North Pole Express NYC Holiday Bus Tour
About this activity
Highlights
- See Midtown Manhattan’s famous holiday lights
- Sip hot cocoa with chocolate treats on board
- Meet Santa and Express conductor in NYC
- Enjoy a Christmas carol sing-along
- Receive a secret sleigh bell present
Full description
Step into a winter wonderland right in the heart of Manhattan on the North Pole Express! This dazzling holiday bus adventure glides you through Midtown’s sparkling light displays, with festive carols, a welcoming conductor, and plenty of photo ops. Sip delicious hot cocoa and enjoy chocolate treats as you listen to an audio tour of iconic New York City sights. Kids and adults get to meet Santa to share their Christmas wishes, with every child receiving a magical sleigh bell and fun stickers to remember the journey. Don your pajamas for extra festive flair, cozy up with complimentary hats and blankets, and celebrate Christmas like never before—NYC style!
Included / Excluded
- Visit with Santa and the Express Conductor
- Hot cocoa and a festive cookie
- Guaranteed seating on the upper deck
- Golden Ticket and a secret present from Santa (sleigh bell)
- Complimentary winter hat and blanket
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Transportation to the departure point
- Gratuities (optional)
Itinerary
North Pole Express NYC Departure - 42nd St
Board the North Pole Express at 42nd St between 5th & 6th Ave, next to Bryant Park. Receive your Golden Ticket, holiday blanket and Christmas hat, and take your guaranteed upper-deck seat.
Rockefeller Center
Ride past the world-famous Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and holiday displays, sipping hot chocolate as the Express Conductor leads carols.
Meeting point
Start Location
North Pole Express NYC Departure - 42nd St
11 W 42nd St, New York, NY 10036, USA
Departs from 42nd St between 5th & 6th Ave, across the street from 11 W 42nd St (next to Bryant Park). Boarding begins 15 minutes before departure. The tour returns to the same location.
Get directions →Operating hours
- Sunday03:15 PM
- Monday03:15 PM
- Tuesday03:15 PM
- Wednesday03:15 PM
- Thursday03:15 PM
- Friday03:15 PM
- Saturday03:15 PM
Important information
Know before you book
- All tickets are non-refundable
- Mobile e-pass accepted; no printed ticket needed
- Seasonal departures run Nov 7, 2026 to Jan 3, 2027
Know before you go
- Please arrive 15 minutes before departure; the bus leaves on time
- Seating is guaranteed on the upper deck, and pajamas are welcome
- The tour operates rain or shine
- Infants under 2 ride free on the lap of a guardian (16+); buy a Kid ticket if a seat is needed
- Gluten-free and dairy-free treats on request; tell staff about any allergies at boarding
Cancellation policy
0All sales are final. Tickets are non-refundable.
Frequently asked questions
FAQs
Additional information
How the North Pole Express works: 1) Book your ticket online and choose your departure date and time. 2) Your e-pass is sent to your phone - no printing needed. 3) Arrive at 42nd St between 5th & 6th Ave (across from 11 W 42nd St, by Bryant Park) 15 minutes before departure. 4) Scan your e-pass, receive your Golden Ticket, and take your guaranteed seat on the upper deck. 5) Meet the Express Conductor, sip hot chocolate with a festive cookie, sing carols, and write your wish list as you ride past Midtown's holiday lights, including the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and the Saks Fifth Avenue light show. 6) Arrive at the North Pole to meet Santa, share your wishes, and receive a sleigh bell from Santa. 7) The bus returns you to the same 42nd St departure point.