Broadway Top 10 CityPASS®

North Pole Express Bus Tour NYC Christmas Lights Experience

12 Reviews 2.00 out of 5 stars Based on 12 reviews collected by Cool New York City and TripAdvisor | New York City, USA
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from $79 per person

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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 24 (0) days in advance.
1 hour 15 minutes (approx.)
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Instant confirmation
Offered in: English

Overview

The North Pole Express is more than a holiday lights tour — it’s an immersive Christmas experience designed for families, combining dazzling Midtown Manhattan holiday lights with live characters, interactive storytelling, and a magical visit to the “North Pole” to meet Santa himself. Guests enjoy guaranteed upper-deck seating, hot cocoa and festive treats, a joyful carol sing-along, and special moments for children to share their Christmas wishes with Santa. With two experience levels available — Standard and Enchanted — families can choose from a cozy holiday ride or an enhanced experience with extended routes, additional characters, exclusive storytelling, and festive keepsakes, all with easy boarding, holiday décor, and a thoughtfully curated seasonal route through New York City.

What's Included

  • Guaranteed upper-deck seating aboard a decked-out double-decker holiday bus
  • Meet the whimsical Express Conductor and Santa’s Elves, straight from the pages of a Christmas story
  • A cozy winter hat and blanket to keep you warm and merry
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off – guests must meet at the designated departure point
  • Restroom access – there are no bathrooms onboard, so plan ahead
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

New York
NY, USA

Show on Google Maps

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation.
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Safe & secure • Easy breezy • Hassle-free

Rockefeller Center (pass by)

Drive by the heart of NYC’s holiday celebration — the world-famous Christmas tree, twinkling lights, and skating rink all sparkle with seasonal joy.
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Grand Central Terminal (pass by)

Catch a glimpse of this historic station decked out in wreaths and garlands, with its celestial ceiling glowing behind winter windows.
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Columbus Circle (pass by)

Pass by this elegant plaza glowing with oversized star lights and holiday displays, marking the southwest entrance to Central Park.
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Empire State Building (pass by)

See the skyline come alive as the Empire State Building shines in festive holiday colors — a true NYC icon.
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Radio City Music Hall (pass by)

Admire the glowing marquee and famous red neon lights of this legendary theater — home of the Rockettes and nonstop holiday magic.
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Bryant Park (pass by)

Roll past the Winter Village, where twinkling trees, cozy chalets, and skaters set the scene for a classic NYC winter evening.
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St. Patrick's Cathedral (pass by)

Marvel at the breathtaking Gothic architecture of this historic church, glowing with soft white lights and holiday wreaths.
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Chrysler Building (pass by)

Gaze up at the shimmering crown of this Art Deco masterpiece, sparkling like a snowflake in the city skyline.
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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all ages — infants under 2 ride free on a guardian’s lap (16+ years); a ticket is needed if a separate seat is required.
  • No restroom facilities onboard; please plan accordingly.
  • This is a non-stop driving tour with no off-bus stops; all sightseeing is done from the comfort of the bus.

Frequently Asked Questions

(7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the North Pole Express Bus Tour NYC Christmas Lights Experience?

A: This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-447125P2

Reviews

2.00
12 reviews

Average 2.00 out of 5 stars based on 12 traveler reviews collected by Cool New York City and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
2
4 stars
1
3 stars
0
2 stars
1
1 star
8

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On average, this is booked 24 (0) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool New York City customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the North Pole Express Bus Tour NYC Christmas Lights Experience?
A:
This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Guaranteed upper-deck seating aboard a decked-out double-decker holiday bus.
  • Meet the whimsical Express Conductor and Santa’s Elves, straight from the pages of a Christmas story.
  • A cozy winter hat and blanket to keep you warm and merry.
  • Front-row views of NYC’s most dazzling holiday lights.
  • Personal time with Santa at the North Pole — tell him your wishes and receive a magical sleigh bell.
  • Steaming hot cocoa to sweeten your ride.
  • A holiday cookie surprise (because no holiday is complete without one!).
  • Golden Ticket to board NYC’s enchanted North Pole Express.
The following is NOT included:
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off – guests must meet at the designated departure point.
  • Restroom access – there are no bathrooms onboard, so plan ahead.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the weather cancellation policy?
A:

This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the North Pole Express Bus Tour NYC Christmas Lights Experience is as follows:

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for North Pole Express Bus Tour NYC Christmas Lights Experience will be included in your confirmation email from Cool New York City. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024

What's Included

Activity name

  • Guaranteed upper-deck seating aboard a decked-out double-decker holiday bus
  • Meet the whimsical Express Conductor and Santa’s Elves, straight from the pages of a Christmas story
  • A cozy winter hat and blanket to keep you warm and merry
  • Front-row views of NYC’s most dazzling holiday lights
  • Personal time with Santa at the North Pole — tell him your wishes and receive a magical sleigh bell
  • Steaming hot cocoa to sweeten your ride
  • A holiday cookie surprise (because no holiday is complete without one!)
  • Golden Ticket to board NYC’s enchanted North Pole Express
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off – guests must meet at the designated departure point
  • Restroom access – there are no bathrooms onboard, so plan ahead

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • This experience takes place on a double-decker bus with guaranteed upper-deck seating for optimal views.
  • Suitable for all ages — infants under 2 ride free on a guardian’s lap (16+ years); a ticket is needed if a separate seat is required.
  • No restroom facilities onboard; please plan accordingly.
  • This is a non-stop driving tour with no off-bus stops; all sightseeing is done from the comfort of the bus.
  • Pajamas and festive attire are encouraged to add to the holiday fun!
  • For gluten-free or dairy-free treat options, please contact customer service before your tour date.
  • Boarding is at 42nd St between 5th and 6th Ave, NYC; please arrive 15 minutes early.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 65 travelers

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Lowest Price Guarantee

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We guarantee the lowest price on all the tours available to book on our site. We'll refund the difference if you find the exact tour cheaper online until 48 hours before your tour starts.

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If everything checks out, we'll refund you the price difference.

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The following conditions apply to all lowest price guarantee refund requests:

  • The lowest price guarantee is available to any customer who makes a qualifying purchase through our website. The qualifying purchase must be a minimum of US$20 (or equivalent).
  • The lowest price guarantee covers retail and prepaid rates available to the general public. This does not include discounts or promotions you may receive (or be eligible for) from third-party sites or organizations such as AAA or AARP or special offers made as part of a membership program, corporate discount, daily deal, group, or rewards program.
  • Cool New York City promotions cannot be combined with the lowest price guarantee.
  • If you find a lower retail or prepaid rate for the same tour, offered on the same date, time and priced in the same currency as your original purchase, on any other website between the time you book on Cool New York City and 48 hours before your trip starts, we will refund the difference.
  • The lowest price guarantee does not apply where a lower overall price is found by breaking down the purchased tour into one or more parts sold separately.
  • Cool New York City reserves the right to verify the lower price details. Examples of acceptable forms of verification include a web screenshot or a web address.
  • All refund decisions will be made at the sole discretion of Cool New York City.

Non-refundable

Activity name

Non-refundable

This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

  • This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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On some pages, you can select how to sort the results we display and also use filter options to see only those search results that meet your chosen preferences. You'll see explanations of what those sort options mean when you select them.

If you see a Badge of Excellence label, the award is based on average review ratings, share of bookings with a review, and number of bookings through Cool New York City over a 12-month period.

The importance of any one factor over any other in a sort order varies, and the balance is constantly being reviewed and adjusted. We're always updating our systems and testing new ways to refine and improve your results to make them as relevant as possible to meet your needs.

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Cool Rewards

  • Cool Rewards is a loyalty program operated by Cool Destinations. Rewards may be earned by any eligible person holding a Cool Destinations account, subject to the Cool Destinations customer Terms of Use.

Earning rewards

  • Rewards can be earned by making bookings on the Cool Destinations website. You will be able to see the value of the rewards you can earn during the booking process.
  • Earned rewards will be issued in a pending state and will move to a confirmed state 24 hours after the start time of the experience.
  • Earned rewards will be available to redeem once they are no longer in a pending state.
  • For bookings that are moved to a different travel date, the rewards will be redeemable after the amended travel date.
  • If a booking where rewards were issued is canceled, the earned rewards will not be redeemable and will be moved to a canceled state.

Redeeming rewards

  • To redeem rewards, you must be logged into your Cool Destinations account.
  • Any available rewards will be automatically applied the next time you make a booking, and their value will be deducted from your order at checkout, unless you choose not to apply them, which requires you to indicate this via the toggle switch. Bookings made using rewards are subject to the standard Cool Destinations Customer Terms of Use.
  • You will not be able to redeem only a portion of your available rewards at checkout. It is only possible to redeem all or none of your available rewards.
  • There is no minimum order value required to redeem your rewards. This means that you can pay for 100% of your order with rewards.
  • Rewards are non-transferable and cannot be redeemed for cash.
  • If rewards are redeemed against a booking that is canceled or refunded, the rewards will be reissued to your account.

Miscellaneous

  • You can check your Cool Destinations account to see the rewards you have collected at any time. You are responsible for ensuring that your rewards balance is correct.
  • We reserve the right to modify these Cool Rewards Terms and Conditions at any time, with or without notice, including the rules for earning and redeeming rewards. Any changes will be reflected in the updated Terms and Conditions.
  • We reserve the right to terminate the Cool Rewards program and cease issuing any further rewards on future bookings. All pending and available rewards balances will be honored.
  • By earning and redeeming rewards, you agree to these Terms and Conditions, as well as any subsequent changes made to them.