NYC: Christmas Lights Tour in Midtown Manhattan

The NYC Christmas Lights Tour in Midtown Manhattan offers a enchanting way to experience the city’s festive spirit. Hop aboard a cozy rickshaw and let a knowledgeable guide lead you through the dazzling displays of Rockefeller Center, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Central Park. This 1.5 to 2-hour tour promises to fill you with holiday cheer, from the twinkling lights to the chance to indulge in hot cocoa. Whether you’re a local or visiting, this experience is sure to make your season bright.

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Key Points

The Christmas Lights Tour in Midtown Manhattan offers a 1.5 to 2-hour guided rickshaw ride through iconic holiday displays in the area.
The tour highlights festive window displays, the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, holiday lights at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and scenic views of Central Park.
Participants can enjoy photo opportunities at various attractions and purchase hot cocoa and seasonal treats during the tour.
The tour is not suitable for individuals with back problems or wheelchair users, and smoking is prohibited.
Customers can take advantage of a "Reserve now & pay later" option, a flexible cancellation policy, and the ability to capture festive sights with their cameras.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This 1.5 to 2-hour Christmas Lights Tour in Midtown Manhattan and Central Park allows visitors to experience the festive atmosphere of the city during the holiday season.

Starting at 190 Central Park S, the tour takes guests on a guided rickshaw ride through the heart of Midtown, showcasing the iconic Christmas displays at stores like Macy’s and Saks Fifth Avenue, Rockefeller Center’s tree and ice rink, and the holiday-adorned St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

The tour ends in the vibrant Times Square. Available in multiple languages, the experience includes blankets and canopies for warmth, as well as a knowledgeable guide.

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Highlights

The Christmas Lights Tour in Midtown Manhattan offers a captivating experience for visitors. Highlights include marveling at the festive window displays of iconic stores like Macy’s and Saks Fifth Avenue.

The tour also showcases the renowned Rockefeller Center Christmas tree and ice skating rink. Participants can admire the holiday lights adorning St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

The scenic views of Central Park transformed into a winter wonderland provide a magical backdrop. Throughout the tour, guests enjoy guided rickshaw rides, photo stops, and brief breaks for hot cocoa or festive treats.

Tour Features

The Christmas Lights Tour in Midtown Manhattan and Central Park includes several features to enhance the experience.

Guests ride in cozy rickshaws outfitted with blankets and canopies for warmth. A knowledgeable guide provides commentary, sharing stories and traditions about the festive displays.

Cozy rickshaws with blankets and canopies transport guests as a knowledgeable guide shares stories behind the festive holiday displays.

Stops are made for photo opportunities at iconic attractions like the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. Hot cocoa and seasonal treats can be purchased separately.

While not suitable for those with back problems or wheelchair users, the tour offers a delightful way to experience the magic of New York City’s holiday lights. Gratuities for the guide are optional.

Booking Information

Reserving a spot on the Christmas Lights Tour in Midtown Manhattan and Central Park is simple. Customers can use the "Reserve now & pay later" option, which allows them to secure their spot without upfront payment.

The tour has a flexible cancellation policy – free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

To prepare for the tour, guests should wear comfortable shoes and warm clothing, and bring a camera to capture the festive sights. Smoking isn’t permitted during the tour.

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Customer Reviews

Customers have provided mixed reviews for the Christmas Lights Tour in Midtown Manhattan and Central Park. The tour has an overall rating of 2.3/5 based on 3 reviews.

Positive feedback highlights the nice guide and enjoyable evening seeing the festive lights. However, some customers have criticized the high price for the limited tour scope, as well as issues with language barriers and safety concerns during the rickshaw ride.

While the tour offers unique access to iconic holiday displays, the lukewarm reviews suggest room for improvement in the overall tour experience and value.

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Getting to the Starting Location

Getting to the starting location for the Christmas Lights Tour in Midtown Manhattan is straightforward.

Reaching the Christmas Lights Tour’s starting point in Midtown Manhattan is a straightforward endeavor.

The tour departs from 190 Central Park S, which is conveniently located in the heart of Midtown. Visitors can easily reach the starting point via public transportation, with the nearest subway stations being 57th Street-Columbus Circle and 5th Avenue-53rd Street.

For those driving, there are several parking garages in the vicinity, though prices may be higher during the holiday season.

The tour concludes in Times Square, making it easy for participants to continue exploring the city’s festive sights and attractions.

What to Expect During the Tour

The Christmas Lights Tour in Midtown Manhattan offers a delightful way to experience the city’s festive holiday atmosphere.

Guests embark on a guided rickshaw ride, warmly bundled in blankets as they admire the twinkling lights and decorations. Along the way, the knowledgeable guide points out iconic landmarks like the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, Saks Fifth Avenue’s enchanting window displays, and the illuminated St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

Visitors can capture memorable photos at various stops and enjoy brief breaks for hot cocoa or seasonal treats.

The tour culminates in the vibrant energy of Times Square, leaving guests with a sense of holiday wonder.

Tips for an Enjoyable Experience

To ensure an enjoyable Christmas Lights Tour, visitors should dress warmly and wear comfortable, slip-resistant shoes.

The tour involves a guided rickshaw ride, so dressing in layers and bringing a hat and gloves is essential. Travelers should also bring a portable phone charger and be prepared to take photos along the way.

While blankets and canopies are provided, having an extra scarf or shawl can add an extra layer of warmth.

Finally, it’s important to arrive at the starting location on time to avoid missing the tour. Following these tips will help create a memorable holiday experience.

Ask Away

Can I Request a Specific Rickshaw Driver?

Unfortunately, you can’t request a specific rickshaw driver for this tour. The tour company assigns drivers to each rickshaw based on availability and scheduling. You can, however, provide feedback on your driver after the tour if you have any preferences.

How Long Does the Walking Portion of the Tour Last?

The tour does not involve a significant walking portion. It’s primarily a guided rickshaw tour, with brief stops for photo opportunities and brief breaks for hot cocoa or festive treats. The overall tour duration is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.

Are There Any Indoor Stops During the Tour?

The tour focuses on outdoor sights and experiences, with no indoor stops mentioned. The highlights include viewing festive window displays, the Rockefeller Center tree, and Central Park’s winter scenery, all from the comfort of a guided rickshaw tour.

Can I Bring My Own Snacks and Beverages?

You’re welcome to bring your own snacks and beverages on the tour, but they’re not included in the price. The tour focuses on seeing the Christmas lights, so there are no indoor stops where you can consume your own food and drinks.

Are There Discounts Available for Children or Seniors?

The tour doesn’t offer any discounts for children or seniors. The price is a flat rate of $180 per person, regardless of age. There’s no mention of reduced pricing options in the tour overview.

Final Words

The NYC Christmas Lights Tour in Midtown Manhattan is a delightful way to experience the magic of the holiday season. The guided rickshaw ride takes visitors through iconic festive displays, offering a cozy and informative journey. With the dazzling Rockefeller Center tree, enchanting window displays, and a stop for hot cocoa, this tour is a perfect outing for families and friends to enjoy the winter wonderland of New York City.