13 Terrific New York City Christmas Tours for 2023

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When does Christmas in New York City start? Now! Holiday decorations are going up all over town! The Holiday Village is open at Bryant Park!

New York City Christmas tours are underway – the City is starting to transform for the holidays!

There’s so much to see in New York City over the holidays, it can feel overwhelming.

As a licensed New York City tour guide, I’m quite partial to taking tours.

As remarkable as it is to simply walk around the city, there’s something special about taking a tour and having someone explain the details and history behind the traditions. 

Editor’s Choices: The Top NYC Christmas Tours

Bus Holiday Tours in New York City

New York Holiday Lights and Movie Sites Bus Tour

• Location: Manhattan
• Rating: 3.8 Stars out of 5 from 40+ Reviews
• Book the New York Holiday Lights and Movie Sites Bus Tour now

Ride around this Christmas in New York tour from the comfort of a bus, taking in the holiday lights.

Not only will you get to see the different displays, but you’ll also get to learn a little bit about the city’s film history.

Your tour guide, who is also a New York City actor, will show you both the holiday lights and different filming sites on this 2.5-hour tour.

From the apartment where Buddy the Elf stayed with his father to the Home Alone moment at Rockefeller Center, you’ll get a glimpse into where some of your favorite holiday movies have been filmed, along with all of the other holiday lights.

 “I liked how they showed clips on the tv’s on the bus of the movies they were referencing. Kept the tour engaging the entire time.”

–GetYourGuide Traveler (New York Holiday Lights and Movie Sites Bus Tour Review)

Christmas Lights in Dyker Heights Brooklyn

• Location: Brooklyn
• Rating: 4.6 Stars out of 5 from 160+ Reviews
• Book Christmas Lights in Dyker Heights Brooklyn now

No holiday tours in New York City are complete without a stop in Dyker Heights to see the Christmas light displays.

Every year, the residents of Dyker Heights and Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, go all out in decorating their homes with the most brilliant creations.

This marvel, which started as a friendly neighborhood competition has now spanned decades and bridges innovation and tradition in Holiday decorations.

Have a licensed guide take you out to Brooklyn from Midtown Manhattan on this 4-hour tour and show you around the Dyker Heights neighborhood for their incredible Christmas lights both by bus and on foot. 

This NYC Christmas bucket list activity is not to be missed!

 “It was so wonderful to see the lights in Dyker Heights! The walk through the festive streets was a perfect pace and our guide Enrique had the best trivia and knowledge to add to the experience. Would definitely recommend the bus so you don’t have to deal with parking or traffic. Lucy’s house is definitely the OG and our favorite!”

–Getyourguide traveler (Christmas Lights in Dyker Heights Brooklyn Review)

Adventure Aquarium, Christmas Village and Longwood Gardens Tour

• Location: New Jersey, Pennsylvania
• Book Adventure Aquarium, Christmas Village and Longwood Gardens Tour now

For a full-day Christmas extravaganza, consider this Adventure Aquarium, Christmas Village, and Longwood Gardens Tour.

In the morning, a tour bus picks guests up around three different locations in New York City. Then, it brings you outside the five boroughs for the day’s festivities.

First stop–the New Jersey Adventure Aquarium, where you can marvel at the aquatic life. 

Then, head over to Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. The botanical garden is decorated with a dazzling array of twinkling lights, glittering crystals, and sparkling snowflakes for the holidays. 

Finally, you’ll finish your day at the most extravagant Christmas village in North America–Koziar’s Christmas Village in Bernville, Pennsylvania.

This is an excellent opportunity for you to get out of New York City and see how the holidays are spent in other parts of the United States, not to mention seeing two additional states.

Talk about maximizing your experience, it’s almost like a mini Christmas in New York tour package!

Walking Holiday Tours in New York

Radio City Music Hall Stage Door Tour

• Location: Manhattan
• Rating: 4.8 Stars out of 5 from 15+ Reviews
• Book Radio City Music Hall Stage Door Tour now

There’s nothing quite like your first time watching the Rockettes dazzle at Radio City Music Hall during the Christmas Spectacular.

But have you ever wanted to go backstage? Now you can!  

You’ll meet at the Stage Door for the start of this tour, where you’ll go backstage to learn the history of the historic theatre, as well as see behind-the-scenes of an iconic New York City production.

And before your tour ends, you’ll have the chance to meet a Rockette.

“Very interesting, the history, photo’s of past performers, seeing the place from top to bottom, literally. To see the mechanics under the stage and a view from the back row. Loved it!!!!!”

–Viator traveler (Radio City Music Hall Stage Door Tour Review)

Radio City Christmas Spectacular and Holiday Window Tour

• Location: Manhattan
• Rating: 4.4 Stars out of 5 from 30+ Reviews
• Book now

Although this isn’t a backstage tour, you’ll learn about Radio City Music Hall from the outside on a walking tour.

Visit Rockefeller Center during the holidays and explore the window displays on Fifth Avenue before sitting down to enjoy the Christmas Spectacular performance.

This Christmas in New York tour is either before or after the Christmas Spectacular, depending on the show time, and includes the price of your ticket to the performance.

“Exceeded my expectations! Pure delight for the eyes & ears! Fantastic orchestra & the Rockettes we’re fabulous! Technology & lighting just made the show amazing. Now, want to take my grand daughter when she gets a little older!”

–getyourguide traveler (Radio City Christmas Spectacular and Holiday Window Tour Review)

New York City Holiday Lights and Markets Walking Tour

• Location: Manhattan
• Rating: 4.5 Stars out of 5 from 10+ Reviews
• Book New York City Holiday Lights and Markets Walking Tour now

If you’re interested in seeing all of the winter markets on your New York Christmas tour, not just the Bryant Park Winter Village, then this tour is for you.

You’ll have the opportunity to explore four of the Manhattan holiday markets, as well as watch the city’s festive window displays. 

“Our tour guide gave us an awesome experience with all the knowledge and history of NYC landmarks while enjoying Christmas sights in the city.”

–getyourguide traveler (New York City Holiday Lights and Markets Walking Tour Review)

Need some gift-giving inspiration this holiday season? Check out my guides on the best travel essentials for women, travel gifts under $20, zero-waste travel essentials, and great gifts for friends going abroad!

Small-Group New York Christmas Holiday Walking Tour

• Location: Manhattan
• Rating: 4.5 Stars out of 5 from 30+ Reviews
• Book Small-Group New York Christmas Holiday Walking Tour now

If you’re looking for New York City Christmas tours, you’ll want to take a walk through Midtown Manhattan’s Holiday light displays with a licensed tour guide.

Start by learning about the history of the Fifth Avenue window presentations, and the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree.

 “Our tour guide was wonderful and had plenty of isight into the history and goings-on of the area. She provided lots of information, tips, and photo suggestions. This was a great way to see the area, take in the good sights, and not feel overwhelmed trying to see it all. A wonderful tour and great guide.”

–Viator Traveler (Small-Group New York Christmas Holiday Walking Tour Review)

Private Customized Holiday Tour of Brooklyn with a Warm Drink

• Location: Brooklyn
• Rating: 3.3 Stars out of 5 from 5+ Reviews
• Book Private Customized Holiday Tour of Brooklyn with a Warm Drink now

On your customized Brooklyn walking tour, you’ll discover some of the best places to visit in Brooklyn during the holidays!

Although there are many bus tours to the area, try exploring the Dyker Heights neighborhood on foot with a local.

This is where the residents have been putting up their own spectacular Christmas light displays since the 1970s.

Historic Bay Ridge Avenue has also become a popular destination for families looking to celebrate the season.

Pick up some gifts at the local Christmas markets and shop for authentic local products and treats, all while enjoying your complimentary drink.

Tree Lighting Dinner Gala at Rockefeller Center

• Location: Manhattan
• Rating: 3 Stars out of 5 from 2+ Reviews
• Book Tree Lighting Dinner Gala at Rockefeller Center now

Only one night each year, the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center gets illuminated for the first time that season.

The tree stays lit throughout the holidays, but there’s always a celebration on its first night, complete with speeches, performances from popular singers, and NBC hosting the events.

While you can go stand outside in the cold, packed in among a crowd of people to watch the tree lighting ceremony, there’s a better way to watch the events unfold.

Instead, you can find a VIP experience at The Terrace Club, a restaurant on the 7th floor of Rockefeller Center with its own private terrace facing the Tree.

A few years ago I had the opportunity to watch the Christmas Tree Lighting from above in a building inside Rockefeller Center, and the NYC experience of being that close is definitely worth the price!

 “All I can say is wow! Everything was perfect about this event. We were escorted past the thousands of people trying to get into Rockefeller Center and taken to a warm and beautiful high-end event space that had the best view of the tree from the 2nd floor. Amazing food, top-shelf open bar, a terrific band, and the best tree view made this a night to remember.”

–mkreisberg (Tree Lighting Dinner Gala at Rockefeller Center Review)

Cruise New York City Christmas Tours

Holiday Yacht Cruise with Jazz, Cocoa & Carols

• Location: Manhattan
• Rating: 4.8 Stars out of 5 from 220+ Reviews
• Book Holiday Yacht Cruise with Jazz, Cocoa & Carols now

If you’re looking for romantic winter dates in NYC, head out to the water for a boat cruise!

Drift by New York City’s skyline from your private table in the heated, glass-enclosed 1920s-style yacht.

The tour includes a complimentary drink with your ticket, as well as your entertainment for the experience.

Listen to the captain tell you about the world you’re floating by outside or sing along to carols playing as you take in the views of the New York City skyline at Christmas.

This one-and-a-half-hour cruise tour departs from Chelsea Piers during the holiday season.

“The entire thing was just amazing! From being welcomed on the boat, to sitting down and hearing live Christmas music! They were organized and knowledgeable about everything! They had cookies and a complimentary drink as well. I would recommend this to anyone of any age! It was fantastic!”

–GETYOURGUIDE traveler (Holiday Yacht Cruise with Jazz, Cocoa & Carols Review)

Holiday Brunch Cruise Aboard the Manhattan

• Location: Manhattan
• Rating: 4.0 Stars out of 5 from 7+ Reviews
• Book Holiday Brunch Cruise Aboard the Manhattan now

The views of Manhattan from the water are spectacular. But, it can get a bit chilly on an open-air vessel in winter.

Instead, try the Holiday Brunch Cruise Aboard the Manhattan.

Departing on the weekends from Chelsea Piers at 10 a.m., you’ll discover views of the city on an enclosed, “1920s-style motor yacht,” all while warm and surrounded by the holiday spirit. 

This almost three-hour NYC holiday tour includes a 4-course brunch with eggnog and mimosas and cover sights of everything from the Statue of Liberty to the George Washington Bridge.

“Had a brilliant time on the Holiday Brunch Cruise. The food was lovely all four courses had something for everyone, which was good as I’m vegetarian . The boat was decorated lovely and the staff were all very friendly and helpful. The views were amazing we were lucky it was a clear sunny day and could go out into the deck, but even from inside the large windows meant you could see everything from the comfort of your seat. This was a fantastic way to Spend out last morning in New York.”

–Nicola L (Holiday Brunch Cruise Aboard the Manhattan Review)

Other New York City Holiday Cruises

If you’re looking for other incredible New York City Christmas tours, you might enjoy the boat cruise instead!

These one-and-a-half-hour cruise tours usually depart from Chelsea Piers during the holiday season, but confirm when you’re booking to be sure. 

Most of these tours include a complimentary drink with your ticket, as well as your entertainment for the experience.

Listen to jazz or sing along to carols playing as you take in the views of the New York City skyline at Christmas. 

Depending on your preference, there are a few different holiday cruises offered:

• New York City Cocoa and Carols Holiday Cruise
• New York Harbor Live Holiday Jazz Cruise
• New York City Holiday Sunset Sightseeing Cruise

New Year’s Eve All-Inclusive Party Cruise

• Location: Manhattan
• Rating: 3.7 Stars out of 5 from 9+ Reviews
• Book New Year’s Eve All-Inclusive Party Cruise now

What are your plans for New Year’s Eve? If you’re skipping your usual celebrations to spend the night in NYC, truly drift the night away on an all-inclusive party cruise.

This 3-hour extravaganza includes a variety of hors d’oeuvres, a premium open bar, a live DJ, and your champagne toast at midnight to ring in the New Year.

Enjoy the views of iconic New York City landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, One World Trade Center, and the Brooklyn Bridge as an onboard DJ plays your favorite holiday classics. The party boat leaves at 10 p.m.

More Resources for Visiting NYC this Christmas

• In charge of planning your complete Christmas itinerary? I have a full guide for planning your itinerary in NYC this Christmas.

• Trying to find a perfect hotel for your Christmas trip? Here are all the best places to stay in New York City during the Christmas season.

• Are you interested in all the most Instagramable romantic spots? Be inspired by my list of the best Christmas photo spots all around NYC.

• Trying to find some other wintery activities? Check out my list of awesome winter activities in New York City.

• Are you visiting New York City this winter with your significant other? Be inspired by my list of the best winter dates all around NYC.

• Are you hoping to see snow this Christmas season? Find out here if it snows in New York at Christmas.

• Looking for more ideas this holiday season? Take a look at my complete New York at Christmas bucket list.

From Central Park to Union Square, Brooklyn, and beyond. If you’re planning on different New York City Christmas tours, there’s definitely something for you! 

Are you planning to take one of these holiday tours in New York City? Let me know how it goes!

Lyndsay