Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Group sizeUp to 100 travelers
Overview
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.
What's included
Free onboard Wi-Fi
Festive decorations and atmosphere aboard bus
Iconic Double-Decker Open-top Bus
85-minute Holiday Lights Tour throughout San Francisco
Expert Live Guide
Hotel pick-up/drop-off
Hop-on, hop-off service
What to expect
Union Square Sports Bar
Pass by
See City Hall decorated and lit
Chinatown
Pass by
Continue your tour along the holiday lights and festive decorations of the city
Nob Hill
Pass by
Continue your tour along the holiday lights and festive decorations of the city
Polk Gulch
Pass by
Continue your tour along the holiday lights and festive decorations of the city
SoMa
Pass by
Continue your tour along the holiday lights and festive decorations of the city
The Embarcadero
Pass by
Continue your tour along the holiday lights and festive decorations of the city
Fisherman’s Wharf
Pass by
Continue your tour along the holiday lights and festive decorations of the city
Salesforce Tower
Pass by
See the ILLUMINATE SF Festival of Light installations
Ghirardelli Square
45m
End your tour and enjoy a complimentary hot chocolate
Meeting and pickup
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
Additional information
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.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
