Holiday Lights Tour with Trolley Pub Columbus

Travelers seeking a charming, laid-back way to enjoy Columbus during the holiday season will find this Holiday Lights Tour with Trolley Pub Columbus a surprisingly delightful option. While it’s not a high-adventure outing, it offers a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere to take in the city’s brightest displays.

It’s perfect for groups wanting a relaxed, entertaining evening with friends or loved ones—especially if you enjoy a bit of singing along to Christmas carols.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the electric-assist, fully enclosed trolley ensures you stay warm and dry while comfortably exploring the city’s most festive spots. Second, the BYOB policy encourages a relaxed, social vibe—whether you’re sharing beers or wine with friends. The only catch? The minimum of 6 riders to run the tour might be a hurdle for smaller groups, so plan accordingly.

Still, if you’re looking for a cheerful, lighthearted way to see Columbus’s holiday lights, this tour might just be your perfect winter outing.

This experience is especially well-suited for those who love holiday decor, casual socializing, and a bit of musical cheer. If you’re traveling with family or friends and want to enjoy the season in a unique way without the hassle of navigating the city on your own, it’s worth considering.

This experience made our article of Which Columbus Drinking Tours To Choose? Our Best 5 Picks.

Key Points

• Cozy, Fully Enclosed Trolley: Ensures warmth and comfort during winter months.
• Fun and Social: Sing along to Christmas carols with a Bluetooth stereo system.
• Flexible BYOB Policy: Bring beer, wine, or cider to enhance your experience.
• Visiting Top Neighborhoods: The Short North, Arena District, Downtown, Bicentennial Park, and Columbus Commons.
• Family-Friendly Options: Suitable for all ages, with some restrictions on alcohol.
• Minimum Group Size: At least 6 riders needed to run the tour.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Holiday Lights Tour

The Holiday Lights Tour with Trolley Pub Columbus is more than just a sightseeing ride—it’s a mobile holiday gathering. It runs from November 22 through January 4, every evening at 5:30 pm and 8:30 pm. For just $45 per person, you get 2.5 hours of city lights, festive music, and good company. We’ll explore what makes this experience a fun, relaxed way to enjoy Columbus’s holiday spirit, and why it might be a good fit for your plans.

The Transportation: Electric, Enclosed, and Easy to Ride

The highlight of this tour is the electric-assisted trolley. Unlike traditional pedal-powered vehicles, this trolley provides a smooth, effortless ride—meaning you won’t get tired pedaling or fighting against winter chill. The fully enclosed design is a big plus for late fall and winter tours, as it keeps out the cold wind while letting you enjoy the sights comfortably.

The trolley has five non-pedaling seats, making it accessible for those with limited mobility. The small propane heater adds an extra touch of warmth, and the full enclosure from November through March ensures you stay cozy despite the winter weather. This setup means you can focus on the scenery, the lights, and the holiday cheer, rather than battling the elements.

Itinerary and Highlights

The tour covers several vibrant neighborhoods—The Short North Pole, Arena District, and Downtown—each famous for their holiday displays and lively atmosphere. The stops at Bicentennial Park and Columbus Commons provide ideal opportunities to admire large-scale holiday light displays and festive installations.

While the trolley moves steadily, you can expect to be in and out of the vehicle periodically for short viewing walks or photo opportunities at some of the best light displays. The ability to hop on and off adds a layer of spontaneity and personalization to your experience.

The Festive Element: Music and Atmosphere

A major selling point is the Bluetooth stereo system onboard, allowing everyone to sing along to classic Christmas tunes or your personal playlist. The communal singing creates a warm, jovial atmosphere, especially during the evening hours when the lights glow brightest. This makes it perfect for groups wanting a lighthearted, spirited experience rather than a quiet, passive tour.

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Food and Drink: BYOB and Socializing

The BYOB policy allows each rider to bring up to 36 oz of beer or 18 oz of wine, with no liquor or glass permitted. This makes the experience flexible for those who want to enjoy their favorite holiday drinks along the way. Just remember, you must be over 21 to drink, and anyone under 21 must be accompanied by a guardian and cannot partake.

The cooler, cups, and ice packs make it easy to keep beverages cold and accessible. While snacks aren’t included, many groups bring along holiday treats to enjoy during the ride, making it a lively, convivial affair.

Group Size and Booking

The tour requires a minimum of 6 riders to run, which might be a limitation for smaller groups. The good news is that you can reserve in advance and cancel up to 24 hours for a full refund, giving you some flexibility if your plans change.

The Experience: Authentic, Fun, and Worth the Cost

Given the reviews, it seems that most travelers find this tour to be value-packed. For $45, you’re getting a 2.5-hour guided holiday experience that combines scenic views, cheerful music, and a chance to socialize in a relaxed, festive setting. Many appreciate the cozy, enclosed trolley that allows everyone to enjoy the sights without the cold and wind that can often spoil outdoor winter outings.

Some review quotes highlight the fun aspect—“a bright ride of the season”—and note how the fully enclosed trolley makes winter excursions practical. The convenience of bringing your drinks and the ability to sing along to Christmas classics make it more than just a sightseeing tour; it’s a holiday party on wheels.

Practical Tips for Participants

• Bring your ID or passport for age verification if you plan to drink.
• Fill out the liability waiver prior to the ride—simple but necessary.
• The tour runs in the evening, so dress warmly with layers and perhaps a hat and gloves.
• Arrive a bit early, as the meeting point is outside the red garage. Walking through the garage is encouraged for check-in.
• If accessibility is a concern, note there are five seats for those who cannot pedal.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is ideal for groups of friends, families, or couples looking for a casual, joyful holiday outing. It’s especially suitable if you enjoy holiday lights, singing, and a relaxed social atmosphere. It’s also a good choice for travelers wanting a warm, festive experience without the hassle of planning or navigating busy city streets.

It’s less suitable if you prefer a silent, museum-like sightseeing experience or if your group has fewer than six people. Also, those seeking a lengthy or more in-depth tour of Columbus’s sights might find the 2.5-hour duration a bit brief.

Final Thoughts

The Holiday Lights Tour with Trolley Pub Columbus offers a delightful combination of festive sights, lively music, and social fun—all wrapped up in a cozy, accessible package. For roughly $45 per person, you’re getting a relaxed, cheerful way to see some of Columbus’s best holiday displays, with the bonus of bringing your drinks and singing along.

It’s a practical choice for those wanting a family-friendly, low-stress outing that captures the spirit of the season. The fully enclosed trolley ensures comfort during the cold months, while the friendly guide and cheerful atmosphere make it a memorable holiday experience.

While the minimum group size requirement might be a hurdle for very small parties, most will find it easy to join or form a group that guarantees the tour goes ahead. If you want a lively, lighthearted way to enjoy Columbus’s holiday decorations, this trolley tour is worth considering.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, it’s family-friendly, but since alcohol consumption is allowed, anyone under 21 must be accompanied by an adult. The focus on holiday lights and music makes it appealing for all ages.

What should I bring with me?
Bring your ID or passport for alcohol regulations, dress warmly with layers, and consider bringing snacks or holiday treats for the ride. You may also want to bring your favorite holiday playlist if you want to customize the music.

Can I bring my own drinks?
Yes, you can bring beer, wine, cider, or seltzers—up to 36 oz of beer or 18 oz of wine per person. No liquor or glass bottles are permitted.

What happens if the minimum rider count isn’t met?
The tour might be canceled if fewer than six people sign up. You can reserve and pay later with the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the trolley accessible?
Yes, five seats are available that don’t require pedaling, making the experience accessible for persons with limited mobility.

What neighborhoods does the tour cover?
You’ll explore The Short North Pole, Arena District, Downtown, with stops at Bicentennial Park and Columbus Commons—each known for their holiday displays.

In all, this trolley lights tour is a cheerful, practical way to celebrate the holidays in Columbus. It’s best suited for those who want a casual, social, and festive experience with a dash of musical fun and scenic views.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby