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New York (State) Christmas activities

Our most recommended New York (State) Christmas activities

NYC: Dyker Heights Christmas Lights & Skyline View Bus Tour

1. NYC: Dyker Heights Christmas Lights & Skyline View Bus Tour

Get into the Christmas spirit, the most wonderful time of the year, in New York City's borough of Brooklyn on a bus tour through Dyker Heights. Be charmed by the spectacular holiday decorations, the neighborhood's glittering lights, and festive displays. Your guide will take you on the bus from Midtown Manhattan to the Brooklyn neighborhood of Dyker Heights. Along the way, the guide will tell you some great New York stories. On the way to the Christmas Lights, stop for a bathroom break and a photo op of the sunset over the Hudson River and the Statue of Liberty. Once arrived in Dyker Heights, you will get off the bus and the guide will show you the most beautiful and spectacular houses in this wonderful Brooklyn neighborhood. On your way back to Manhattan, the bus will make a photo stop at Brooklyn Bridge Park, where you will get off the bus for a breathtaking view of the Manhattan skyline and the Brooklyn Bridge. From there, make your way back along the East River with an astonishing view of Williamsburg, the Brooklyn skyline, Long Island City, the Queens skyline, the Empire State Building, and the Midtown Manhattan Skyline as well as the famous Queensboro Bridge. Your tour will end close to one of the most beautiful New York City holiday markets, the Winter Village at Bryant Park. Feel the magical atmosphere Christmas brings as you drive through the many neighborhoods and experience New York in a new way.

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

2. 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.

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: Christmas Lights Horse Carriage Ride

4. New York City: Christmas Lights Horse Carriage Ride

Get into the holiday spirit with a horse carriage tour of the stunning New York Christmas lights in Central Park, 5th Avenue, and Rockefeller Center. Climb aboard at the corner of 59th street and 6th avenue. Plod from here on a route through Central Park to see the warm lights. Continue to admire how 5th avenue is sparkling for the season. Travel along historical landmarks that have put on their Christmas decorations. Reach the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center. Let the lights make you feel warm and festive. Feel the romance of the season while riding in an old-fashioned carriage.

NYC: Christmas Day Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Harbor Cruise

5. 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)

Brooklyn: 1.5-Hour Dyker Heights Christmas Lights Tour

6. Brooklyn: 1.5-Hour Dyker Heights Christmas Lights Tour

See astonishing holiday light displays on a visit to Brooklyn's Dyker Heights neighborhood, famous for the incredible decorations planned by its competitive residents. See it all for yourself on a 1.5-hour evening stroll through the area. Admire the most impressive home displays, and learn the story behind this holiday tradition. Have your camera ready for this Christmas lights excursion, to snap photos of the top homes best lighting displays in the neighborhood. Discover the unwritten codes that are followed religiously by the residents of Dyker Heights. Take this tour in Brooklyn and soak up the magical Christmas atmosphere.

From Manhatann: Dyker Heights Lights Bus Tour

7. From Manhatann: Dyker Heights Lights Bus Tour

Get in the holiday spirit on this Christmas Lights tour in Dyker Heights. Head to southwest corner of the borough of Brooklyn in New York City to experience some larger-than-life Christmas joy. Hear Christmas carols from loudspeakers and take in the captivating displays.  Be picked up from outside the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel and get ready for your family-friendly holiday experience. Ride in comfort to the residential Dyker Heights neighborhood in Brooklyn aboard a climate-controlled bus.  Discover one of the best New York attractions during the holiday season. Crowds of all ages flock to this area to wander down multiple blocks and avenues of unique and creative displays. Brighten up your winter with a larger-than-life experience of a things Christmas on a walk through this picturesque neighborhood. Return to your meeting point at the end of your tour.

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.

NYC: Holiday Yacht Cruise with Jazz, Cocoa & Carols

9. NYC: Holiday Yacht Cruise with Jazz, Cocoa & Carols

Celebrate the holiday season in style this Christmas on board a luxury 90-minute yacht cruise of Manhattan Harbor. Step inside the yacht’s toasty solarium, decked out in full holiday décor, and enjoy a warm and cozy tour with your friends, family, and loved ones. Delicious hot cocoa, cookies and treats will be served as you sail past Battery Park, South Street Seaport, the Financial District, Governor's Island, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island. Relax in the heated main observation cabin, join in the caroling, or enjoy the beats of a live jazz trio. Sip on a complimentary glass of champagne, wine or beer, and purchase mixed drinks from the on board bar. Then, watch as the gorgeous views of Manhattan Island sail by, all from the comfort of a heated back-deck salon and glassed-in observatory of the 1920s style yacht.

New York Holiday Lights and Movie Sites Bus Tour

10. New York Holiday Lights and Movie Sites Bus Tour

Relax on board a festive lights and movie sites bus in New York City as a local actor guide entertains and informs you throughout this one-of-a-kind sightseeing experience. Experience the festive lights and decorations of Manhattan as they sparkle during the holidays, and spot iconic landmarks as well as some of the city’s hidden gems. Marvel at the famed tree in Rockefeller center where Macaulay Culkin reunited with his mom in “Home Alone 2.” Peek into the brilliant holiday windows at Bloomingdale, Lord and Taylor, and the same Macy's from “Miracle on 34th Street.” Learn where Bill Murray found out his taxi driver was the Ghost of Christmas Past in “Scrooged.” Pass through Central Park and reminisce about the serendipitous moment that John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale had at Wollman Rink in “Serendipity.” Whether you’re visiting New York or looking for a unique holiday experience in your hometown, this sightseeing excursion is sure to spread holiday cheer!

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What people are saying about New York (State)

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 629 reviews

We purposely planned this for the day we arrived since we wanted something to look forward to. This was definitely worth the wait. Our your guide was knowledgeable of the different neighborhoods we passed by prior to our Dyker Heights arrival. Our stops and different destinations made it exciting and fun since I was able to not plan a single thing. Our driver was friendly as well. We made bathroom breaks in great areas too. The cherry on top, was Rockefeller Center, where it beloved your guide to photos of us, which I'm sure he didn't have to do. We loved him so much, we even took a photo with him. Can't wait to join this tour again next year. With love, YOUR SAN DIEGO GIRLS

Mike was awesome! He was very informative from the time the tour started to the time it ended. He gave plenty of time to see everything and take pictures. The bus was very comfortable and it had a restroom that was really convenient. I would definitely recommend this tour, it is definitely worth it!

We take a Tour Bus to enjoy the Christmas house decoration in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn. Its just outstanding.

the Host was excellent..had so much Intel and his voice was amazing

All the staff were amazing and the view was breathtaking.