Christmas in New York: Private Holiday History Tour

107 Reviews 4.97 out of 5 stars Based on 107 reviews collected by Cool New York City and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 99% of reviewers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
New York City, USA

Loading Options
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 33 (0) days in advance.

2 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation
Offered in: English

Overview

This is an expert led private tour to experience the magic, spectacle and spirit of the holiday season on an enchanted journey through the history of holiday traditions.  This first class tour of Christmas in New York takes you to the most spectacular seasonal sites in the heart of Manhattan and reveals the inspired stories behind them.  Get ready to enjoy the festive tales and stories behind time honored traditions that will bring the spectacle of the city to life for an unforgettable holiday treat.

- Discover the history and secrets behind the many merry customs we associate with season.

- Learn the magic behind Macy’s and uncover the miracles of 34th street.

- Stroll by a popular ice rink through to a local holiday village market

- Encounter the dazzling holiday displays along Fifth Avenue.

- Delight in the magnificence of Rockefeller Center

- Experience the true spirit of Christmas at St Patrick’s Cathedral.

- Take iconic holiday pictures of your unforgettable experience

What's Included

  • Private tour
  • Expert local guide
  • Gratuities
See 1 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point

West 35th Street
New York, NY 10018, USA

Show on Google Maps

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

Grand Army Plaza
New York, NY 10019, USA

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
Read more

Safe & secure • Easy breezy • Hassle-free

Manhattan

Experience the magic, spectacle and spirit of the holiday season on an enchanted journey through the history of holiday traditions. This first class tour of Christmas in New York takes you to the most spectacular seasonal sites in the heart of Manhattan and reveals the inspired stories behind them. Get ready to enjoy the festive tales and stories behind time honored traditions that will bring the spectacle of the city to life for an unforgettable holiday treat.Your journey through the history of the holidays begins in Herald Square where your guide will begin to reveal how many of the concepts, sights and sounds of the season came became ubiquitous from a unique New York perspective. Discover how Santa became the reigning jolly old fellow and the meaning behind the many merry customs we associate with season. Encounter the wondrous whimsical windows and dazzling holiday displays along Fifth Avenue. Delight in the magnificence of Rockefeller Center,and experience the true spirit of Christmas at St Patrick’s Cathedral.
Read more

2 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Macy's Herald Square

Worlds Largest Department store
Read more

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

New York Public Library (pass by)

Discover the stories that inspired holiday traditions
Read more

Bryant Park

Stroll through the winter village
Read more

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Fifth Avenue (pass by)

World class shopping and holiday displays
Read more

Rockefeller Center

Iconic art deco complex and home to the most popular christmas tree
Read more

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Radio City Music Hall (pass by)

Home of the Rockettes and Christmas Spectacular
Read more

St. Patrick's Cathedral (pass by)

The largest decorated gothic-style Catholic Cathedral in the United States
Read more
Show 7 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • This is a walking tour conducted at a leisurely pace
  • Dress appropriately for the winter weather

Frequently Asked Questions

(6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Christmas in New York: Private Holiday History Tour?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EDT). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-20841P2

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.97
107 reviews

Average 4.97 out of 5 stars based on 107 traveler reviews collected by Cool New York City and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
105
4 stars
1
3 stars
1
2 stars
0
1 star
0

Loading Options
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 33 (0) days in advance.

Similar Tours & Activities

Night Out Tour: Gangsters, Heroes and Bright Lights of NYC
3 hours Free Cancellation Instant Confirmation
from
$38

New York City Night Tour Spanish/English Lights
3 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation Instant Confirmation
from
$48

Evening Experience with Views and Drinks from Manhattan to Brooklyn
4 hours Free Cancellation Instant Confirmation
from
$60

Midtown Mania: Must-See Marvels
2 to 3 hours Free Cancellation Instant Confirmation
from
$20

Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought

American Dream DreamWorks Indoor Water Park Ticket
1 day Free Cancellation
from
$69

New York Catacombs by Candlelight
1 hour 30 minutes Free Cancellation Instant Confirmation
from
$38

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Experience Ticket
1 to 3 hours Free Cancellation
from
$47.91

What's Included

Activity name

  • Private tour
  • Expert local guide
  • Gratuities

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • This is a walking tour conducted at a leisurely pace
  • Dress appropriately for the winter weather
  • Comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended
  • Children 7 and under are free per accompanying adult

Report Product Issue

Activity name

Language
Currency

Site Settings

Activity name

Currency

Activity name

Activity name

Free Cancellation

100% refund
No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EDT).

Sorting, ranking, and search results

Activity name

Cool New York City wants to make your searches as relevant as possible. That's why we offer many ways to help you find the right experiences for you.

On some pages, you can select how to sort the results we display and also use filter options to see only those search results that meet your chosen preferences. You'll see explanations of what those sort options mean when you select them.

If you see a Badge of Excellence label, the award is based on average review ratings, share of bookings with a review, and number of bookings through Cool New York City over a 12-month period.

The importance of any one factor over any other in a sort order varies, and the balance is constantly being reviewed and adjusted. We're always updating our systems and testing new ways to refine and improve your results to make them as relevant as possible to meet your needs.

Cool Rewards Terms & Conditions

Activity name

Cool Rewards

  • Cool Rewards is a loyalty program operated by Cool Destinations. Rewards may be earned by any eligible person holding a Cool Destinations account, subject to the Cool Destinations customer Terms of Use.

Earning rewards

  • Rewards can be earned by making bookings on the Cool Destinations website. You will be able to see the value of the rewards you can earn during the booking process.
  • Earned rewards will be issued in a pending state and will move to a confirmed state 24 hours after the start time of the experience.
  • Earned rewards will be available to redeem once they are no longer in a pending state.
  • For bookings that are moved to a different travel date, the rewards will be redeemable after the amended travel date.
  • If a booking where rewards were issued is canceled, the earned rewards will not be redeemable and will be moved to a canceled state.

Redeeming rewards

  • To redeem rewards, you must be logged into your Cool Destinations account.
  • Any available rewards will be automatically applied the next time you make a booking, and their value will be deducted from your order at checkout, unless you choose not to apply them, which requires you to indicate this via the toggle switch. Bookings made using rewards are subject to the standard Cool Destinations Customer Terms of Use.
  • You will not be able to redeem only a portion of your available rewards at checkout. It is only possible to redeem all or none of your available rewards.
  • There is no minimum order value required to redeem your rewards. This means that you can pay for 100% of your order with rewards.
  • Rewards are non-transferable and cannot be redeemed for cash.
  • If rewards are redeemed against a booking that is canceled or refunded, the rewards will be reissued to your account.

Miscellaneous

  • You can check your Cool Destinations account to see the rewards you have collected at any time. You are responsible for ensuring that your rewards balance is correct.
  • We reserve the right to modify these Cool Rewards Terms and Conditions at any time, with or without notice, including the rules for earning and redeeming rewards. Any changes will be reflected in the updated Terms and Conditions.
  • We reserve the right to terminate the Cool Rewards program and cease issuing any further rewards on future bookings. All pending and available rewards balances will be honored.
  • By earning and redeeming rewards, you agree to these Terms and Conditions, as well as any subsequent changes made to them.