The former urban Dunedin bus was built in 1981 and spent nearly 30 years servicing the city's residents before it was retired in October last year.
But Otago Heritage Bus Society Incorporated chairman Philip Riley said the vehicle had been dusted off and given the necessary safety checks, so it could go back into service on Christmas Day.
Public transport traditionally comes to a grinding halt on Christmas Day as bus drivers take a well-earned break.
Mr Riley said Leyland Leopard 194 was scheduled to travel passenger routes between St Clair, the Octagon and Normanby - one of Dunedin's most popular routes.
It would be especially popular for passengers from the cruise ships Volendam and Sea Princess which will be in Dunedin on Christmas Day, he said.
The service will depart St Clair on the hour, and from Normanby on the half hour between 9am and 7.45pm.
The last service will terminate at Cargill's Corner at 7.55pm.
Mr Riley said the service had been approved by the Otago Regional Council and would be operated by volunteer bus drivers.
Travel would be by gold-coin donation, and all proceeds from the service would go towards further restoration projects of the Otago Heritage Bus Society, he said.
