Christmas in New York: Holiday Lights&Rockefeller Tree Tour

If you’re dreaming of a holiday season that sparkles and feels truly special, the Christmas in New York: Holiday Lights & Rockefeller Tree Tour might just be what you’re looking for. This 40-minute guided excursion offers a quick but immersive taste of New York City’s most iconic holiday sights, perfect for those wanting a festive experience without hours of walking or waiting in line.

What makes this tour stand out? First, we appreciate how it packs multiple legendary landmarks into a manageable timeframe, making it ideal for travelers with a busy schedule. Second, the lively commentary and insider stories help bring the city’s holiday traditions to life, adding depth to each stop.

However, it’s worth noting that the tour’s brief duration means it’s more of a snapshot than an in-depth exploration. If you’re after a longer, more relaxed visit, you might want to supplement this with additional activities.

This tour is best suited for couples, families, and friends eager to soak up New York’s holiday spirit in a festive, guided setting. It’s especially good for first-time visitors wanting a memorable introduction to NYC’s Christmas splendor without the hassle of planning every detail.

Key Points

• Short but Sweet: A 40-minute guided tour that hits all the highlights of NYC at Christmas.
• Iconic Landmarks: See the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, Fifth Avenue displays, and the Empire State Building.
• Festive Atmosphere: Enjoy lively commentary, holiday trivia, and insider stories.
• Includes Major Stops: Bryant Park’s Winter Village, Rockefeller Center, and Macy’s holiday windows.
• Flexible Timing: Usually available in the afternoon, evening, and night.
• Value for Money: At $112, it offers a well-rounded holiday experience for a reasonable price.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Inside Look at the Tour Itinerary

This tour begins in Times Square, where the electric buzz of billboards and cherub-lit streets sets an unmistakably festive tone. The guide’s commentary adds a layer of warmth and context that turns a visual spectacle into a story about New York’s holiday traditions. Expect lively chatter about the city’s famed holiday decorations and some fun trivia to kick things off.

Next, you’ll head over to Herald Square to marvel at Macy’s Christmas windows. These windows have been a Christmas tradition for over a century, showcasing whimsical and animated holiday scenes that enchant both children and adults alike. We loved the way the windows bring stories to life, making you feel like you’ve stepped into a holiday fairy tale.

The tour then takes you to Bryant Park’s Winter Village, transforming a bustling park into a holiday wonderland. Here, a towering Christmas tree, twinkling lights, and the charming holiday market create a cozy scene perfect for photos. If you’re interested in ice skating, it’s a strong recommendation, but note that skating isn’t included in the tour itself.

Passing by the Empire State Building, lit up in festive red and green, offers an opportunity to snap some photos of one of New York’s most recognizable skyscrapers. It’s a reminder of how the city’s architecture becomes part of the holiday display each year.

The highlight for many will be the walk along Fifth Avenue, famed for its extravagant window displays. Saks Fifth Avenue’s light show is particularly spectacular, and Tiffany & Co., Cartier, and Bergdorf Goodman each decorate their storefronts in ways that make window shopping feel like a trip through an art gallery.

Finally, the tour culminates at Rockefeller Center, home to the world-famous Christmas tree. Standing beneath this shimmering spectacle with over 50,000 lights is an experience that truly captures NYC’s holiday spirit. The guide ensures you have plenty of time to admire and photograph the scene, and the view of the ice rink adds to the magic.

What You Can Expect During the Tour

The 40-minute guided experience is designed to maximize your time in the city, giving you a taste of everything while keeping the pace lively. The guided aspect means you’ll hear stories, fun facts, and traditions that deepen your understanding of New York’s holiday customs.

You’ll ride or stroll past iconic landmarks like the Empire State Building, dressed in holiday colors, making for fantastic photo opportunities. The walk along Fifth Avenue is particularly special at night when all the windows are lit up with elaborate displays, a tradition that draws thousands each year.

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is the tour’s climax — a sight that many travelers describe as breathtaking. You’ll get close enough to appreciate the craftsmanship and the sheer scale of the tree. The lights and decorations create a festive canopy that embodies the essence of Christmas in New York.

Throughout the tour, the atmosphere is lively and cheerful. The tour is available in multiple languages, including English, French, Spanish, Italian, German, Dutch, and Portuguese, making it accessible for international visitors. Plus, if you’re traveling with a group, the private tour option offers a personalized experience.

The Value of the Tour

At $112 per person, this tour offers good value for a curated, guided experience that touches on the city’s most beloved holiday sights. It’s a quick snapshot rather than an exhaustive exploration, but that’s what makes it perfect for visitors who want a concentrated dose of Christmas cheer without fussing over transportation or navigating on their own.

Included in this price are the guided tour, visits to Rockefeller Center, Fifth Avenue, Bryant Park, and the Macy’s windows. You won’t get tickets to the Radio City Christmas Spectacular — that’s a separate purchase — but the guide will recommend how to secure those if you’re interested.

We found that this tour is particularly well-suited for first-time visitors or those with limited time, as it efficiently combines multiple landmarks into one short outing. The skip-the-line advantage is helpful during busy holiday periods, ensuring you spend more time enjoying the sights than waiting.

Practical Tips for Your Holiday Tour

• Dress warmly, as most of the tour is outdoors and can get chilly at night.
• Wear comfortable shoes — you’ll be walking and standing quite a bit.
• Bring a camera or smartphone to capture the dazzling lights and displays.
• Check the weather forecast before booking, especially if snow or rain is expected.
• Consider purchasing tickets for the Radio City Christmas Spectacular in advance if that’s on your wish list.
• The tour runs in the afternoon, evening, and night, so choose a time that allows for the best lighting and less crowd.

More Great Tours Nearby

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re visiting New York during the Christmas season and want a family-friendly, efficient way to see the city’s holiday decorations and landmarks, this tour hits the spot. It’s also great for couples seeking a romantic stroll through holiday-lit streets or friends wanting a lively introduction to NYC’s festive traditions.

However, if you prefer a slower-paced, in-depth exploration or plan to visit many museums and shops separately, you might find this tour a bit rushed. It’s best for those who want a highlight reel of the most photogenic and iconic sites without the hassle of planning each visit.

Final Thoughts

The Christmas in New York: Holiday Lights & Rockefeller Tree Tour offers a lively, festive, and well-organized way to experience the city’s holiday magic. For just over $100, you get a glimpse of some of the most famous holiday sights, a lively guide to bring it all to life, and enough time to take photos, soak in the atmosphere, and make some holiday memories.

This tour is especially ideal for first-timers or visitors with limited time who want the quintessential NYC Christmas experience without stress. It’s a quick but meaningful way to feel the joy and wonder of New York during the most festive time of the year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is family-friendly and engaging for kids, especially with the colorful displays and lively commentary.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 40 minutes, making it perfect for fitting into a busy sightseeing schedule.

Are tickets included for the Radio City Christmas Spectacular?
No, tickets for the show are not included; you’ll need to purchase those separately if you wish to attend.

Can I join the tour in the evening?
Yes, the tour is available in the late afternoon, evening, and night, allowing you to see the lights at their most dazzling.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
Unfortunately, the tour is not wheelchair accessible, so travelers with mobility issues should consider this before booking.

What language options are available?
The tour is offered in multiple languages, including English, French, Spanish, Italian, German, Dutch, and Portuguese.

To sum it up, this holiday lights tour delivers a lively, curated snapshot of New York’s most cherished Christmas sights. Whether you’re in town for a short visit or want a festive introduction, it’s a cheerful, practical way to experience the city’s holiday spirit and create lasting memories.

You can check availability for your dates here: