At Pontarelli, the holiday season is all about creating unforgettable group experiences with our Chicago Holiday Light Tours aboard the iconic Pontarelli trolleys. These private, customizable tours are a chance for friends, families, or coworkers to gather, celebrate, and soak in the festive spirit of the season—all while traveling in style. But what goes into crafting this magical holiday tradition? Let’s take a behind-the-scenes look at how we bring these experiences to life!
It all begins with the trolleys. Our team works tirelessly to deck them out from top to bottom in holiday cheer. Inside, the trolleys are adorned with twinkling lights, garlands, and festive décor that make every ride feel like stepping into a winter wonderland. Add in some classic holiday tunes playing softly in the background, and the ambiance is perfect for spreading holiday joy.
On the outside, we add even more sparkle—string lights, wreaths, and bows ensure our trolleys light up the streets just as much as the neighborhoods we’re touring.
Crafting the ultimate light tour requires a lot of behind-the-scenes planning. Our team spends weeks scouting the most spectacular holiday displays and festive neighborhoods in the Chicago area. From elaborately decorated homes to iconic city landmarks, we carefully map out routes that maximize the “wow” factor.
We also test the routes—multiple times! This ensures smooth navigation, no unexpected traffic issues, and perfect timing to hit every must-see spot. Whether it’s a bustling downtown display or a quiet, twinkling neighborhood, every stop is chosen to delight our groups.
Each Pontarelli Holiday Light Tour is booked by the group, which means every experience is tailored to the passengers on board. Families with kids might want stops for hot cocoa or a detour to a local holiday festival, while corporate groups might prefer a slightly longer ride to relax and enjoy the dazzling displays with colleagues.
We work closely with each group to customize their itinerary, ensuring every moment is filled with holiday cheer. Need special music? Want to extend your time at a specific spot? We’ve got you covered.
Before the trolleys hit the road, our team does a full “dress rehearsal” of the tour. We ride the route, experience the stops, and make note of any tweaks needed to ensure everything runs like clockwork. This is also where we add little touches to elevate the experience, like perfecting the holiday music playlist or identifying great photo opportunities along the way.
To elevate the holiday spirit even further, Pontarelli also includes staff member(s) on board dressed in festive costumes. From Santa to The Scrouge, their cheerful presence adds an extra layer of magic to the experience. Whether it’s helping guests capture the perfect holiday photo or keeping the holiday cheer alive throughout the tour, their energy is contagious.
The magic is in the details, and we go above and beyond to make each group’s experience unforgettable. Our friendly, professional drivers are dressed to impress, often adding a festive flair to their uniform. We offer groups the chance to bring their own snacks, beverages, or even themed decorations to make the ride feel even more personalized.
And for corporate groups or families celebrating milestones, we can add special touches like holiday trivia games, customized playlists, or even a quick photo session in front of the trolley at a scenic stop.
When the tours begin, it’s all about the group’s enjoyment. Watching families laugh together, coworkers bond over holiday cheer, and kids light up at the sight of dazzling displays is what makes it all worth it. Every private group brings their own energy, creating a unique and special experience each time.
At Pontarelli, we know the holidays are about connection, and our private Holiday Light Tours are designed to bring people together in the most magical way possible. Whether you’re celebrating with family, friends, or colleagues, these tours are a chance to slow down, enjoy the season, and make memories that last a lifetime.
Ready to create your holiday magic? Gather your group, and let Pontarelli take care of the rest!
**Book your private trolley tour today and light up your holiday season.**
Posted on Dec 21 2024
