Holiday Lights Tour with Trolley Pub Columbus

If you’re looking for a uniquely joyful way to see Columbus’s holiday lights, the Holiday Lights Tour with Trolley Pub Columbus offers a cheerful, relaxed, and family-friendly evening. While we haven’t personally taken this tour, the detailed reviews and descriptions paint a picture of a lively, well-organized experience that combines sightseeing, holiday cheer, and a bit of social fun.

What we love about this ride is its fully enclosed trolley—a real boon during Ohio’s chilly winter months—and the electric assistance that makes pedaling a breeze, even for those who might prefer a more relaxed experience. Plus, the opportunity to bring your own drinks adds a convivial touch that many travelers appreciate.

On the flip side, a possible consideration is the minimum group size—tours need at least six riders to run, meaning you might have to be flexible with your schedule or cruise with a small group. Still, if you’re after a family-friendly, fun, and festive way to explore some of Columbus’s best holiday displays, this tour is likely to delight.

This experience is perfect for groups of friends, families, or couples who enjoy a laid-back, holiday-themed outing with a bit of social lubrication and a touch of musical fun. If you love decorating your own home for Christmas or simply want a new way to see holiday lights, this tour might become your new favorite seasonal tradition.

Key Points

• Enclosed, electric-assisted trolley ensures comfort and easy pedaling.
• BYOB policy allows you to bring beer, wine, cider, or seltzers, making it a lively outing.
• Stops at major holiday light spots like The Short North Pole, Arena District, Bicentennial Park, and Columbus Commons.
• Family-friendly with options for those of limited mobility.
• Cost-effective at $45 per person for a 2.5-hour tour.
• Must meet minimum group size of six riders; tours can be canceled if unmet.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Inside Look at the Holiday Lights Tour

When considering a holiday lights tour, we tend to look for a combination of comfort, fun, and authentic local flavor. This tour checks those boxes by offering a pedal-powered trolley that’s fully enclosed—meaning you stay warm and dry regardless of Ohio’s unpredictable winter weather. With the electric assistance, even those who are less inclined to pedal can participate actively or simply relax and take in the sights.

The Itinerary and Stops

The tour runs in the evenings from November 22 through January 4, departing at 5:30 pm or 8:30 pm. Spanning about 2.5 hours, it visits notable holiday display zones like The Short North Pole, the Arena District, and downtown hotspots such as Bicentennial Park and Columbus Commons.

The route is designed to showcase the city’s most festive lights and decorations, making it a great way to get into the holiday spirit. The stops aren’t just quick look-and-go moments—they’re opportunities to soak in the sparkling displays, snap photos, and enjoy the crisp winter air from a comfortable, warm trolley.

The Experience Onboard

Once aboard, you’ll find a Bluetooth stereo system for holiday tunes and a full trolley enclosure that keeps the cold out from November through March. Decorations and lights are part of the experience, creating a festive ambiance that complements the sights outside.

The onboard stereo can be used to sing along to Christmas carols, adding a layer of fun and camaraderie. Reviewers mention the friendly, engaging trolley captain who keeps the energy lively, making it feel like a holiday gathering rather than just a sightseeing ride.

Comfort and Convenience

For those concerned about accessibility, the trolley features five seats that don’t require pedaling, making it suitable for people of limited mobility. The small propane heater and ice packs ensure that comfort is maintained throughout the ride.

The tour is BYOB with a limit of 36 oz of beer or 18 oz of wine per person, and you must be over 21 to drink—so it’s a perfect outing for adults wanting a casual social experience. Participants are asked to fill out a liability waiver beforehand, and no liquor or glass bottles are permitted onboard.

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Pricing and Value

At $45 per person, the tour is quite reasonable for a 2.5-hour festive outing. When you consider the inclusion of a guiding trolley captain, holiday decorations, lights, music system, and the fun of a shared experience, the value is clear. Plus, the ability to BYOB adds to the enjoyment, especially if you come prepared with your favorite holiday beverages.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re traveling with friends or family who enjoy cheerful outings, this tour offers a relaxed, social way to see Columbus during the holidays. It appeals to those who appreciate a mix of scenic sights, holiday music, and easygoing fun. It’s especially suitable for those who dislike cold outdoor walking or standing in crowds—since the trolley provides a cozy, mobile platform.

Final Thoughts

This holiday lights tour blends the festive cheer of Columbus’s best decorations with the practicality of a fully enclosed, electric-assisted trolley. It’s a smart choice for anyone who wants to see holiday lights comfortably, with the bonus of tunes and BYOB fun. The relatively short duration makes it manageable for most schedules, and the relaxed pace allows for plenty of sightseeing and photo opportunities.

While the group size requirement might mean booking ahead or coordinating with friends, once on board, you’ll find the experience lively, comfortable, and above all, memorable. It’s a lively, social way to indulge in holiday spirit without the stress of driving or navigating on your own.

In short, if a festive, relaxed, and fun evening exploring Columbus’s holiday displays sounds appealing, this tour will suit you well. It offers great value for all the holiday cheer you’ll experience—and leaves you with plenty of photos and stories to share.

FAQs

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours in the evening, usually starting at 5:30 pm or 8:30 pm.

What areas of Columbus does the tour cover?
It explores key festive neighborhoods including The Short North Pole, Arena District, and Downtown, with stops at Bicentennial Park and Columbus Commons.

Can I bring my own drinks?
Yes, the tour is BYOB, allowing beer, wine, cider, or seltzers, with limits of 36oz of beer or 18oz of wine per person. No liquor or glass bottles are permitted.

Is the trolley wheelchair accessible?
There are five seats that don’t require pedaling, suitable for those with limited mobility, but check in advance if specific needs are met.

What is the cost per person?
Ticket price is $45, which includes the guiding trolley captain, decorations, lights, stereo, and the fun of a group holiday experience.

What dates does the tour run?
It operates from November 22 through January 4, every evening at specified times.

Are the trolleys heated?
Yes, a small propane heater helps keep the trolley warm, along with the full enclosure during the colder months.

What is required to participate?
Participants need to fill out a liability waiver and be 21 or older to drink alcohol. You should bring a passport or ID.

What happens if the minimum group size isn’t met?
Tours need at least six riders to run; if not, they may be canceled, so booking early or with a group is wise.

Can children participate?
Yes, family outings are available, but children under 21 cannot consume alcohol and must be accompanied by an adult.

This holiday lights tour offers a cheerful, relaxed way to celebrate the season while enjoying Columbus’s stunning winter displays and the company of friends or family. It balances comfort, fun, and festive spirit—making it a worthwhile addition to your holiday plans.

You can check availability for your dates here: