New York City is a renowned destination for its enchanting holiday festivities. The Christmas Holiday Lights and Markets Walking Tour offers travelers a chance to enjoy the city’s festive atmosphere. Led by knowledgeable guides, you will explore iconic sights, discover traditional holiday markets, and browse unique crafts and gourmet foods amidst the dazzling lights. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this three-hour experience promises to capture the magic of the season in the heart of Manhattan.

Contents show

Key Points

Approximately 3-hour guided walking tour exploring Manhattan’s holiday sights, including Rockefeller Center, Christmas markets, and department store window displays.
Tour features visits to four traditional Christmas markets, offering opportunities to browse locally crafted arts and specialty foods.
Priced at $59 per person with free cancellation up to 24 hours before, catering to a maximum of 30 travelers.
Led by a professional guide, the tour is not wheelchair accessible and requires moderate physical fitness.
Overall positive traveler feedback, with recommendations to visit on weeknights to avoid crowds and praise for knowledgeable and friendly guides.

Tour Overview

This New York City Christmas Holiday Lights and Markets Walking Tour offers an approximately 3-hour exploration of Manhattan’s festive holiday sights and activities.

Starting at 3:00 PM, the tour accommodates up to 30 travelers and is priced at $59 per person. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour.

The experience includes visits to four traditional holiday markets, access to department store window displays, and optional traditional Christmas food and drinks.

The tour is led by a professional guide with insider knowledge, but it is not wheelchair accessible and requires moderate physical fitness.

Here are more experiences we've reviewed in New York City

Explore the Holiday Lights

The tour begins with a stroll through Manhattan’s dazzling holiday lights and window displays.

Guides lead visitors to famous landmarks like Rockefeller Center, where the iconic Christmas tree stands tall, its lights twinkling brightly.

Nearby, department stores showcase intricate and whimsical window displays, transporting onlookers into festive winter wonderlands.

Along the way, the group passes by filming locations from classic Christmas movies, learning the stories behind these iconic settings.

With an insider’s perspective, the tour provides a unique opportunity to experience the city’s most celebrated holiday traditions and sights.

Discover the Christmas Markets

After exploring the dazzling holiday lights, the tour then guides visitors to four traditional Christmas markets throughout Manhattan.

At these festive marketplaces, attendees can shop for locally crafted arts, crafts, and specialty foods.

The tour highlights include the iconic Bryant Park Winter Village, the Columbus Circle Holiday Market, the Union Square Holiday Market, and the Grand Central Terminal Holiday Fair.

With ample time allocated for browsing, the markets offer a unique opportunity to take in the city’s vibrant holiday spirit and find distinctive gifts for loved ones.

Shop for Local Crafts and Specialty Foods

Visitors to the markets can explore an array of locally crafted arts, handmade goods, and gourmet specialty foods.

From intricate holiday ornaments and handwoven scarves to artisanal cheeses and spiced ciders, the markets offer a diverse selection of unique, high-quality items.

Shoppers can browse the stalls, interact with the talented local vendors, and discover one-of-a-kind gifts and treats.

The experience allows visitors to support the local community while finding truly special items that capture the festive spirit of the season.

With ample time allocated, guests can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and discover their perfect holiday treasures.

See Famous Christmas Movie Locations

Along With exploring the holiday markets and window displays, the New York City Christmas Tour also allows participants to see famous filming locations from beloved Christmas movies. Some of the notable spots include:

Location	Featured Movie
Rockefeller Center	Elf
Bryant Park	Serendipity
Grand Central Terminal	The Polar Express

These iconic New York landmarks have been the backdrop for many classic Christmas films, providing a unique opportunity for tour-goers to enjoy the festive spirit of the city. By visiting these locations, participants can step into the scenes they’ve watched on the silver screen and capture the magic of the holiday season in the Big Apple.

Into exploring New York City on foot? Check out these other walking experiences we've looked at

Highlights of the Tour

Although the New York City Christmas Tour offers a range of engaging experiences, its primary highlights include exploring the city’s renowned holiday lights and markets.

Visitors can marvel at the magnificent window displays of department stores while strolling through traditional Christmas markets, where they can shop for locally crafted arts, crafts, and specialty foods.

The tour also includes visits to iconic locations such as Rockefeller Center, Bryant Park, and Grand Central Terminal, providing opportunities to see famous filming locations from beloved Christmas movies.

With knowledgeable guides and ample time for exploration, the tour immerses participants in the festive spirit of New York City.

What to Expect on the Tour

The New York City Christmas Tour offers a well-structured itinerary that allows participants to enjoy the city’s enchanting holiday atmosphere.

Guided by knowledgeable local experts, the tour takes visitors on a journey through iconic landmarks, such as Rockefeller Center and Grand Central Terminal, showcasing the city’s magnificent window displays and traditional Christmas markets.

Attendees can look forward to:

Exploring the festive ambiance and shopping for unique, locally-sourced gifts and treats
Witnessing famous filming locations from beloved Christmas movies
Visiting the oldest Christmas shop in NYC, the Christmas Cottage
Savoring optional traditional holiday fare and warm beverages
Navigating the city with ease, using the recommended Metro Subway card.

Traveler Feedback and Recommendations

How have travelers responded to the New York City Christmas Tour? Based on 51 reviews, the overall rating is 4.4 out of 5.

Travelers praise the knowledgeable and friendly guides who share stories about the city’s Christmas traditions. However, some have noted issues with group separation and communication.

The tour is recommended for weeknights to avoid crowds. While not wheelchair accessible, the tour does require moderate physical fitness.

Hosts are responsive to feedback and aim to address any concerns. The tour provides an opportunity to explore Manhattan’s holiday lights, markets, and famous filming locations during the festive season.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Weather Like During the Tour?

The weather during the tour can vary greatly, as it takes place in New York City during the winter months. Participants should dress warmly and be prepared for cold temperatures, potential snow or rain, and wind.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

There are no age restrictions specified for this tour. It is suitable for travelers of all ages, though moderate physical fitness is required. Children must be accompanied by an adult throughout the experience.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

The tour does not explicitly prohibit bringing your own food and drinks. However, the tour provides optional access to Christmas markets and traditional Christmas foods and warm drinks, which may be a preferred experience. Check with the tour provider for any specific guidelines.

How Much Walking Is Involved During the Tour?

The tour involves moderate physical fitness and a significant amount of walking. Guests should expect to be on their feet for the majority of the 3-hour duration, exploring the various holiday markets and sights throughout Manhattan.

Can I Take Photos During the Tour?

Participants are generally permitted to take photos during the tour. However, it’s important to be mindful of other travelers and avoid disrupting the group. Check with the tour guide for any specific photography guidelines or restrictions.

The Sum Up

The New York City Christmas Holiday Lights and Markets Walking Tour offers a delightful 3-hour experience to immerse in the city’s festive atmosphere. Visitors can marvel at iconic holiday sights, browse local markets for unique crafts and gourmet foods, and even discover famous Christmas movie locations, all while enjoying the dazzling display of seasonal lights. This tour provides a comprehensive and memorable way to experience the magic of a New York City Christmas.