North Pole Express Bus Tour NYC Christmas Lights Experience
Active
1h
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
The North Pole Express is more than a holiday lights tour — it’s an immersive Christmas experience designed for families, combining dazzling Midtown Manhattan holiday lights with live characters, interactive storytelling, and a magical visit to the “North Pole” to meet Santa himself. Guests enjoy guaranteed upper-deck seating, hot cocoa and festive treats, a joyful carol sing-along, and special moments for children to share their Christmas wishes with Santa. With two experience levels available — Standard and Enchanted — families can choose from a cozy holiday ride or an enhanced experience with extended routes, additional characters, exclusive storytelling, and festive keepsakes, all with easy boarding, holiday décor, and a thoughtfully curated seasonal route through New York City.
Available options
Enchanted Admission
Enchanted Experience: A festive North Pole Express experience with live characters, storytelling, and holiday entertainment.<br/>Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes<br/>Hot Cocoa & Holiday Treats: Hot cocoa and seasonal treats served onboard. Gluten-free or dairy-free options available upon request.<br/>Midtown Manhattan Holiday Ligh: A curated route featuring iconic Midtown Manhattan holiday displays and seasonal landmarks.<br/>Double-Decker Holiday Bus: A decorated double-decker bus designed for holiday sightseeing with upper-deck seating.<br/>Holiday Keepsakes: Golden Ticket, commemorative sleigh bell from Santa, holiday stickers for kids, and a cozy winter hat and blanket.
Standard Admission
Standard Experience: The classic North Pole Express experience featuring Santa, festive décor, holiday lights, and seasonal treats.<br/>Duration: 45 minutes: A continuous 45-minute holiday lights tour with no off-bus stops.<br/>Hot Cocoa & Holiday Treat: Hot cocoa and a festive cookie served onboard.<br/>Double-Decker Holiday Bus: A festively decorated double-decker bus with guaranteed upper-deck seating.<br/>Festive Keepsakes: Golden Ticket, commemorative sleigh bell from Santa, holiday stickers for kids, and a cozy winter hat.
What's included
Guaranteed upper-deck seating aboard a decked-out double-decker holiday bus
Meet the whimsical Express Conductor and Santa’s Elves, straight from the pages of a Christmas story
A cozy winter hat and blanket to keep you warm and merry
Front-row views of NYC’s most dazzling holiday lights
Personal time with Santa at the North Pole — tell him your wishes and receive a magical sleigh bell
Steaming hot cocoa to sweeten your ride
A holiday cookie surprise (because no holiday is complete without one!)
Golden Ticket to board NYC’s enchanted North Pole Express
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Pass by
Drive by the heart of NYC’s holiday celebration — the world-famous Christmas tree, twinkling lights, and skating rink all sparkle with seasonal joy.
2
Stop 2
Pass by
Catch a glimpse of this historic station decked out in wreaths and garlands, with its celestial ceiling glowing behind winter windows.
3
Stop 3
Pass by
Pass by this elegant plaza glowing with oversized star lights and holiday displays, marking the southwest entrance to Central Park.
4
See the skyline come alive as the Empire State Building shines in festive holiday colors — a true NYC icon.
5
Stop 5
Pass by
Admire the glowing marquee and famous red neon lights of this legendary theater — home of the Rockettes and nonstop holiday magic.
6
Stop 6
Pass by
Roll past the Winter Village, where twinkling trees, cozy chalets, and skaters set the scene for a classic NYC winter evening.
7
Stop 7
Pass by
Marvel at the breathtaking Gothic architecture of this historic church, glowing with soft white lights and holiday wreaths.
8
Stop 8
Pass by
Gaze up at the shimmering crown of this Art Deco masterpiece, sparkling like a snowflake in the city skyline.
What's not included
Hotel pickup and drop-off – guests must meet at the designated departure point
Restroom access – there are no bathrooms onboard, so plan ahead
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
1.0
2 reviews
5★
0
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
2
Tripadvisor
2.3
3 reviews
5★
1
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
2
Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
This experience takes place on a double-decker bus with guaranteed upper-deck seating for optimal views.
Suitable for all ages — infants under 2 ride free on a guardian’s lap (16+ years); a ticket is needed if a separate seat is required.
No restroom facilities onboard; please plan accordingly.
This is a non-stop driving tour with no off-bus stops; all sightseeing is done from the comfort of the bus.
Pajamas and festive attire are encouraged to add to the holiday fun!
For gluten-free or dairy-free treat options, please contact customer service before your tour date.
Boarding is at 42nd St between 5th and 6th Ave, NYC; please arrive 15 minutes early.
Meeting point
The departure point is located on 42nd Street, between 5th Avenue and 6th Avenue, along the side of Bryant Park.
Important notes
To board your experience, you’ll need to present a digital ticket using the TopViewTix app. Follow the steps below:
1. Download the TopView App
Go to https://topviewtix.com/new-york/apps to download the app from the App Store or Google Play.
2. Add Your Ticket (Required to Board)
You can add your ticket in one of the following ways:
From your Email Confirmation:
Locate your Tour Operator Confirmation Number in the Viator email and enter it in the TopView app.
From the Viator App:
Tap “View Voucher,” download the PDF, and find the confirmation number on the ticket. Enter it into the app.
3. Boarding Requirement
A valid digital ticket in the TopView app is required to board.
Paper vouchers will not be accepted.
About New York City
New York City, often referred to as the cultural capital of the world, is a sprawling metropolis that never sleeps. With its iconic skyline, world-class museums, Broadway shows, and diverse neighborhoods, NYC offers an unparalleled urban experience that blends the historic with the modern.
Top Attractions
Statue of Liberty
A symbol of freedom and democracy, the Statue of Liberty is a must-visit. Take a ferry to Liberty Island for close-up views and a visit to the museum.
Historical
3-4 hours
$18.50 (grounds access), $21.70 (pedestal access), $24.10 (crown access)
Central Park
A vast urban park offering a green escape in the heart of the city. Enjoy walking paths, boat rentals, and various attractions.
Nature
2-4 hours
Free (some attractions have fees)
Times Square
The bustling heart of NYC, known for its bright lights, Broadway theaters, and vibrant atmosphere.
Entertainment
1-2 hours
Free (shows and shopping have separate costs)
Empire State Building
An iconic Art Deco skyscraper offering panoramic views of the city from its observation decks.
Architecture
1-2 hours
$44 (Main Deck), $74 (Top Deck)
Metropolitan Museum of Art
One of the world's largest and finest art museums, housing over 2 million works of art.
Museum
3-5 hours
$25 (suggested admission)
Brooklyn Bridge
An iconic suspension bridge offering stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and East River.
Architecture
1-2 hours
Free
Must-Try Local Dishes
New York-style Pizza
Thin-crust pizza with a wide, foldable slice. Toppings vary but often include pepperoni, mushrooms, and sausage.
Dinner
Can be made vegetarian or vegan.
Bagel with Lox
A classic NYC breakfast consisting of a toasted bagel topped with smoked salmon, cream cheese, and often capers or red onion.
Breakfast
Contains dairy and fish.
Cheesecake
Creamy, rich cheesecake, often served with fruit toppings or chocolate sauce.
Dessert
Contains dairy.
Pastrami on Rye
Thinly sliced pastrami piled high on rye bread, often served with mustard.
Lunch
Contains meat.
Popular Activities
Hiking in Central Park
Kayaking in the Hudson River
Rock climbing in the Bronx
Spas and wellness centers
Yoga and meditation classes
Strolling through botanical gardens
Museum visits
Broadway shows
Best Time to Visit
May to September
This period offers warm weather, outdoor festivals, and all attractions in full swing. However, it's also the busiest and most expensive time to visit.
15°C to 30°C
59°F to 86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: Spanish, Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin), Russian, Hindi
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
US Dollar (USD)
Time Zone
EST (GMT-5) / EDT (GMT-4) (Daylight Saving Time)
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
NYC is generally safe, but like any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions.
Important Precautions:
- • Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Use common sense and trust your instincts
Getting there
By air
- John F. Kennedy International Airport • 24 km (15 miles) from downtown
- LaGuardia Airport • 13 km (8 miles) from downtown
By train
Penn Station, Grand Central Terminal
By bus
Port Authority Bus Terminal, Greyhound Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
The subway is the most efficient way to get around NYC. It operates 24/7 but can be crowded during peak hours.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Manhattan
Brooklyn
Queens
Bronx
Staten Island
Day trips
Niagara Falls
650 km (400 miles) • Overnight
A breathtaking natural wonder featuring three waterfalls: Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls.
Washington D.C.
370 km (230 miles) • Full day
The capital of the United States, offering iconic landmarks, museums, and government buildings.
Philadelphia
150 km (93 miles) • Full day
A historic city known for its role in the American Revolution and its vibrant cultural scene.
Festivals
New Year's Eve in Times Square • December 31
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade • Fourth Thursday in November
NYC Pride • Late June
Pro tips
- Use a MetroCard for easy and discounted subway and bus rides
- Walk as much as possible to explore the city and its neighborhoods
- Try street food for a quick and delicious meal on the go
- Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
- Use apps like Google Maps or Citymapper for real-time navigation and transit information
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
