San Francisco Holiday Lights Tour by Open-top Bus with Live Guide

2.5 (4 reviews) 1 h 30 min Free cancellation

out of 5

4 reviews

2.5

San Francisco Holiday Lights Tour by Open-top Bus with Live Guide — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

San Francisco Holiday Lights Tour by Open-top Bus with Live Guide, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

San Francisco shines brighter during the holidays—and there’s no better way to see it than from the top deck of a Big Bus! Begin in Fisherman’s Wharf, where you’ll board an open-top double-decker bus for a comfortable, panoramic ride through the city’s most festive neighborhoods.

Discover the twinkling Christmas trees at Union Square, 555 California Street, Pier 39 and UN Plaza. Enjoy the Christmas lights at City Hall and the Menorah at Union Square during Hanukkah. See unique decorations throughout the city’s neighborhoods, including Union Square, Chinatown, Nob Hill, Polk Gulch, City Hall, SOMA and more. View the art installations from ILLUMINATE SF™, an open-air gallery of light and imagination.

Your live guide shares fun facts, festive stories and local traditions behind the celebrations. Hear classic carols and capture sparkling photo opportunities at every turn as you experience San Francisco at its most festive.

Christmas Bus Tours Private and Luxury Cultural Tours Seasonal Weather Dependent - Low

At a glance

Duration: 1 h 30 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 100 people
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: English
Operated by: Big Bus Tours - USA

Ages: Children (3–12 years) · Adults (13–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Free onboard Wi-Fi
Included: Festive decorations and atmosphere aboard bus
Included: Iconic Double-Decker Open-top Bus
Included: 85-minute Holiday Lights Tour throughout San Francisco
Included: Expert Live Guide

Not included

Not included: Hotel pick-up/drop-off
Not included: Hop-on, hop-off service

Itinerary

Union Square Sports Bar

Passing by

See City Hall decorated and lit
Chinatown

Passing by

Continue your tour along the holiday lights and festive decorations of the city
Nob Hill

Passing by

Continue your tour along the holiday lights and festive decorations of the city
Polk Gulch

Passing by

Continue your tour along the holiday lights and festive decorations of the city
SoMa

Passing by

Continue your tour along the holiday lights and festive decorations of the city
The Embarcadero

Passing by

Continue your tour along the holiday lights and festive decorations of the city
Fisherman’s Wharf

Passing by

Continue your tour along the holiday lights and festive decorations of the city
Salesforce Tower

Passing by

See the ILLUMINATE SF Festival of Light installations
Ghirardelli Square

45 min

End your tour and enjoy a complimentary hot chocolate

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Big Bus Stop #6 (Union Square South, 280 Geary St, opposite Macy's entrance, next to steps)

End point

The Embarcadero, bus stop outside the entrance to Pier 39, Fisherman’s Wharf

Using your ticket

Big Bus Stop #6 (Union Square South, 280 Geary St, opposite Macy's entrance, next to steps)

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

Good to know

Wheelchair accessible
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
The tour runs from November 27, 2026, to January 3, 2027.
This tour is not a hop-on, hop-off service.
Please arrive by 6:00 pm. The bus departs promptly at 6:30 pm. Seating is first-come, first-served.