Seasonal Highlights • 3 hours 5
(40)

NYC Holiday Magic: Christmas Lights, Markets & more

Explore NYC’s holiday highlights with a local, from Rockefeller Center's iconic tree to dazzling lights and Bryant Park’s Winter Village!

Avoid annoying a New Yorker by walking too slow or stopping in the middle of the sidewalk to take a picture!

What makes this experience special

Key highlights

  • Start your NYC holiday adventure under the glittering lights of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree.
  • For lovers of holiday displays, stroll up Fifth Avenue to marvel at the famous department store windows.
  • Bryant Park Winter Village is a must for market enthusiasts.
  • Time to see the lights like never before at Dyker Heights, where your host will guide you through streets decked out in jaw-dropping Christmas displays.
  • Feeling iconic? Swing by the Empire State Building for a glimpse of its festive lights to cap off this journey.

What to know before you go

Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.

3 hours
Fully tailored to your preferences
English Other languages may be requested

What’s included

Per person
Hosted experience lasting up to 3 hours
Private and tailored to your group only
Immersive walking experience between stops
Public transportation
Hotel meet-up (available on request for central locations)

What’s not included

Food and drinks
Tickets to any attractions
Additional transportation costs
Gratuities (optional)

Meeting point

Rockefeller Center, 45 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10111, USA

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience

What to bring

  • We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and carrying a light bag for your essentials.
  • Public transport may be used during the experience - please bring a travel card or small amount of cash for fares.

How your day could unfold

A flexible, unscripted experience designed entirely around your interests. Your host will adapt the day based on what excites you most

What you’ll do

What's better than Christmas? Christmas in New York! NYC is definitely one of my favorite spots to spend the holidays in. The snow makes the city look so magical, and there are tons of Christmas-themed things to do and see. So get ready for a holiday adventure through New York City that's bursting with festive vibes, twinkling lights, and magical moments! 

Your experience kicks off at one of the city's most iconic holiday spots—the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. Picture this: a towering evergreen decked out with thousands of sparkling lights, set against the backdrop of the famous ice rink. It's the kind of holiday magic you can't help but get swept up in. Snap a few photos of the tree in all its glittering glory, and if you're feeling daring, watch (or join!) the skaters as they glide across the ice beneath it. Classic New York winter moment, right?

Next, head up Fifth Avenue, where the city's famous department stores go all out with their jaw-dropping holiday window displays. In just a short 10-minute stroll, you'll find yourself surrounded by dazzling storefronts that have been transformed into elaborate holiday scenes. Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy's, and more bring the holiday spirit to life with fantastical displays full of shimmering lights, glittering snowflakes, and over-the-top decorations that'll make you feel like you've stepped into a holiday fairytale. Your host will make sure you catch every whimsical detail!

Just when you think it can't get any more festive, you'll arrive at Bryant Park Winter Village, NYC's ultimate holiday market. Think cozy wooden stalls filled with unique gifts, warm drinks, and the smell of freshly baked treats in the air. Wander through the market, picking out one-of-a-kind presents, or just sip on a hot chocolate as you take in the holiday cheer around you. There's even another ice rink here, so whether you're skating or just watching, it's all about soaking up that winter wonderland energy.

But wait, there's more! Hop on the subway for a short ride to Brooklyn's Dyker Heights, where the Christmas lights are nothing short of extra. Imagine entire blocks of houses decked out in every light, decoration, and inflatable holiday figure you can think of—this neighborhood doesn't do subtle when it comes to Christmas. We're talking glowing Santas, reindeer, and enough lights to turn night into day. Strolling through these streets, you'll feel like you're in a real-life holiday movie. And trust me, your host knows the best spots to hit for the most over-the-top displays.

On your way back, why not admire the iconic Empire State Building, illuminated with dazzling holiday lights? It's just a short walk from Macy's and offers a breathtaking view of the city, especially during the festive season. It's the perfect way to cap off your festive adventure in the Big Apple.

Throughout the evening, your local host will be there to guide you through all the holiday magic, making sure you uncover all the hidden gems and festive treats along the way. This experience is all about making your NYC holiday one for the memory books! Remember to take lots of photos!

1. Select a date
2. Select start time
3. Tailor your experience
Answer a few quick questions to help your host craft the perfect day tailored to you.
1. What’s your preferred hosting style?
2. How would you like the pace of your day?
3. What’s your walking comfort level?
4. Are you celebrating something special?

Real Stories, Real Connections

See our hosts and guests creating memories

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What travelers think of our USA experiences

Brooke Dec 2024

Private Christmas tour in NYC with Ross was amazing. He customized the tour toward my family’s interests and we saw EVERYTHING we wanted to see. He was patient with the crowds and made changes at our request. Highly recommended!!!

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Jeannette Dec 2024

Olga definitely made our first experience to NYC very memorable and would recommend her for more tours.

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Tony Dec 2022

We had a great time and Denise showed us around, had a great time! Would recommend!

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Soeren Nov 2022

Good to have a person that has so much knowledge on the area.

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Rosa Dec 2021

Mei was a truly amazing guide, she tailored the trip to our needs and age group, she took us through public transportation and taught us how to use the subway, it was wonderful and interesting we experienced NY like locals do. She is friendly, easy to talk to and she makes sure your trip is memorable. Thank you Mei for everything. (bonus she takes amazing pictures)

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Julia Dec 2019

ES UNA EXPERIENCIA ÚNICA , TE ACOMPAÑA POR TODO EL BARRIO FUIMOS EL DÍA 28 DE NOVIEMBRE CUANDO AUN NO ESTABAN TODAS LAS CASAS ENCENDIDAS EL GUÍA AVANZABA PARA PARA BUSCAR LAS CASAS QUE ESTABAN ENCENDIDAS MIENTRAS NOSOTROS TOMÁBAMOS FOTOS Y ASÍ GANAR TIEMPO EN TODO MOMENTO FUE MUY AMABLE Y ATENTO, HICIMOS EL TOUR EN INGLES PUES EN ESA FECHA NO HABÍA EN ESPAÑOL . AUNQUE NO PUDIMOS VER TODAS LAS CASAS CON LO QUE VIMOS FUE MAS QUE SUFICIENTE Y CREO QUE ESA FECHAS ES MEJOR QUE OTRAS PUES ESTÁBAMOS SOLOS, CUANDO EN FECHA PUNTA AQUELLO SE LLENA DE GENTE Y CUENTA MUCHO HACERSE LAS FOTOS, AL FINAL DEL TOUR EL GUÍA YA ERA COMO DE LA FAMILIA , RECOMIENDO ESTA EXPERIENCIA Y REPETIRÍA.

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