New York City during the holiday season is nothing short of magical. The entire city comes alive with twinkling lights, festive decorations, and an infectious spirit of joy. If you’re planning to immerse yourself in the holiday cheer, consider exploring the city through one of these fantastic Christmas tours in New York City.
Christmas Tours in New York City
Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes
This experience transports you to the heart of New York’s famed Radio City Music Hall for an unforgettable night during the annual Christmas Spectacular. The Rockettes, Santa Claus, and the Toy Soldiers come together to create a cherished holiday memory. As soon as you step inside, witness the incredible transformation of Radio City Music Hall’s stage into a sprawling, enchanting canvas. You’ll marvel as the magic of Christmas unfolds, spreading from the stage to encompass the ceiling and walls, enveloping you in a breathtaking display. Delight in the iconic Parade of the Wooden Soldiers, follow Santa’s magical journey to his North Pole workshop where playful rag dolls burst into life, and be moved by the re-enactment of the first Christmas in the Living Nativity. Each moment captures the essence of the season, weaving together cherished traditions and mesmerizing spectacles you’ll treasure forever. Find below more tours that combine The Rockettes spectacle with other exciting Christmas activities in New York!
Holiday Yacht Cruise with Jazz, Cocoa & Carols
This cruise tour invites you to celebrate the holiday season in opulent style aboard a luxurious 90-minute yacht journey through New York Harbor. Step into the toasty solarium of the yacht, lavishly adorned with festive décor, and relish a warm and intimate excursion with your dear friends, family, and loved ones. As you glide along, savor the delightful offerings of hot cocoa, cookies, and treats while taking in the sights of Battery Park, South Street Seaport, the Financial District, Governor’s Island, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island. Unwind in the heated main observation cabin, join the chorus in cheerful caroling, or groove to the tunes of a live jazz trio. Indulge in a complimentary glass of champagne, wine, or beer, and explore a variety of mixed drinks available at the onboard bar. Witness the stunning Manhattan skyline from the comfort of the heated back-deck salon and the glass-enclosed observatory of this 1920s-style yacht. Relax and revel in the beauty as the city unfolds its breathtaking views right before your eyes.
Holiday Jazz Classic Motor Yacht Cruise
This cruise offers a 90-minute journey along the Hudson River, showcasing the dazzling lights of New York City’s skyline. Inside the beautifully adorned yacht, like the Yacht Manhattan, Manhattan II, or Northern Lights, guests find themselves in a warm and festive solarium with an assortment of beverages, including champagne and hot cocoa, alongside delectable cookies and treats. Enhanced by the backdrop of live holiday jazz, the cruise passes by iconic sights such as Battery Park, South Street Seaport, the Financial District, Governors Island, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island. Relax in the cozy, heated salon or the enclosed observatory, soaking in panoramic views of the cityscape. Complimentary beer, wine, spiked hot cocoa, or champagne are available, with additional mixed drinks on offer, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the scenic cruise experience.
Dyker Heights Christmas Lights Tour
When searching for Christmas tours in New York City, there are numerous options that take you to see the famous Dyker Heights Christmas Lights in Brooklyn. I would suggest taking this tour that starts in Midtown Manhattan. You’ll travel along the Hudson River, learning about its history, and then cross the Battery Tunnel into Brooklyn. In Brooklyn, you’ll visit Dyker Heights, a place renowned for its amazing Christmas decorations. Residents there go all out with lights and decorations on their houses. Your guide will share stories about this tradition before giving you time to walk around, take pictures, and enjoy the sights. After that, you’ll hop back on the bus and head to the Brooklyn Bridge. You’ll have some time to take pictures and admire the fantastic views of Manhattan. The tour ends in Times Square, and you can ask your guide for tips on more things to do in New York City.
Radio City Music Hall Guided Backstage Tour
This guided tour takes you inside Radio City Music Hall, known as the Showplace of the Nation, where the Grammys and MTV Music Awards have found their home. It’s a place deeply rooted in American pop culture, honoring the legendary performers who’ve graced its stage. Situated in Rockefeller Center in midtown Manhattan, this iconic venue often hosts A-listers like Bon Jovi, Steve Harvey, and Janet Jackson. You’ll step into their world, venturing behind the scenes through the Stage Door.
4-Hour Christmas Lights Luxury Bus Tour
This guided bus tour offers a holiday adventure through New York City’s festive wonders. You’ll discover the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, relish the charm of Macy’s and Bergdorf’s Christmas displays, and take in breathtaking Manhattan vistas from Brooklyn Heights. Board the bus in NYC and head to Dyker Heights in Brooklyn for a dazzling Christmas lights display. Along the way, learn about the city’s holiday history while passing Chelsea, the Meatpacking District, and the High Line. Enjoy glimpses of the Statue of Liberty on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. Step off the bus to explore Dyker Heights’ enchanting lights before pausing at Brooklyn Heights Esplanade for a scenic Manhattan view. Then, you return to Rockefeller Center to conclude this delightful tour.
Sightseeing Holiday Cruise with Drink
This festive daytime sightseeing cruise, departing from Chelsea Piers, invites you to step aboard a classical 1920s-style yacht adorned in elegant holiday decor. Witness Lower Manhattan’s major sights—including the financial district, Ellis Island, and the Statue of Liberty—from the water’s perspective. Take in the breathtaking skyline views from the heated, glassed-in observatory or venture to the open deck for unobstructed panoramas and photo opportunities. Enjoy light narration by the captain and holiday tunes from the onboard sound system. Your experience includes one complimentary drink, with additional drinks and snacks available for purchase onboard via credit card. Relax in comfortable assigned seating within the heated grand salon as you revel in this delightful holiday cruise.
Weekend Holiday Brunch Cruise
This brunch cruise offers a delectable menu featuring a range of regional delights, making it an ideal way to embrace the holiday ambiance. Relax on a vintage-style motor yacht, taking in beautiful views of Manhattan and New York Harbor from inside the cozy salon or out on the open deck for great photos. Choose between a 2.75-hour tour on Yacht Manhattan II that circles the entire island, passing under 18 bridges, or a 2-hour ride on Yacht Northern Lights that gets up close to Lower Manhattan, Ellis Island, and the Statue of Liberty. Along the way, catch sights like Battery Park, the Financial District, Governor’s Island, One World Trade, and more! The longer tour also includes views of the Upper West Side, George Washington Bridge, South Street Seaport, Roosevelt Island, the United Nations Building, and the Williamsburg, Manhattan, and Brooklyn Bridges.
Holiday Train Show & Glow Tickets
At The New York Botanical Garden, you can immerse yourself in two enchanting holiday attractions. Celebrating its 30th year, the Holiday Train Show showcases over 175 iconic New York landmarks crafted from natural materials in the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory. Admire miniature trains navigating past familiar sights like the Statue of Liberty and Rockefeller Center. After sunset, NYBG GLOW transforms the Garden into an enchanting spectacle with a 1.5-mile colorful journey. Witness the historic buildings, including the Haupt Conservatory and the newly highlighted Mertz Library Building, aglow in vibrant hues and dazzling LED displays. Indulge in seasonal treats available for purchase, from hot cocoa to savory bites at outdoor bars and the Bronx Night Market Holiday Pop-Up. Enhancing the festive ambiance are artistic ice sculptures, live music, and surprise performances sprinkled throughout the Garden, making this a holiday experience filled with magic and wonder.
Christmas Eve Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Harbor Cruise
A seat aboard a Christmas Eve lunch or dinner cruise on the glass-enclosed Bateaux offers the pinnacle of holiday luxury on New York’s serene waters. Indulge in a sumptuous 3-course holiday meal prepared by the chef, complemented by a full bar service. Revel in an opulent setting with exquisite cuisine, elegant decor, and unmatched views, promising an unforgettable celebration. Experience inventive culinary delights, a refined wine selection, and live musical entertainment, creating an iconic New York experience. With breathtaking vistas of the city’s skyline, festive adornments, and curated melodies, the team ensures every detail is meticulously arranged, allowing you to cherish the holiday spirit surrounded by loved ones on the tranquil Hudson and East Rivers.
Christmas Holiday Tour of Manhattan
This tour commences at the doorstep of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, offering a unique opportunity to explore its adorned interior for the festive season. You’ll continue onwards to the famed Rockefeller Center, renowned for its iconic winter ice rink and enchanting Christmas tree. Discover the history behind this bustling hub of holiday fervor while capturing a memorable snapshot with the renowned tree. A leisurely stroll takes you to Radio City Music Hall, where the Rockettes craft daily enchantment. Then, you journey downtown to experience the Bryant Park Holiday Market and a delightful walk by the window displays of the prestigious 5th Avenue shops. The excursion concludes in front of Macy’s, delving into the storied history of the world’s largest department store. If you’re looking for Christmas Tours in New York City that will allow you to see the best of Manhattan at this festive period, this is definitely a great choice!
Holiday Lights Extravaganza Walking Tour
This fun-filled 3 to 4-hour walking excursion immerses you in the enchanting spirit of the season. Explore the grandeur of the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree adorned with thousands of miniature lights and a magnificent Swarovski crystal star. Wander through a plaza adorned with heralding angels, snowflakes, and towering toy soldiers. Delight in the dazzling holiday displays gracing famous retailer windows, sparkling with lights, bows, beads, and mesmerizing motorized decorations. This immersive tour promises a bustling exploration of Manhattan’s most stunning and festively decorated spots, making the most of your time while navigating the city’s vibrant streets using the efficient underground subway system.
For an unforgettable tour experience during the holiday season in the Big Apple, book your Christmas tours in New York well in advance; these experiences are immensely popular and tend to fill up quickly. Given their chilly winters, especially when exploring outdoor attractions, dress warmly with layered clothing to stay cozy throughout your adventure. These Christmas Tours in New York City will help to make your time in the city an extraordinary and cherished memory.
