New York City transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season, and the Holiday Lights Tour is a must-do experience. Featuring the iconic Rockefeller Christmas Tree, this 2-hour excursion takes visitors on a guided exploration of Midtown’s dazzling displays. From the enchanting window decorations at Tiffany & Co. to the mesmerizing light shows at Saks Fifth Avenue, the tour captures the spirit of the season. With a subway ride included, this adventure promises to create unforgettable memories for those seeking to enjoy the magic of New York City’s festive celebrations.

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Key Points

This 2-hour holiday lights tour in Midtown Manhattan showcases the iconic Rockefeller Christmas Tree, Saks Fifth Avenue light show, and classic window displays.
The tour includes a guided exploration of the festive sights and a subway ride to avoid street traffic.
Highlights of the tour include photo stops at 10-minute intervals and a lively NYC-themed holiday playlist during the subway ride.
The tour is led by a licensed, professional guide who provides insights into the city’s iconic holiday traditions.
The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or those with non-folding strollers, and a Metrocard is required for the subway ride.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The New York: Holiday Lights Tour with Rockefeller Tree is a 2-hour excursion that allows visitors to enjoy the festive atmosphere of Midtown Manhattan.

Priced from $49 per person, the tour departs from the New York Public Library and ends at the iconic Rockefeller Center.

Featuring a guided exploration of the area’s iconic holiday displays, the tour includes a subway ride to avoid street traffic and enjoy holiday music.

Guests can expect to see the Rockefeller Christmas Tree, Saks Fifth Avenue’s light show, and classic window displays.

The tour is suitable for most travelers, with the exception of wheelchair users and those with non-folding strollers.

Looking for more options in New York City? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Itinerary Highlights

Key stops on the New York: Holiday Lights Tour include the iconic Rockefeller Christmas Tree, the mesmerizing light show at Saks Fifth Avenue, and the charming mechanical window displays of renowned retailers like Tiffany & Co. and Bergdorf Goodman.

The tour also visits St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Macy’s Herald Square. Photo stops at each location allow 10 minutes to capture the festive holiday atmosphere.

To avoid street traffic, the tour includes a subway ride accompanied by a NYC-themed holiday playlist.

Tour Experience

Guided by a licensed, professional tour guide, the New York: Holiday Lights Tour immerses visitors in the festive spirit of the city’s neighborhoods.

The tour’s atmosphere captures the essence of the holidays, with:

Encounters with Santa Claus and toy soldiers add to the whimsical experience, while a NYC-themed playlist creates a lively ambiance.

Encounters with Santa Claus and toy soldiers adding to the whimsical experience
A NYC-themed holiday playlist playing during the included subway ride, creating a lively ambiance
Photo opportunities at the best locations to capture the dazzling Midtown Christmas lights
Discovering the stories behind the iconic sights, from the Rockefeller Christmas Tree to the mechanical window displays.

Additional Information

Although the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users and non-folding strollers, guests will need to purchase a $2.90 Metrocard per person for the included subway ride. Gratuity for the guide is not included in the tour price. The following table outlines additional details:

| Criteria | Details |

|———–|———|

| Suitable Guests | Not suitable for wheelchair users and non-folding strollers |

| Gratuity | Not included in tour price |

| Metrocard | $2.90 per person required for subway ride |

The tour offers a memorable holiday experience in New York City, showcasing the festive lights and attractions of Midtown Manhattan.

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Customer Feedback

What do customers have to say about the New York: Holiday Lights Tour? Based on 6 reviews, the tour receives an outstanding 5/5 overall rating.

Reviewers praise the professionalism and knowledge of the tour guides, who expertly navigate the festive neighborhoods and provide fascinating insights into New York’s history.

Customers highlight the tour’s ability to capture the holiday spirit, with:

Encounters with Santa Claus and toy soldiers
Subway rides accompanied by a NYC-themed holiday playlist
Numerous photo opportunities to capture the dazzling Midtown Christmas lights

There's plenty more to explore in New York City

Booking and Logistics

To book the New York: Holiday Lights Tour, customers can reserve their spot online and pay later, avoiding any upfront payment.

The 2-hour tour departs from the New York Public Library and ends at Rockefeller Center. Reservations can be made in advance, with free cancellation up to 24 hours prior for a full refund.

The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or non-folding strollers. Participants will need to purchase a $2.90 Metrocard for the included subway ride.

Gratuity for the licensed, professional tour guide isn’t included in the tour price.

Explore More of New York City

After exploring the festive holiday lights and sights of Midtown Manhattan on the tour, visitors can venture out to discover even more of New York City’s iconic attractions and landmarks.

From the towering Empire State Building to the vibrant Times Square, the opportunities for sightseeing are endless.

Visitors can also:

Visit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum to learn about the city’s resilience
Stroll through the charming streets of Greenwich Village and SoHo
Admire the impressive architecture at Grand Central Terminal
Take a ferry ride to the Statue of Liberty for panoramic city views

FAQ

Do Tour Guides Provide Recommendations for Dinner and Nightlife?

The tour guides may provide recommendations for dinner and nightlife, as they have expertise on the local area. However, the focus of this particular tour is on experiencing New York’s holiday light displays and attractions.

Can the Tour Accommodate Vegetarian or Gluten-Free Diets?

The tour doesn’t provide any meals, but the guide can recommend nearby vegetarian and gluten-free friendly restaurants to visit on your own before or after the tour. Special dietary needs can be accommodated with advance notice.

Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?

Photography is allowed and encouraged throughout the tour. Guests can capture the festive holiday displays and attractions at the key stops along the itinerary to create lasting memories of the experience.

How Many People Are Typically in a Tour Group?

Tour group sizes typically range from small intimate groups to larger parties, accommodating up to 25 participants. The specific group size may vary depending on the time of year and demand for the tour.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

While no student or senior discounts are explicitly mentioned, this tour may offer reduced rates for certain groups. It’s best to check with the tour provider directly to inquire about any available discounts.

Sum Up

The Holiday Lights Tour offers a magical way to experience the festive spirit of New York City. Explore dazzling holiday displays, marvel at the iconic Rockefeller Christmas Tree, and learn about the city’s enchanting atmosphere. This guided tour provides a convenient and engaging way to capture the essence of the holiday season in the Big Apple.