Holiday Lights Trolley takes guests on a 3-hour tour of festive locations in Pittsburgh
Sparkling lights have always brightened Molly Shaheen’s holidays, so much so that she founded a company — Holiday Lights Trolley LLC — to bring that festive feeling to others. Pittsburgh is her most recent city stop.
Guests will board a trolley or bus and take a tour around the city, driving past displays and stopping at area landmarks dressed up for the season.
“I have always loved the holidays and those rides through the neighborhood (as a child to see the lights),” Shaheen said. “These tours are a fun way to bring people into the city — they can explore some of the holiday happenings and have a festive time without having to do the driving.”
Shaheen has partnered with Molly’s Trolleys, a Pittsburgh-based sightseeing tour company, and will use three of its vehicles and two additional party buses.
Possible stops are Shadyside neighborhood displays, the Glowland Winter Festival in Oakland, the Peoples Gas Holiday Market in Market Square, the Horne’s tree at the City-County Building, the Pittsburgh Creche, and the Christmas tree in Point State Park.
The first tours begin Friday for the BYOB Holiday Lights Trolley for people 21 and older (the vehicles can be reserved for private tours with younger people).
Pittsburgh is one of eight cities that have this tour. The city has its own event manager and two dozen tour guides who will share information about the locations as the vehicles travel throughout the ‘Burgh.
Shaheen started the company in Chicago in 2014. What she loves about Pittsburgh is its resurgence and how it continues to grow and is so welcoming, she said.
There are two tour routes. Both include photo opportunities and bathroom breaks.
“I think it’s the perfect way to get people into the holiday spirit,” Shaheen said. “You get to see all the lights and decorations and visit festive places throughout the city. That is so much fun and it is so nostalgic and that’s what the holidays are all about.”
Trolleys leave from Mario’s East Side Saloon, 5442 Walnut St., Shadyside. Because there has been such a high demand, party buses have been added that leave from St. Clair Social, 302 S. St. Clair St., Friendship.
Trips are 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Tours are done on select days through Dec. 30. The cost is $79. Private tours are available. The weather may affect the schedule.
Details: eventbrite.com
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a TribLive reporter covering the region's diverse culinary scene and unique homes. She writes features about interesting people. The Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist began her career as a sports reporter. She has been with the Trib for 26 years and is the author of "A Daughter's Promise." She can be reached at jharrop@triblive.com.
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