If you’re seeking a fun, relaxed way to enjoy the holiday season in St. Petersburg, Florida, the St. Pete Christmas Lights Golf Cart Tour offers a charming peek at the city’s most decorated neighborhoods and sparkling waterfront scenes. While I haven’t experienced it personally, reviews and detailed descriptions suggest this 2-hour cruise is a delightful mix of festive sights, scenic views, and good old holiday cheer.

What I really like about this tour is its intimate setting—limited to just 7 participants—making it a cozy, personalized way to see the lights without the crowds. Plus, cruising in a street-legal golf cart allows for an easy, relaxed pace, perfect for taking photos and soaking in the holiday atmosphere. One potential consideration is the weather; since it’s an outdoor tour, a cool evening might mean bundling up, especially with cozy blankets provided.

This tour is ideal for families, couples, or groups of friends who want a stress-free way to celebrate the season. If you’re the type who loves holiday decorations, waterfront vistas, and a bit of local charm, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here.

Contents hide

1 An In-Depth Look at the Tour

2 Pricing and Value

3 Who Will Love This Tour?

4 The Sum Up

5 FAQ

Key Points

Intimate Group Experience: Limited to 7 participants for a personalized tour.
Scenic Routes & Highlights: Pass by parks, waterfronts, and luxurious neighborhoods.
Photo Opportunities: Stops at North Straub Park and iconic landmarks provide great holiday photo ops.
Festive Atmosphere: Christmas music and holiday décor create an authentic seasonal mood.
Flexible & Worry-Free: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, with flexible booking options.
Value for Money: A two-hour tour packed with sights, perfect for those wanting a leisurely, memorable experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

The St. Pete Christmas Lights Golf Cart Tour is designed to show off the city’s most impressive holiday displays in a relaxed, accessible way. Starting from the Hollander Hotel downtown, the tour smoothly transitions through a series of neighborhoods and scenic spots, combining sightseeing with brief stops for photos and quick walks.

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in St Petersburg Florida.

Starting Point and First Stops

The tour begins at the Hollander Hotel’s front, where you’ll meet your guide. You might find it handy to grab a coffee or snack from Khawa Coffee before heading out, especially since the tour guide often arrives about 10 minutes early. This initial meet-and-greet sets the tone for a friendly, laid-back experience.

From there, the tour moves into Williams Park, passing by its beautifully lit banyan trees. Although just a short five-minute drive, this area offers a quick glimpse of the city’s holiday spirit in a peaceful park setting. The guide might give some background about the park’s history and holiday traditions, adding depth to your experience.

Exploring the Neighborhoods

Moving on, the route takes you through the Edge District, a lively area with shops and local flair, then onto Central Avenue. Here, you’ll see glowing bars, shops, and restaurants, all decorated to match the festive season. The bright lights and bustling street scenes create a lively holiday backdrop.

The tour then proceeds past Tropicana Field and the St. Petersburg Yacht Club, offering scenic views of waterfront scenes and yachts decked out with holiday lights. These spots are particularly appealing for photography, especially with the glittering water and yachts as a luxurious setting.

Iconic and Luxurious Sights

One of the highlights is the stop at North Straub Park, where you can stretch your legs, enjoy the holiday decorations on the banyan trees, and capture some memorable photos—something reviewers repeatedly praise. As one guest noted, this stop is perfect for “incredible holiday photos,” making it a favorite among those wanting holiday keepsakes.

The route continues along Bayshore Drive Northeast, known for its waterfront mansions and sparkling Christmas displays. Many of the homes here are decorated extravagantly, offering a glimpse into the upscale holiday traditions of St. Pete’s wealthiest residents.

Further along, the Vinoy® Renaissance Resort is illuminated beautifully for Christmas, providing a grand, festive scene that’s hard to miss. The historic Old Northeast neighborhood, with its charming brick streets and classic homes, adds a more traditional Christmas feel.

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Final Stops and Return

The tour wraps up with views of Snell Isle, another upscale neighborhood with stunning waterfront mansions, and Beach Drive Northeast, a lively area with restaurants and bars decked out for the holidays. After a scenic 10-minute drive through these areas, the group returns to the Hollander Hotel, having experienced a curated slice of St. Pete’s holiday magic.

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What Travelers Can Expect

Throughout the tour, you’ll enjoy festive Christmas music playing from the cart, adding to the joyful atmosphere. The cozy blankets provided are a thoughtful touch for cooler nights, ensuring comfort during the ride. The guided narration, although optional based on a review, can offer insights into local traditions and building histories—an added value for those interested.

Authentic Experiences and Real Feedback

Multiple reviews praise the stunning views and photo opportunities, noting that the lights and decorations are truly beautiful. One guest from the US mentioned, “We enjoyed our time with Max,” emphasizing the friendly, personalized service. The tour’s flexibility, such as the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance, adds a layer of convenience, especially for travelers with fluctuating plans.

Pricing and Value

Given the two-hour duration and the curated experience of passing by numerous decorated neighborhoods and landmarks, the price point is reasonable. It’s an experience that offers a lot for the holiday enthusiast—without the stress of crowded streets or parking hassles. The small group size enhances the sense of intimacy, making each participant feel special.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This golf cart tour is perfect for visitors who want a laid-back, scenic way to enjoy the holiday lights without the hustle and bustle of walking or large bus tours. It’s well-suited for families with kids, couples celebrating the season, or friends looking for a fun, memorable night out. If you’re someone who appreciates beautiful visuals, relaxed pacing, and local charm, you’ll find a lot to love here.

The Sum Up

The St. Pete Christmas Lights Golf Cart Tour offers a charming, convenient way to see some of Florida’s most impressive holiday decorations. The small-group format, leisurely pace, and scenic routes make it a practical choice for anyone wanting to experience the city’s festive spirit comfortably. Whether you’re snapping photos of luxurious waterfront mansions, soaking in the colorful parks, or listening to holiday tunes, this tour creates a warm, joyful atmosphere that captures the essence of St. Pete’s holiday traditions.

If you love holiday decorations, waterfront views, and a relaxed vibe, this experience will suit you perfectly. It offers a genuine sense of community and celebration, making your holiday visit extra memorable. Just remember to bundle up and bring your camera—the sights are well worth it.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, providing ample time to see multiple neighborhoods and landmarks.

Where does the tour start?
It begins in front of Khawa Coffee at the Hollander Hotel in downtown St. Petersburg.

What is included in the price?
The fee covers the guided tour in a street-legal golf cart, holiday music, cozy blankets, and stops at key scenic spots for photos.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility for your travel plans.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the relaxed nature and short stops make it generally family-friendly, especially if kids enjoy holiday lights.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly, especially for cooler evenings, and bring a camera to capture the beautiful sights.

This tour is a heartwarming way to enjoy the holiday season with ease, comfort, and a touch of Florida’s festive magic.