Washington, DC: Holiday Lights Nighttime Bus Tour

Discover the magic of Washington, DC’s holiday season on the captivating Holiday Lights Nighttime Bus Tour. Over three enchanting hours, visitors will explore iconic landmarks aglow with festive lights, from the majestic People’s Tree by the Capitol Building to the National Christmas Tree outside the White House. With a knowledgeable guide, guests will enjoy the holiday spirit while enjoying the comfort of a luxury bus. But the tour’s true highlight may just lie in the unexpected delights that await along the way.

Key Points

• A 3-hour nighttime bus tour showcasing the holiday lights and iconic landmarks of Washington, DC, including the Capitol Building, White House, and National Harbor.
• The tour offers a reserve-now-pay-later option and allows for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.
• Highlights include the People’s Tree, National Christmas tree, and holiday light displays in Old Town Alexandria and National Harbor.
• Comfortable climate-controlled luxury buses with convertible tops ensure a pleasant experience, and a knowledgeable guide provides informative commentary.
• The tour concludes with a photo opportunity at the Canadian Embassy’s Christmas tree, reflecting the diverse cultural experiences throughout the tour.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Washington, DC Holiday Lights Tour is a 3-hour nighttime bus tour that showcases the festive holiday lights and attractions throughout the nation’s capital.

The tour costs $69 per person and includes a live English-speaking guide. Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and a reserve-now-pay-later option is available.

The tour costs $69 per person and includes a live English-speaking guide. Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and a reserve-now-pay-later option is available.

The tour visits iconic landmarks like the Capitol Building, White House, and National Harbor, allowing guests to experience the illuminated sights.

Transportation is provided on a climate-controlled luxury bus, though some walking is required to see the holiday displays.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour visits the 65-foot tall People’s Tree outside the Capitol Building, allowing guests to explore the National Christmas tree and Pageant of Peace outside the White House.

The itinerary also includes:

• Illuminated views of the National Mall

• A stop in Old Town Alexandria at Market Square for the city’s Christmas centerpiece

• A visit to the National Harbor to see a 54-foot tall Christmas tree and the Gaylord National Resort’s holiday lights exhibition

The tour concludes with a final photo opportunity at the Canadian Embassy’s Christmas tree.

Transportation Details

The holiday lights tour departs from the US Navy Memorial Plaza, with participants boarding a climate-controlled luxury bus for the journey.

Guests should arrive 20 minutes early for check-in.

Due to colder temperatures between October 15 and March 15, the convertible buses switch from open-tops to glass-tops, providing a cozy and comfortable experience.

A moderate amount of walking is required to see the various holiday attractions on the tour.

Participants are advised to wear winter-appropriate clothing to ensure they stay warm and enjoy the tour to the fullest.

Participant Information

Although a moderate amount of walking is required to see the various holiday attractions, participants should dress in winter-appropriate clothing to stay warm and enjoy the tour to the fullest.

Key participant details:

• Arrive 20 minutes early for check-in at the US Navy Memorial Plaza departure location

• Optional gratuities for the knowledgeable and entertaining tour guide are appreciated

• Check availability for specific starting times and participant capacity, as this popular tour may sell out quickly.

The climate-controlled luxury bus and expert guide ensure a comfortable and informative holiday lights experience.

More Great Tours Nearby

Illuminating the National Mall

As the tour makes its way through the National Mall, participants are treated to illuminated views of some of the nation’s most iconic landmarks.

The Capitol Building’s 65-foot People’s Tree radiates with festive lights, and the National Christmas Tree and Pageant of Peace outside the White House shine brightly.

The tour also offers a chance to experience the National Mall’s monuments and museums, which are transformed into a winter wonderland with dazzling holiday displays.

Whether it’s the reflecting pool or the Washington Monument, the National Mall’s historic sites take on a magical ambiance under the glow of the holiday lights.

Exploring Old Town Alexandria

After experiencing the grandeur of the National Mall’s illuminated landmarks, the tour makes its way to the historic Old Town Alexandria.

There, the group will:

• Explore Market Square, the city’s Christmas centerpiece, adorned with seasonal flair.

• Admire the impressive 54-foot Christmas tree at the National Harbor, towering above the sparkling holiday lights.

• Visit the Gaylord National Resort’s dazzling holiday lights exhibition, a must-see attraction that leaves a lasting impression on guests.

The carefully curated tour ensures visitors enjoy the festive charm of Alexandria’s historic district and the surrounding holiday displays.

Marveling at the National Harbor

The tour then makes its way to the National Harbor, where visitors are treated to a dazzling display of holiday lights.

A 54-foot tall Christmas tree stands proudly, its branches aglow with vibrant colors. Nearby, the Gaylord National Resort showcases its extravagant holiday light exhibition, drawing oohs and ahhs from the captivated crowd.

Guests have the opportunity to capture the perfect photo at the Canadian Embassy’s Christmas tree, a picturesque end to the evening’s festivities.

With so much to see and experience, the National Harbor segment leaves a lasting impression on the holiday tour.

Closing With the Canadian Embassy

The tour concludes with a final photo opportunity at the Canadian Embassy’s Christmas tree, a picturesque ending to the evening’s festivities. This 30-foot tall evergreen, adorned with twinkling lights, stands as a symbol of the close ties between the United States and Canada.

A picturesque finale to the evening’s festivities, the 30-foot Canadian Embassy Christmas tree symbolizes the close ties between the US and Canada.

Visitors can:

• Capture the lit-up tree against the backdrop of the night sky

• Admire the embassy’s holiday decor and architectural details

• Reflect on the diverse cultural experiences showcased throughout the tour

This final stop provides a festive finale to the Holiday Lights Nighttime Bus Tour, leaving guests with lasting memories of the capital’s enchanting winter wonderland.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do We Have Restroom Breaks During the Tour?

The tour includes moderate walking at holiday attractions, but there are no dedicated restroom breaks. Participants should plan accordingly and use facilities before departure, as the bus does not make any stops specifically for restrooms during the 3-hour tour.

Can We Get off the Bus at Each Attraction?

Yes, you can get off the bus at each attraction during the tour. The itinerary allows for moderate walking to explore the holiday displays and scenery up close at the different stops along the route.

Is the Tour Wheelchair/Mobility Accessible?

The tour is wheelchair and mobility accessible. The climate-controlled luxury buses have space for wheelchairs, and the tour guide can provide assistance as needed to ensure all participants can fully enjoy the holiday lights displays.

Can We Bring Our Own Snacks and Drinks?

Guests can bring their own snacks and non-alcoholic drinks on the Holiday Lights Nighttime Bus Tour. However, the tour operator doesn’t provide any food or beverages, so guests should plan accordingly.

What Is the Cancellation Policy if It Rains?

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, so if it rains, you can cancel and get your money back. There’s no penalty for cancelling due to inclement weather.

The Sum Up

This holiday lights bus tour through Washington, DC offers a magical and festive experience. Guests will explore iconic landmarks adorned with twinkling lights, capturing unforgettable memories. The comfortable, climate-controlled bus and knowledgeable host ensure a seamless and enjoyable journey. Whether admiring the People’s Tree or the National Christmas Tree, visitors will enjoy the capital’s captivating holiday spirit.

You can check availability for your dates here: