Discover the magic of the New York City holiday season with the guided New York City Holiday Movie Sites and Lights Bus Tour. Enjoy the festive spirit as you explore iconic filming locations featured in beloved holiday classics. From Central Park’s winter wonderland to the twinkling lights of Rockefeller Center, this tour offers a unique opportunity to capture stunning seasonal scenery and step into the cinematic world of your favorite movies. With professional guides, comfortable transportation, and a wealth of holiday-themed sights, this tour promises an unforgettable experience for both movie enthusiasts and families seeking to embrace the joy of the season.
Good To Know
- A guided bus tour showcasing NYC’s famous holiday movie filming locations and sparkling Christmas light displays.
- Stops at iconic landmarks like Central Park, Lincoln Center, and Rockefeller Center, with on-screen movie clips.
- Features a mix of well-known attractions and hidden gems during the festive season.
- Provides professional guides, heated transportation, and limited wheelchair accessibility.
- Offers a 4.0-rated experience, with mixed customer feedback on bus condition and movie clip synchronization.
Overview and Highlights

The New York City Holiday Movie Sites and Lights Bus Tour offers a guided bus excursion that showcases the city’s iconic Christmas lights and filming locations from beloved holiday movies.
This 4.0-rated tour takes visitors on a journey through Central Park, Lincoln Center, Rockefeller Center, Bryant Park, and other festive landmarks, providing on-screen movie clips to match the real-life settings.
The tour highlights both famous attractions and hidden gems, immersing guests in the magical atmosphere of New York City during the holiday season.
With a professional guide, heated transportation, and limited wheelchair accessibility, this tour provides a unique and unforgettable experience for families and movie enthusiasts alike.
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Itinerary and Stops
The New York City Holiday Movie Sites and Lights Bus Tour kicks off at 6:30 PM, with guests meeting at 1889 Broadway in New York, NY 10023.
The tour takes visitors to iconic filming locations from beloved holiday movies, including:
- Central Park West, where scenes from Elf and Mr. Popper’s Penguins were shot.
- The Upper West Side, home to Scrooged and New Year’s Eve locations.
- Lincoln Center, offering a chance to take photos in front of the Christmas tree.
- The Wollman Rink and Bethesda Fountain, featured in Home Alone 2 and Elf.
The tour concludes at Bryant Park, after exploring the Upper East Side, Rockefeller Center, and the festive window displays of Lord and Taylor.
Festive Filming Locations

Across the bustling city, iconic New York holiday movie sites beckon visitors to retrace the steps of cherished characters.
The tour winds through Central Park West, where Buddy the Elf frolicked in Elf, and the Upper West Side, where Frank Cross celebrated a twisted Christmas in Scrooged.
At Lincoln Center, guests can capture a photo op near the sparkling Christmas tree, as seen in countless films.
The Wollman Rink in Central Park and the Bethesda Fountain, both featured in Home Alone 2 and Elf, offer quintessential New York holiday backdrops.
Along the way, the tour also showcases the elegant window displays of Lord & Taylor on Fifth Avenue.
Iconic Attractions
Touring the iconic attractions of New York City’s holiday movie sites, travelers can enjoy the festive spirit that has graced the silver screen.
Key locations like the Wollman Rink, where Kevin McCallister reunited with his family in Home Alone 2, or the Bethesda Fountain in Central Park, where Buddy the Elf danced in Elf, offer picture-perfect opportunities to recreate cinematic moments.
Twinkling lights at Rockefeller Center and the window displays of Lord and Taylor evoke the holiday charm that has captivated audiences worldwide.
As the tour winds through the Upper West Side and Upper East Side, guests can feel the magic of the city’s most recognizable landmarks.
- Wollman Rink (Home Alone 2)
- Bethesda Fountain (Elf)
- Rockefeller Center
- Lord and Taylor window displays
Accessibility and Inclusions

Catering to a wide range of travelers, the tour provides professional guides, heated transportation, and complimentary food and drinks.
With limited wheelchair accessibility, foldable wheelchairs are permitted on the buses, which are mostly air-conditioned in summer and heated in winter.
These vehicles also come equipped with bathrooms, ensuring a comfortable experience for up to 55 guests.
The tour welcomes service animals, making it accessible for those who require assistance.
However, customers have provided mixed feedback on the cleanliness of the buses and the synchronization of movie clips with the corresponding locations.
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Customer Feedback
Customers have provided a mix of feedback on their experiences with the New York City Holiday Movie Sites Tour.
While some report positive encounters with knowledgeable guides and the beautiful holiday scenery, others note issues with timing, visibility, and bus cleanliness.
Reviewers give the tour a 4.0 rating, with both praise and criticism:
- "The guide was fantastic, and we loved seeing the movie locations come to life."
- "The tinted windows made it hard to see, and the movie clips didn’t always match the locations."
- "It was a great way to get into the holiday spirit with my family."
- "The bus felt a bit dated and could use some maintenance."
Booking Information

Those interested in booking the New York City Holiday Movie Sites Tour can take advantage of a few flexible options.
The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, allowing for easy rescheduling. Travelers can also reserve their spot now and pay later, providing more convenience.
To assist with any questions or concerns, the tour company can be contacted at 212-683-2027. The tour guides are identifiable by the "Holiday Lights & Movie Sites" sign, ensuring a seamless experience.
With a lowest price guarantee, guests can book with confidence and look forward to exploring the festive movie magic of New York City.
Tour Policies

The New York City Holiday Movie Sites Tour offers a few key policies to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all guests.
Travelers can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour starts, along with a lowest price guarantee. Plus, the tour company provides flexible payment options, allowing guests to reserve their spot and pay later.
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Unruly behavior or disruptive activities are strictly prohibited and may result in removal from the tour without refund.
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While most buses are equipped with air conditioning and heating, guest comfort can’t be guaranteed due to unpredictable weather conditions.
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Guests with special needs or disabilities are encouraged to inquire about accessibility accommodations prior to booking.
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Outside food and drinks are allowed, but the tour company reserves the right to restrict items as necessary.
Things To Known
Can I Make Changes to the Tour Itinerary?
Unfortunately, the tour itinerary is pre-set and can’t be customized. However, the tour provider offers flexibility in terms of timing, so you can book the tour that best fits your schedule.
How Long Is the Walking Portion of the Tour?
The tour primarily involves a guided bus ride, with limited walking portions. The walking portions are brief, allowing visitors to take photos and explore select filming locations and holiday displays. The exact walking time is not specified.
Is Food and Drink Included During the Tour?
According to the tour overview, food and drinks are included as part of the tour. The tour also includes professional guides, heated transportation, and gratuities for the travelers.
Can I Take Photos at the Filming Locations?
Yes, you can take photos at the filming locations during the tour. The guided bus tour allows passengers to capture the iconic holiday scenery and movie sites along the way.
Is This Tour Suitable for Young Children?
The bus tour seems suitable for young children, as it includes iconic holiday attractions and filming locations that would likely capture their interest. However, the long duration may pose challenges for some younger travelers.
New York City Holiday Movie Sites and Lights Bus Tour
Sum Up
The New York City Holiday Movie Sites and Lights Bus Tour offers a magical experience for anyone seeking to enjoy the festive charm of the city. With its guided exploration of iconic filming locations, dazzling lights, and comfortable transportation, this tour provides a perfect way to celebrate the holiday season and create cherished memories. Whether you’re a movie enthusiast or simply looking to embrace the holiday spirit, this tour is a must-do activity.























