. It is a non-stop, panoramic tour.

Voucher must be used on date you selected at the time of booking.

Mobile App: Customers are advised to download the "Big Bus Tours" app to see the most up to date bus stop locations and timings.

Wheelchair Accessible: Yes

Big Bus operates wheelchair accessible vehicles that can accommodate a weight up to 650 pounds. Please be advised that the upper deck on our entire fleet in San Francisco is not wheelchair accessible. Passengers with mobility requirements may not be able to access the upper deck of our buses. Big Bus cannot guarantee the accessibility of the various attractions along the tour.

Voucher Information: Mobile or Paper Vouchers both are accepted!

Onboard Wi-Fi: Yes

Pets Allowed: No

The Christmas tour is not a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour.

No food or alcohol is permitted on board the bus. Non-alcoholic drinks in screw-top bottles are permitted.

Disclaimer: Due to traffic issues, public holidays, weather conditions and unforeseen circumstances, there might be sudden changes in the route or in the schedule. Traffic congestion and road closures- may cause delays and changes to the route. We’ll do all we can to provide a smooth and frequent service! No refund will be offered for any changes or cancellations due to any unforeseen circumstances.

You must cancel your booking at least 24 hours before the start time of the activity/experience to get a complete refund.
If you cancel your booking less than 24 hours before the start time of the activity/experience, you will not be reimbursed.
Any modifications made less than 24 hours before the start time of the activity/experience will not be allowed.
The cut-off times are determined by the activity/experience's local start time.
This activity/experience is weather dependent. If it is cancelled due to inclement weather, you will be given an alternate date or a full refund.