The NYC Holiday Lights Tour offers a festive way to experience the dazzling holiday displays across the city. Departing from midtown, this guided tour showcases the most impressive Christmas light installations while providing convenient transportation and insider insights. Though the experience may not fully capture the magic of the season, it’s an efficient option for those seeking a curated exploration of the city’s vibrant yuletide decorations. Those interested in discovering the true spirit of the holidays in New York should consider…
Key Points
- Guided sightseeing tour through festive streets of New York City, showcasing various Christmas light displays.
- Tour departs from 770 7th Ave, between 50th & 51st Streets, and lasts 2-3 hours, priced at $89 per person.
- Includes bottled water, private transportation, a licensed guide, and gratuities, with a maximum group size of 15 participants.
- Not wheelchair accessible, but stroller-friendly and allows service animals; moderate physical fitness level recommended.
- Guided stops last 20-30 minutes, with a 20-minute dinner stop at a pizza restaurant, and the overall experience varies from wonderful to disappointing.
Tour Overview and Details
The NYC Holiday Lights Tour is a guided sightseeing experience that takes visitors through the festive streets of New York City.
The tour departs from 770 7th Ave, between 50th & 51st Streets, and returns to the same location. The 2-3 hour tour is priced from $89 per person, with a maximum group size of 15.
The experience includes bottled water, private transportation, a licensed guide, and gratuities.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is stroller-friendly and allows service animals.
Travelers should note the tour isn’t recommended for those with back problems, pregnant women, or those with serious medical conditions.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in New York City.
Inclusions and Accessibility
The NYC Holiday Lights Tour includes several amenities for travelers. Bottled water, private transportation, and a licensed guide are provided. However, the tour is not wheelchair accessible, though strollers and service animals are allowed. Infants must sit on laps, and the tour is not recommended for those with back problems, pregnant travelers, or those with serious medical conditions. A moderate physical fitness level is recommended.
Inclusions | Accessibility |
---|---|
Bottled water | Not wheelchair accessible |
Private transportation | Stroller accessible |
Licensed guide | Service animals allowed |
Gratuities included | Infants must sit on laps |
Tour Experience
The tour includes guided stops lasting 20-30 minutes, with travel time efficiently incorporated between attractions.
Travelers visit various Christmas light displays, though some express disappointment at missing major sites like the Rockefeller Center tree.
One critique mentions a 20-minute dinner stop at a pizza restaurant, which some consider unnecessary.
The tour experience ranges from wonderful to disappointing, with specific mentions of guide enthusiasm and tour content quality.
Travelers note a lack of festive atmosphere in the vehicle due to the absence of music.
Traveler Feedback
What do travelers have to say about the NYC Holiday Lights Tour? Based on the reviews, the experiences range from wonderful to disappointing.
Positive reviews highlight the friendly and knowledgeable guides, informative content, and great photo opportunities.
However, some travelers noted a lack of festive atmosphere in the vehicle due to the absence of music. One critique includes a 20-minute dinner stop at a pizza restaurant, which was considered unnecessary by some.
Parking and Additional Information
Though the tour doesn’t provide pick-up and drop-off service, there are a couple of nearby parking garages that travelers can utilize.
The closest options are the garage at 140 W 51st St, NY, NY 10020 and the one at 209 W 51st St, NY, NY 10019.
The tour is also conveniently located near public transportation, allowing visitors to easily access the meeting point.
The host has acknowledged the feedback provided and expressed gratitude for participants’ involvement, demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement.
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Meeting Point and Start Time
The meeting point for the NYC Holiday Lights Tour is located at 770 7th Ave, between 50th and 51st Streets.
The tour starts promptly at 5:30 PM, so participants are advised to arrive a few minutes early.
The tour returns to the same meeting point at the end, making it convenient for travelers.
There’s no pick-up or drop-off service provided, but the tour’s location is accessible via public transportation.
Travelers should plan their transportation accordingly to ensure they’re at the meeting point on time and ready to embark on the holiday lights adventure.
Booking and Cancellation Policy
Booking the NYC Holiday Lights Tour is straightforward. Prices start at $89 per person, with a maximum group size of 15 travelers. Guests can book online or by contacting the tour operator directly.
Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour begins. This policy provides flexibility for travelers who may need to change their plans.
The meeting point is at 770 7th Ave, between 50th & 51st Streets, and the tour returns to the same location. With no pick-up or drop-off service provided, guests are responsible for their own transportation to and from the meeting point.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Time of Year Is the Tour Offered?
The tour is offered during the holiday season, typically in the months of November and December when NYC’s festive holiday lights and decorations are on full display. The specific start and end dates may vary annually.
Are Professional Photos Taken During the Tour?
The tour doesn’t mention professional photos being taken. It focuses on providing photo opportunities for travelers to capture the holiday lights themselves using their own cameras or smartphones.
Is the Tour Offered in Multiple Languages?
The tour is not offered in multiple languages. The information provided indicates the tour is conducted in English by a licensed guide. There are no mentions of the tour being available in other languages.
Can the Tour Route Be Customized for Personal Preferences?
The tour route cannot be customized for personal preferences. It follows a pre-determined itinerary that visits various holiday light displays throughout the city. Travelers must adhere to the standard tour experience.
Are Any Special Holiday Treats or Snacks Provided During the Tour?
The tour doesn’t provide any special holiday treats or snacks. It includes only bottled water as a refreshment. Travelers will need to purchase their own food and snacks separately during the approximately 20-minute dinner stop at a pizza restaurant.
The Sum Up
The NYC Holiday Lights Tour offers a festive and guided experience through the streets of New York City. Guests can enjoy the stunning Christmas light displays, private transportation, and insights from a knowledgeable guide. While the tour includes a dinner stop, some travelers have critiqued the vehicle’s ambiance. The tour provides a personalized and enchanting way to experience the holiday spirit in the city.
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