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New York City Seasonal & holiday activities

Our most recommended New York City Seasonal & holiday activities

NYC: Ice Skating at Rockefeller Center with Skate Rental

1. NYC: Ice Skating at Rockefeller Center with Skate Rental

Experience the world-famous ice rink located at the iconic Rockefeller Center. See the square known for hosting one of the largest Christmas trees each year. Enjoy a complimentary ice skating rental with this ticket. First, head downtown New York City to West 49th and 50th streets, where you'll be transported back to the golden age of New York. Enter the rink area, first built in 1936. Head over to the rental desk and get ready to glide on the ice. Then, step out on the ice, where Buddy the Elf skated. Enjoy your skate around the rink with a close-up view of the 18-foot Prometheus, created by Paul Manship, and the 193 flags that represent the different nations around the world. Finally, finish up your skate in front of the infamous 30 Rockefeller building, where the comedy series 30 Rock is set. Take a break and enjoy a warm drink or snack at the Rink Lounge, available to all skaters.

New York City: Gangsters and Ghosts 2-Hour Walking Tour

2. New York City: Gangsters and Ghosts 2-Hour Walking Tour

Take a two-hour guided walking tour through some of NYC's most famous neighborhoods and discover their stories of gangsters and ghosts from the city’s past. The Five Points, Chinatown, Little Italy, and Greenwich Village were known as the vice districts during the 1920s and 30s. See the places where gangsters such as John Gotti and Lucky Luciano used to party, make deals, and carry out threats. Visit haunted locations and old crime scenes on a tour led by historians. Spooky tales of the ghosts and gangsters of NYC's streets will be shared along the way. Stop at The Five Points, known for hosting New York's most infamous gangs, Chinatown's "Blood Alley," haunted houses of the West Village, and the many restaurants where mafia murders occurred in Little Italy. Go inside the Godfather-featured Basilica of St Patrick. The tour is family friendly with frequent stops.

From Manhattan: Dyker Heights Holiday Bus Tour

3. From Manhattan: Dyker Heights Holiday Bus Tour

Embark on a holiday bus tour taking you through the residential neighborhoods of Bay Ridge and Dyker Heights to see their brilliant Christmas decorations. Hop off your bus to see these homes up close on a guided walking tour. Marvel at tree-lined streets and lit up private residences decorated for the holiday season. Learn about the neighborhoods' long-lasting holiday traditions from your local guide. Learn how it has been a tradition for many years to illuminate these homes with tens of thousands of lights and dazzling holiday scenes. Now, it has become a festive competition amongst the homeowners as to who has the "brightest" holiday cheer in the neighborhood. Then, walk through these neighborhoods on a guided tour, hearing the stories and wonderful lore behind this fun holiday event. You may even meet some of the homeowners and hear about how these neighborhoods come together in such a way to bring such holiday magic to New York City. On your way back to Manhattan, see the spectacular New York City skyline and some of the other festive holiday displays throughout the city. At the end of your tour, be dropped off in Midtown Manhattan.

New York City: Dyker Heights Christmas Lights Tour

4. New York City: Dyker Heights Christmas Lights Tour

Your tour begins in Midtown Manhattan. From there you will head towards the western part of Manhattan along the Hudson River as you learn about its history. You will then cross the Battery Tunnel, which will take you directly to the borough of Brooklyn. Once you are in Brooklyn you'll head to the Dyker Heights district; an Italian-American neighborhood famous for its elaborate houses and gardens. Each year residents compete with each other to make out of the ordinary Christmas decorations, illuminations, and displays. Your tour guide will tell you about the origin and history of this tradition, before giving you free time to walk the streets to admire and take pictures of the houses. Once you have finished the tour of the neighborhood, you will get back on the bus to go to the Brooklyn Bridge. There you will enjoy the different viewpoints, with more free time to take pictures of the spectacular views of Manhattan. Finally, you will return to Times Square where the tour ends. You can feel free to ask your guide for recommendations on what else you can do to enjoy your visit to New York City.

From Manhattan: 4-Hour Brooklyn Christmas Magic Tour

5. From Manhattan: 4-Hour Brooklyn Christmas Magic Tour

Combine the fun of a hop-on hop-off and a guided walking tour on your visit to the neighborhoods of Dyker Heights and Dumbo in Brooklyn. Look at blocks and blocks of Christmas lights decorated for the holiday season. Witness nativity displays, nutcrackers, inflatable Santas, garlands, lights, and more. Start from midtown Manhattan and head out to Dyker Heights where you will hop off the vehicle and walk around. Experience the most magical neighborhood in New York City with the biggest display of Christmas lights in full splendor. After getting into the holiday spirit, continue to another spectacular section of Brooklyn, Dumbo, to take a stroll under the Brooklyn Bridge and photograph the skyline of Manhattan.  Finish your night by returning to Times Square Hotel in Manhattan.

Greenwich Village Ghost Tour

6. Greenwich Village Ghost Tour

Explore the darker side of Greenwich Village on a ghost tour after dark. Learn about the infamous Hanging Tree as you walk into the heart of Washington Square Park and see the arch while listening to spine-chilling stories from your local guide. Next, make your way over to the Brown Building, site of the infamous Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire, where the victims still linger to this day. Walk up 5th Avenue and stop past the Church of the Ascension, haunted by the artist John Lafarge. See the most haunted house in Manhattan at 14 West 10th Street, home to 22 spirits and the site of several murders. Head into the heart of the West Village, pass the home of Emma Lazarus and one of the most beautiful libraries in New York City.  Hear about the ghost of a former mayor at 12 Gay Street, and pass the famous Stonewall Inn where the riots that led to the birth of gay rights began. Cross Christopher Street to visit the infamous speakeasy of Chumley's.

From Manhattan: 4-Hour Christmas Lights Luxury Bus Tour

7. From Manhattan: 4-Hour Christmas Lights Luxury Bus Tour

Discover the magic of the holiday season in New York City on a guided bus day trip. See the world-famous Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center. Get into the spirit of the season as you see the Christmas windows of Macy’s and Bergdorf. Stop in Brooklyn Heights for views of the Manhattan Skyline. Hop aboard the bus at a centrally-located meeting point in NYC. Journey out to the astounding Christmas light of Dyker Heights, Brooklyn. Ride along the streets of Manhattan and listen to your licensed guide who will entertain you with the rich Yule history of New York City along the way. Travel through Chelsea and the Meatpacking District, past the famous High Line and then down along the West Side Highway. On this tour, learn and see more than you expected.  Emerging from the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel, ride along the Brooklyn Queens Expressway viewing the waterfront, and the expansive vista of New York Harbor. The Statue of Liberty will be visible off to your right. After a short ride, leave the bus and tour Dyker Heights on foot for about an hour. The lights in the Heights range from tasteful displays created by local homeowners to extensive professionally imagined lighting extravaganzas. No matter what your take on Christmas lights there will be something for you to enjoy.   After you leave the Heights, make a brief stop at the famous Brooklyn Heights Esplanade to view the movie-like vista of the lower Manhattan Skyline and Brooklyn Bridge. There will be more to see as you make your way over Manhattan Bridge back through Manhattan, ending up at the centerpiece of New York's holiday delights, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. On arrival at the tree, your tour will end.

New York City: Holiday Jazz Classic Motor Yacht Cruise

8. New York City: Holiday Jazz Classic Motor Yacht Cruise

Join this special holiday cruise and step inside a toasty solarium in full holiday decor for a 90-minute cruise to see the lights of New York City. Cruise the Hudson River and enjoy views of Manhattan's skyline Champagne, hot cocoa, and other beverages are available. Cookies and treats for all guests will be included. Enjoy your evening with friends or a loved one and enjoy this live holiday jazz trio. Sit back and enjoy the gorgeous view of the island from the heated back deck salon of this 1920s style yacht. On this 90 minute cruise, take in picturesque views from your glassed-in observatory. Sights along the way include: - The Yacht Manhattan or Manhattan II in full holiday decor - Cocoa, cookies and live holiday jazz - Battery Park, South Street Seaport and the Financial District - Governor's Island, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island A complimentary beer, wine, spiked hot cocoa or Champagne from the bar is offered on all trips. Mixed drinks are available for purchase.

From Manhattan: 4-Hour Dyker Heights Holiday Lights Bus Tour

9. From Manhattan: 4-Hour Dyker Heights Holiday Lights Bus Tour

Experience Christmas in New York City on a comfortable bus tour of Dyker Heights, world-known for its luminous light displays. Witness the festive decoration tradition that the residents have kept alive since the 1980s. Drive from Manhattan to Brooklyn. Enjoy this lively Italian-American neighborhood with your tour guide. Due to narrow streets, buses are not allowed in Dyker Heights, so hop off the bus and follow your guide to the two most illuminated streets in the area. See Lucy Spata's house, which started the tradition of Dyker Lights in the '80s. Walk along the most spectacularly decorated houses. Next, stop at the Brooklyn Bridge in DUMBO/Brooklyn Heights. Enjoy the view of the Manhattan Skyline and the Brooklyn Bridge for about 25 minutes. Return via the Manhattan Bridge. End the experience at Bryant Park, where you can visit its famous winter market on your own.

NYC: Christmas Day Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Harbor Cruise

10. NYC: Christmas Day Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Harbor Cruise

Experience the magic of the season on a luxurious Christmas Day gourmet brunch or dinner cruise aboard New York’s glass-enclosed Bateaux, Manhattan’s most premium experience on the water. You and your guests will enjoy a holiday 3-course, plated brunch or dinner freshly prepared by a chef. Savor an exquisite dining experience where delectable cuisine, elegant decor, and stunning views will make for an unforgettable experience. Imaginative culinary creations, top-class wine list, and musical entertainment combine to create the ultimate New York indulgence. While onboard, experience exceptional views of New York City’s iconic skyline from an incredibly unique perspective, live entertainment, and festive décor. Celebrate the holidays on the Hudson and East Rivers with your friends and family. Sample Brunch Menu: STARTER (CHOICE OF ONE) BEET & BABY ARUGULA SALAD (G*)(V) Feta Cheese | Cherry Tomatoes | Balsamic Vinaigrette GREEK YOGURT & GRANOLA PARFAIT (G*)(V) Chobani Non-Fat Greek Yogurt | Honey Granola | Fresh Blueberries and Strawberries MAIN (CHOICE OF ONE) SCRAMBLED EGGS (G*) Nueske's Applewood Triple-Thick Cut Bacon | New Red Potatoes & Cauliflower Hash | Arugula Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette & Red Onions BRIOCHE FRENCH TOAST (V) Stuffed with Nutella Cream | Fresh Strawberries | Maple Syrup (Contains Nuts) OVEN-ROASTED CHICKEN BREAST WITH ROSEMARY & THYME Roasted New Red Potato Salad with Scallions | Haricot Verts | Creamy Mushroom Sauce DESSERT (CHOICE OF ONE) SIGNATURE CHOCOLATE CAKE (V) Creme Anglaise | Raspberry Coulis | Candied Pecans (Contains Nuts) MIXED FRUIT WITH STRAWBERRIES (G*)(VG)(V) Madagascar Vanilla and Orange Cream NEW YORK STYLE CHEESECAKE (V)(N) Lemon Mascarpone Cream | Blueberry Compote **May contain Nuts Sample Dinner Menu: STARTER (CHOICE OF ONE - ALL STARTERS ACCOMPANIED BY FRESH BREAD AND BUTTER) BEET & BABY ARUGULA SALAD (G*)(V) Feta Cheese | Cherry Tomatoes | Balsamic Vinaigrette SIGNATURE SEAFOOD CHOWDER (G*) Clams | Idaho Potatoes | Cream MAIN (CHOICE OF ONE) TURKEY DINNER Garlic Mashed Potato | Traditional Stuffing | Haricot Verts | Turkey Gravy | Cranberry Sauce BROILED SALMON FILET WITH ROASTED TOMATO VINAIGRETTE Lemon Orzo | Farm Fresh Seasonal Vegetables BRAISED BEEF SHORT RIBS WITH FRESNO PEPPER DEMI GLACE (G*) Garlic Mashed Potatoes | Baby Carrots, Broccoli FALL VEGETABLE RAGU (G*)(V)(VG) Butternut Squash | Brussel Sprouts | Cauliflower | Carrots | White Bean Ragu DESSERT (CHOICE OF ONE) HORNBLOWER SIGNATURE CHOCOLATE CAKE (V) Creme Anglaise | Raspberry Coulis | Candied Pecans | (Contains Nuts) MIXED FRUIT WITH STRAWBERRIES (G*)(VG)(V) Madagascar Vanilla and Orange Cream NEW YORK STYLE CHEESECAKE (V) Lemon Marscapone Cream | Blueberry Compote | (Contains Nuts)

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What people are saying about New York City

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 199 reviews

Looking for something different to do in New York with 2 teenage boys, this tour looked interesting to them and me. Tom was our guide, and he did an excellent job describing the history of the Chinese and Italian mobs and the places in Little Italy and Chinatown where they operated. He was very attentive to our small group, answering our questions and finding a place along the way for us to buy Italian pastries and use the bathroom. That occupied more of our tour than the ghosts part, but we all learned history we weren’t aware of during the second part of the tour.

great tour, very fun and informative, the guide knew a lot about the history of the city and especially about the gangsters ;)

Great tour, even in the rain. Seth was great, full of information, and answered all our questions. Would definitely recommend.

Great experience, Pierre was lovely and full of information!

One of the best experiences of 2023 for me. Truly unique!