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New York City Christmas activities

Our most recommended New York City Christmas activities

NYC: Ice Skating at Rockefeller Center with Skate Rental

1. NYC: Ice Skating at Rockefeller Center with Skate Rental

Experience the world-famous ice rink located at the iconic Rockefeller Center. See the square known for hosting one of the largest Christmas trees each year. Enjoy a complimentary ice skating rental with this ticket. First, head downtown New York City to West 49th and 50th streets, where you'll be transported back to the golden age of New York. Enter the rink area, first built in 1936. Head over to the rental desk and get ready to glide on the ice. Then, step out on the ice, where Buddy the Elf skated. Enjoy your skate around the rink with a close-up view of the 18-foot Prometheus, created by Paul Manship, and the 193 flags that represent the different nations around the world. Finally, finish up your skate in front of the infamous 30 Rockefeller building, where the comedy series 30 Rock is set. Take a break and enjoy a warm drink or snack at the Rink Lounge, available to all skaters.

From Manhattan: Dyker Heights Holiday Bus Tour

2. From Manhattan: Dyker Heights Holiday Bus Tour

Embark on a holiday bus tour taking you through the residential neighborhoods of Bay Ridge and Dyker Heights to see their brilliant Christmas decorations. Hop off your bus to see these homes up close on a guided walking tour. Marvel at tree-lined streets and lit up private residences decorated for the holiday season. Learn about the neighborhoods' long-lasting holiday traditions from your local guide. Learn how it has been a tradition for many years to illuminate these homes with tens of thousands of lights and dazzling holiday scenes. Now, it has become a festive competition amongst the homeowners as to who has the "brightest" holiday cheer in the neighborhood. Then, walk through these neighborhoods on a guided tour, hearing the stories and wonderful lore behind this fun holiday event. You may even meet some of the homeowners and hear about how these neighborhoods come together in such a way to bring such holiday magic to New York City. On your way back to Manhattan, see the spectacular New York City skyline and some of the other festive holiday displays throughout the city. At the end of your tour, be dropped off in Midtown Manhattan.

New York City: Dyker Heights Christmas Lights Tour

3. New York City: Dyker Heights Christmas Lights Tour

Your tour begins in Midtown Manhattan. From there you will head towards the western part of Manhattan along the Hudson River as you learn about its history. You will then cross the Battery Tunnel, which will take you directly to the borough of Brooklyn. Once you are in Brooklyn you'll head to the Dyker Heights district; an Italian-American neighborhood famous for its elaborate houses and gardens. Each year residents compete with each other to make out of the ordinary Christmas decorations, illuminations, and displays. Your tour guide will tell you about the origin and history of this tradition, before giving you free time to walk the streets to admire and take pictures of the houses. Once you have finished the tour of the neighborhood, you will get back on the bus to go to the Brooklyn Bridge. There you will enjoy the different viewpoints, with more free time to take pictures of the spectacular views of Manhattan. Finally, you will return to Times Square where the tour ends. You can feel free to ask your guide for recommendations on what else you can do to enjoy your visit to New York City.

From Manhattan: 4-Hour Brooklyn Christmas Magic Tour

4. From Manhattan: 4-Hour Brooklyn Christmas Magic Tour

Combine the fun of a hop-on hop-off and a guided walking tour on your visit to the neighborhoods of Dyker Heights and Dumbo in Brooklyn. Look at blocks and blocks of Christmas lights decorated for the holiday season. Witness nativity displays, nutcrackers, inflatable Santas, garlands, lights, and more. Start from midtown Manhattan and head out to Dyker Heights where you will hop off the vehicle and walk around. Experience the most magical neighborhood in New York City with the biggest display of Christmas lights in full splendor. After getting into the holiday spirit, continue to another spectacular section of Brooklyn, Dumbo, to take a stroll under the Brooklyn Bridge and photograph the skyline of Manhattan.  Finish your night by returning to Times Square Hotel in Manhattan.

From Manhattan: 4-Hour Christmas Lights Luxury Bus Tour

5. From Manhattan: 4-Hour Christmas Lights Luxury Bus Tour

Discover the magic of the holiday season in New York City on a guided bus day trip. See the world-famous Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center. Get into the spirit of the season as you see the Christmas windows of Macy’s and Bergdorf. Stop in Brooklyn Heights for views of the Manhattan Skyline. Hop aboard the bus at a centrally-located meeting point in NYC. Journey out to the astounding Christmas light of Dyker Heights, Brooklyn. Ride along the streets of Manhattan and listen to your licensed guide who will entertain you with the rich Yule history of New York City along the way. Travel through Chelsea and the Meatpacking District, past the famous High Line and then down along the West Side Highway. On this tour, learn and see more than you expected.  Emerging from the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel, ride along the Brooklyn Queens Expressway viewing the waterfront, and the expansive vista of New York Harbor. The Statue of Liberty will be visible off to your right. After a short ride, leave the bus and tour Dyker Heights on foot for about an hour. The lights in the Heights range from tasteful displays created by local homeowners to extensive professionally imagined lighting extravaganzas. No matter what your take on Christmas lights there will be something for you to enjoy.   After you leave the Heights, make a brief stop at the famous Brooklyn Heights Esplanade to view the movie-like vista of the lower Manhattan Skyline and Brooklyn Bridge. There will be more to see as you make your way over Manhattan Bridge back through Manhattan, ending up at the centerpiece of New York's holiday delights, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. On arrival at the tree, your tour will end.

New York City: Holiday Jazz Classic Motor Yacht Cruise

6. New York City: Holiday Jazz Classic Motor Yacht Cruise

Join this special holiday cruise and step inside a toasty solarium in full holiday decor for a 90-minute cruise to see the lights of New York City. Cruise the Hudson River and enjoy views of Manhattan's skyline Champagne, hot cocoa, and other beverages are available. Cookies and treats for all guests will be included. Enjoy your evening with friends or a loved one and enjoy this live holiday jazz trio. Sit back and enjoy the gorgeous view of the island from the heated back deck salon of this 1920s style yacht. On this 90 minute cruise, take in picturesque views from your glassed-in observatory. Sights along the way include: - The Yacht Manhattan or Manhattan II in full holiday decor - Cocoa, cookies and live holiday jazz - Battery Park, South Street Seaport and the Financial District - Governor's Island, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island A complimentary beer, wine, spiked hot cocoa or Champagne from the bar is offered on all trips. Mixed drinks are available for purchase.

From Manhattan: 4-Hour Dyker Heights Holiday Lights Bus Tour

7. From Manhattan: 4-Hour Dyker Heights Holiday Lights Bus Tour

Experience Christmas in New York City on a comfortable bus tour of Dyker Heights, world-known for its luminous light displays. Witness the festive decoration tradition that the residents have kept alive since the 1980s. Drive from Manhattan to Brooklyn. Enjoy this lively Italian-American neighborhood with your tour guide. Due to narrow streets, buses are not allowed in Dyker Heights, so hop off the bus and follow your guide to the two most illuminated streets in the area. See Lucy Spata's house, which started the tradition of Dyker Lights in the '80s. Walk along the most spectacularly decorated houses. Next, stop at the Brooklyn Bridge in DUMBO/Brooklyn Heights. Enjoy the view of the Manhattan Skyline and the Brooklyn Bridge for about 25 minutes. Return via the Manhattan Bridge. End the experience at Bryant Park, where you can visit its famous winter market on your own.

NYC: Christmas Day Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Harbor Cruise

8. NYC: Christmas Day Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Harbor Cruise

Experience the magic of the season on a luxurious Christmas Day gourmet brunch or dinner cruise aboard New York’s glass-enclosed Bateaux, Manhattan’s most premium experience on the water. You and your guests will enjoy a holiday 3-course, plated brunch or dinner freshly prepared by a chef. Savor an exquisite dining experience where delectable cuisine, elegant decor, and stunning views will make for an unforgettable experience. Imaginative culinary creations, top-class wine list, and musical entertainment combine to create the ultimate New York indulgence. While onboard, experience exceptional views of New York City’s iconic skyline from an incredibly unique perspective, live entertainment, and festive décor. Celebrate the holidays on the Hudson and East Rivers with your friends and family. Sample Brunch Menu: STARTER (CHOICE OF ONE) BEET & BABY ARUGULA SALAD (G*)(V) Feta Cheese | Cherry Tomatoes | Balsamic Vinaigrette GREEK YOGURT & GRANOLA PARFAIT (G*)(V) Chobani Non-Fat Greek Yogurt | Honey Granola | Fresh Blueberries and Strawberries MAIN (CHOICE OF ONE) SCRAMBLED EGGS (G*) Nueske's Applewood Triple-Thick Cut Bacon | New Red Potatoes & Cauliflower Hash | Arugula Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette & Red Onions BRIOCHE FRENCH TOAST (V) Stuffed with Nutella Cream | Fresh Strawberries | Maple Syrup (Contains Nuts) OVEN-ROASTED CHICKEN BREAST WITH ROSEMARY & THYME Roasted New Red Potato Salad with Scallions | Haricot Verts | Creamy Mushroom Sauce DESSERT (CHOICE OF ONE) SIGNATURE CHOCOLATE CAKE (V) Creme Anglaise | Raspberry Coulis | Candied Pecans (Contains Nuts) MIXED FRUIT WITH STRAWBERRIES (G*)(VG)(V) Madagascar Vanilla and Orange Cream NEW YORK STYLE CHEESECAKE (V)(N) Lemon Mascarpone Cream | Blueberry Compote **May contain Nuts Sample Dinner Menu: STARTER (CHOICE OF ONE - ALL STARTERS ACCOMPANIED BY FRESH BREAD AND BUTTER) BEET & BABY ARUGULA SALAD (G*)(V) Feta Cheese | Cherry Tomatoes | Balsamic Vinaigrette SIGNATURE SEAFOOD CHOWDER (G*) Clams | Idaho Potatoes | Cream MAIN (CHOICE OF ONE) TURKEY DINNER Garlic Mashed Potato | Traditional Stuffing | Haricot Verts | Turkey Gravy | Cranberry Sauce BROILED SALMON FILET WITH ROASTED TOMATO VINAIGRETTE Lemon Orzo | Farm Fresh Seasonal Vegetables BRAISED BEEF SHORT RIBS WITH FRESNO PEPPER DEMI GLACE (G*) Garlic Mashed Potatoes | Baby Carrots, Broccoli FALL VEGETABLE RAGU (G*)(V)(VG) Butternut Squash | Brussel Sprouts | Cauliflower | Carrots | White Bean Ragu DESSERT (CHOICE OF ONE) HORNBLOWER SIGNATURE CHOCOLATE CAKE (V) Creme Anglaise | Raspberry Coulis | Candied Pecans | (Contains Nuts) MIXED FRUIT WITH STRAWBERRIES (G*)(VG)(V) Madagascar Vanilla and Orange Cream NEW YORK STYLE CHEESECAKE (V) Lemon Marscapone Cream | Blueberry Compote | (Contains Nuts)

Harlem Gospel Holiday Celebration Concert

9. Harlem Gospel Holiday Celebration Concert

Add another dimension to your holiday visit to New York and take in an authentic gospel concert in Harlem. Enjoy an unforgettable hour of Black gospel music on December 24th and Christmas Day (December 25th)! This compelling music is sure to have you clapping your hands and stomping your feet, along with all the others in attendance. You may even end up singing along to the soulful rhythms of Black gospel music that will fill the church on these 2 days. The Holiday Gospel Concert will bring joy to your heart and soul. Gospel music is powerfully uplifting and something that everyone should have the opportunity to experience.

NYC: Dyker Heights Christmas Lights & Skyline View Bus Tour

10. NYC: Dyker Heights Christmas Lights & Skyline View Bus Tour

Get into the Christmas spirit, the most wonderful time of the year, in New York City's borough of Brooklyn on a bus tour through Dyker Heights. Be charmed by the spectacular holiday decorations, the neighborhood's glittering lights, and festive displays. Your guide will take you on the bus from Midtown Manhattan to the Brooklyn neighborhood of Dyker Heights. Along the way, the guide will tell you some great New York stories. On the way to the Christmas Lights, stop for a bathroom break and a photo op of the sunset over the Hudson River and the Statue of Liberty. Once arrived in Dyker Heights, you will get off the bus and the guide will show you the most beautiful and spectacular houses in this wonderful Brooklyn neighborhood. On your way back to Manhattan, the bus will make a photo stop at Brooklyn Bridge Park, where you will get off the bus for a breathtaking view of the Manhattan skyline and the Brooklyn Bridge. From there, make your way back along the East River with an astonishing view of Williamsburg, the Brooklyn skyline, Long Island City, the Queens skyline, the Empire State Building, and the Midtown Manhattan Skyline as well as the famous Queensboro Bridge. Your tour will end close to one of the most beautiful New York City holiday markets, the Winter Village at Bryant Park. Feel the magical atmosphere Christmas brings as you drive through the many neighborhoods and experience New York in a new way.

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What people are saying about New York City

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 629 reviews

The excursion is very nice, the neighborhood is a super quiet area and as an experience since you go at Christmas I think it is essential to go.

Rachel was a great guide and we got to see and learn about places that we would have never seen otherwise. Highly recommend.

The experience was amazing along with the transport and guides knowledge.

the Host was excellent..had so much Intel and his voice was amazing

One of the best experiences of 2023 for me. Truly unique!