
Christmas in New York: Private Holiday History Tour
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 107 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Christmas in New York: Private Holiday History Tour worth booking?
Christmas in New York: Private Holiday History Tour is a 2-hour experience in New York, United States, from $40 per person. It scores 81 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 5/5 rating across 107 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 81 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (107)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $40 per person
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 ta
What you get
- Expert local guide
- Private tour
About this experience
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
Included
- Expert local guide
- Private tour
Not included
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
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.
120 minutes here
Macy's Herald Square
Worlds Largest Department store
10 minutes here
New York Public Library - Stephen A. Schwarzman Building
Discover the stories that inspired holiday traditions
Pass by without stopping
Bryant Park
Stroll through the winter village
10 minutes here
Fifth Avenue
World class shopping and holiday displays
Pass by without stopping
Rockefeller Center
Iconic art deco complex and home to the most popular christmas tree
15 minutes here
Radio City Music Hall
Home of the Rockettes and Christmas Spectacular
Pass by without stopping
St. Patrick's Cathedral
The largest decorated gothic-style Catholic Cathedral in the United States
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
New York
In front of the James Gordon Bennett Memorial Monument in the park at 35th street between Sixth Avenue and Broadway
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- New York Historical Tours
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- 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
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 107 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Small groups
3 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
107 verified traveler reviews for Christmas in New York: Private Holiday History Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
The perfect mix of Christmas and History to keep everyone happy
Fantastic experience - definitely a great mix of Christmas and History and Dan was a great guy - it felt more like wandering around sightseeing with a very knowledgeable friend more than a guide.
via Tripadvisor
Dan the New York tour guide
Dan, the tour guide, was so amazing. His approach to presenting New York history and the selection of landmarks were exceptional. I would have never considered visiting the New York Library but it was one of the most enjoyable moments. Dan presented New York history as a story of New York’s legions. He gave us a great New York experience.
via Tripadvisor
Worth every penny !!
Our guide was very knowledgeable and made the tour fun !! I’ve been to NY many times but it was great to hear the history behind it.
via Viator
Kevin Draper is a New York treasure!
Kevin Draper (a noted Historian) of New York Historical Tours is truly a New York treasure! It was such a pleasure to roam the historic streets of New York learning about our ancestors and the forefathers of our nation. From the oldest stone street in New York to an authentic American Revolutionary hangout for General George and his men, it was a glorious experience! Kevin told us stories we will never forget, bringing the history alive! We learned, we laughed, we got amazing photo memories, and Kevin answered all of our endless questions. He is so incredibly knowledgeable. I cannot recommend Kevin Draper’s private tours more. It was undoubtedly the highlight of our time in New York City!
via Tripadvisor
Awesome Tour a must do when in New York
Had a great time learned so much from one tour guide to another well done my friend looking forward to seeing you again perhaps in Philly -Highly recommend you will be amazed thanks Kevin !
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $40 to $330
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 37
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 81
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Christmas in New York: Private Holiday History Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for New York.
How much does Christmas in New York: Private Holiday History Tour cost?
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Prices start at $40 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in New York usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Christmas in New York: Private Holiday History Tour take?
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Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in New York is not rushed.
Is Christmas in New York: Private Holiday History Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 81 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 107 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in New York, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Christmas in New York: Private Holiday History Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Christmas in New York: Private Holiday History Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Christmas in New York: Private Holiday History Tour?
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Around 37 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in New York can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in New York and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Christmas in New York: Private Holiday History Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central New York within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in New York?
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New York has more bookable experiences than any other city on Outty, and the quality spread is brutal. Observation decks are commoditised, so we score them on timed-entry reliability and sunset slots. Food tours and borough walks are where the ranking really separates operators, and the top scores in the city all come from small-group guides. On Outty we rank every New York experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Grand Canyon VIP Helicopter Tour, Half-Day Bus Tour of NYC Top Highlights, NYC Bus Tour of Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens: Art, Food & Sports. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit New York?
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September to early November, and late April through June. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in New York?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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