Seasonal Highlights • 3 hours 5.0 (6)

NYC Holiday Magic: Christmas Lights, Markets & more

Explore NYC’s holiday highlights with a local, from Rockefeller Center's iconic tree to dazzling lights and Bryant Park’s Winter Village!

Avoid annoying a New Yorker by walking too slow or stopping in the middle of the sidewalk to take a picture!

What makes this experience special

Key highlights

  • Start your NYC holiday adventure under the glittering lights of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree.
  • For lovers of holiday displays, stroll up Fifth Avenue to marvel at the famous department store windows.
  • Bryant Park Winter Village is a must for market enthusiasts.
  • Time to see the lights like never before at Dyker Heights, where your host will guide you through streets decked out in jaw-dropping Christmas displays.
  • Feeling iconic? Swing by the Empire State Building for a glimpse of its festive lights to cap off this journey.

What to know before you go

Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.

3 hours
Fully tailored to your preferences
English Other languages may be requested

What’s included

Per person
Hosted experience lasting up to 3 hours
Private and tailored to your group only
Immersive walking experience between stops
Public transportation
Hotel meet-up (available on request for central locations)

What’s not included

Food and drinks
Tickets to any attractions
Additional transportation costs
Gratuities (optional)

Meeting point

Rockefeller Center, 45 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10111, USA

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience

What to bring

  • We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and carrying a light bag for your essentials.
  • Public transport may be used during the experience - please bring a travel card or small amount of cash for fares.

How your day could unfold

A flexible, unscripted experience designed entirely around your interests. Your host will adapt the day based on what excites you most

What you’ll do

What's better than Christmas? Christmas in New York! NYC is definitely one of my favorite spots to spend the holidays in. The snow makes the city look so magical, and there are tons of Christmas-themed things to do and see. So get ready for a holiday adventure through New York City that's bursting with festive vibes, twinkling lights, and magical moments! 

Your experience kicks off at one of the city's most iconic holiday spots—the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. Picture this: a towering evergreen decked out with thousands of sparkling lights, set against the backdrop of the famous ice rink. It's the kind of holiday magic you can't help but get swept up in. Snap a few photos of the tree in all its glittering glory, and if you're feeling daring, watch (or join!) the skaters as they glide across the ice beneath it. Classic New York winter moment, right?

Next, head up Fifth Avenue, where the city's famous department stores go all out with their jaw-dropping holiday window displays. In just a short 10-minute stroll, you'll find yourself surrounded by dazzling storefronts that have been transformed into elaborate holiday scenes. Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy's, and more bring the holiday spirit to life with fantastical displays full of shimmering lights, glittering snowflakes, and over-the-top decorations that'll make you feel like you've stepped into a holiday fairytale. Your host will make sure you catch every whimsical detail!

Just when you think it can't get any more festive, you'll arrive at Bryant Park Winter Village, NYC's ultimate holiday market. Think cozy wooden stalls filled with unique gifts, warm drinks, and the smell of freshly baked treats in the air. Wander through the market, picking out one-of-a-kind presents, or just sip on a hot chocolate as you take in the holiday cheer around you. There's even another ice rink here, so whether you're skating or just watching, it's all about soaking up that winter wonderland energy.

But wait, there's more! Hop on the subway for a short ride to Brooklyn's Dyker Heights, where the Christmas lights are nothing short of extra. Imagine entire blocks of houses decked out in every light, decoration, and inflatable holiday figure you can think of—this neighborhood doesn't do subtle when it comes to Christmas. We're talking glowing Santas, reindeer, and enough lights to turn night into day. Strolling through these streets, you'll feel like you're in a real-life holiday movie. And trust me, your host knows the best spots to hit for the most over-the-top displays.

On your way back, why not admire the iconic Empire State Building, illuminated with dazzling holiday lights? It's just a short walk from Macy's and offers a breathtaking view of the city, especially during the festive season. It's the perfect way to cap off your festive adventure in the Big Apple.

Throughout the evening, your local host will be there to guide you through all the holiday magic, making sure you uncover all the hidden gems and festive treats along the way. This experience is all about making your NYC holiday one for the memory books! Remember to take lots of photos!

1. Select a date
2. Select start time
3. Tailor your experience
Answer a few quick questions to help your host craft the perfect day tailored to you.
1. What’s your preferred hosting style?
2. How would you like the pace of your day?
3. What’s your walking comfort level?
4. Are you celebrating something special?

Real Stories, Real Connections

See our hosts and guests creating memories

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What travelers think of this experience

William Apr 2025

Our tour guide, Olga, took us on a fun, well-paced, historical and scenic tour of Brooklyn Heights and Dumbo neighborhoods. So much to see! Olga was knowledgeable, friendly and culturally aware of what makes Brooklyn so special. We highly recommend her to other looking to explore Brooklyn. I want to book a return trip to spend more time in Brooklyn.

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Sandra Mar 2025

This was a girls trip. Myself, my 9 year old daughter, her best friend and her mom. All first timers, except me, and they all fell in love with NYC. And for me who’s been there many times, saw a whole new side to the city and made me love it even more. Our little girls said they would never forget Olga.

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Ilaria Mar 2025

A full immersion into New York gems. Mei helped me understanding different aspects of NY by visiting Brooklyn, Dumbo, Chelsea and and by taking the ferry, bus and subway.

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Jessica Jan 2025

We opted for the 8 hour tour and it was worth every penny. I sent our guide my desired itinerary with all of the things we’d like to see. Olga made it happen! She was so professional and very personable. She took us to local spots that were not packed with tourists, which we loved. We walked over 11 miles, so be prepared to walk a lot if you have several things you’d like to see. Olga was so well versed with directions in the city, history, art, and all of the buildings we came across. She also curated the tour to match our values and lifestyle. We appreciated her pointing out Catholic Churches along the way and she even took us into the Trump tower-which was totally cool! 11/10 recommend Olga if you want a flawless experience.

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Nicole Jan 2025

Olga was a dream of a tour guide. From the second we got linked with her via email she started emailing with ideas and itinerary items. We travelled with 2 small kids (8/10 yo) and she was patient with them needing breaks from walking. She easily accommodated their food requests. When crossing the street she always made sure they were safe. My kids instantly felt comfortable with her. She not only educated my husband and I on the city but even tailored what she said for the kids to understand. She was patient and kind. We would’ve never have done everything we did/saw in 1 day had we done it alone. She took us to great places that locals use. She was amazing and highly recommend her! If you’re on the fence about it- just do it!

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Carrie Jan 2025

It was very fun!

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