Searching for a unique way to experience San Francisco’s festive side this holiday season? The Holiday Lights Tour might just be the ticket. Hop aboard a retro VW van decked out in yuletide charm, and let the knowledgeable guides whisk you away on a 2-hour journey through the city’s iconic landmarks. With only six guests per van, you’ll enjoy an intimate, cozy atmosphere as you soak in the twinkling lights and sights. And the best part? You don’t have to worry about navigating the hills – just sit back, relax, and let the holiday spirit carry you away. Intrigued? Read on to uncover all the tour has to offer.
Good To Know
- Festively decorated 70s-style VW vans take guests on a 2-hour guided tour to iconic San Francisco landmarks during the holiday season.
- Knowledgeable driver-guides provide live commentary and festive extras like Santa hats and cozy blankets for photo opportunities.
- The tour visits popular destinations like Fisherman’s Wharf, Lombard Street, Chinatown, and the Palace of Fine Arts.
- Inclusive package with gratuities allows guests to fully enjoy the vibrant holiday atmosphere of San Francisco.
- While the tour focuses on the holiday experience, some guests have expressed a desire for a greater emphasis on holiday light displays.
Tour Overview

The Holiday Lights Tour of San Francisco is a 2-hour guided experience that takes visitors through the city’s most iconic sights, all while aboard festively decorated 70s-style VW vans.
The tour accommodates groups of up to 6 guests per van, though larger parties can be split across multiple vans. It departs from a meeting point near Fisherman’s Wharf at 5pm and returns to the same location at the end.
Priced from $85, the tour includes a driver/guide, live commentary, holiday-themed photo ops, and gratuities.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tour does welcome strollers and infants sitting on laps.
Reviews praise the fun atmosphere and engaging guides, though some guests have expressed disappointment with the tour’s focus on holiday lights.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in San Francisco.
Experience Highlights

Travelers can look forward to a truly festive experience aboard the Holiday Lights Tour of San Francisco. The iconic 70s-style VW vans are decked out in holiday decor, creating an immersive and whimsical atmosphere.
Guests will have the opportunity to don Santa hats and cozy blankets for memorable photo ops. The guided tour visits some of San Francisco’s most famous landmarks, including Fisherman’s Wharf, Lombard Street, Chinatown, and the Palace of Fine Arts, providing live commentary from the knowledgeable driver-guides.
While the tour may not focus solely on holiday lights, the festive ambiance and unique mode of transportation promise an unforgettable way to experience the city’s sights during the most wonderful time of the year.
Tour Inclusions

For the Holiday Lights Tour of San Francisco, it includes a knowledgeable driver/guide who provides live commentary throughout the experience.
Beyond the expert narration, the tour also provides festive extras to get guests into the holiday spirit, including:
- Santa hats and cozy blankets to wear during the tour
- Gratuities covered, so guests can fully relax and enjoy the ride
- Optional hotel pickup and drop-off for added convenience
- An overall inclusive package that allows travelers to focus on soaking in the sights and sounds of the city’s vibrant holiday displays.
Accessibility and Participation
Wheelchair accessibility is limited on this tour, but the operator provides assistance with folding wheelchairs.
The tour is stroller-accessible, making it suitable for families with young children. Infants must sit on laps during the journey.
While the tour isn’t designed for those with mobility issues, most travelers can participate and enjoy the experience.
The compact VW vans may pose challenges for larger individuals, but the operator strives to accommodate guests to the best of their ability.
Positive Feedback

Guests who’ve experienced the Holiday Lights Tour of San Francisco rave about the fun and festive atmosphere.
The tour’s 4.0 rating from 17 reviews highlights the engaging guides who captivate guests with their entertaining commentary and storytelling.
Travelers praise the unique experience of riding in 70s-style VW vans decked out for the holidays, complete with:
- Photo ops in Santa hats and cozy blankets
- Visits to iconic sites like Fisherman’s Wharf and Chinatown
- Holiday-themed experiences that get everyone in the spirit
- An overall sense of merriment and cheer throughout the tour.
The positive feedback underscores the tour’s ability to deliver a memorable holiday adventure in San Francisco.
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Negative Feedback

Despite the tour’s generally positive reception, some criticism has emerged regarding the Holiday Lights Tour of San Francisco.
Some guests reported disappointment, feeling the tour didn’t focus enough on the promised holiday lights. Certain tour-goers noted a lack of specific light displays and missed locations, leaving them underwhelmed.
Issues with booking and accommodating larger groups have also been noted. While the festive atmosphere and engaging guides received praise, these critiques suggest the tour could improve its adherence to its holiday lights theme to better meet attendees’ expectations.
Addressing these concerns could help the tour provide a more consistently memorable experience.
Tour Summary

The Holiday Lights Tour of San Francisco offers a unique way to experience the city’s festive ambiance during the holiday season. Guests travel in 70s-style VW vans decked out for the holidays, taking in iconic sights like Fisherman’s Wharf, Lombard Street, Chinatown, and Union Square.
The experience features:
- Live commentary from the engaging driver/guide
- Holiday-themed photo ops with Santa hats and blankets
- A lively, festive atmosphere to get into the holiday spirit
- Gratuities and hotel pickup/drop-off included
While some guests have expressed disappointment with the tour’s focus on holiday lights, the overall experience provides a fun and memorable way to explore San Francisco’s winter wonderland.
Holiday Lights Tour of San Francisco
Sum Up
The Holiday Lights Tour of San Francisco’s VW van experience is a festive way to see the city’s iconic landmarks during the holidays. With cozy holiday decor, knowledgeable guides, and ample photo opportunities, it’s a memorable way to soak in the city’s holiday spirit. Whether you’re a local or visitor, this tour offers a delightful 2-hour adventure that’s perfect for getting into the holiday mood.






















