Christmas in New York: Private Holiday History Tour
New York, United States

Christmas in New York: Private Holiday History Tour

Outty Ranking 72 5.0 · 107 traveler reviews2 hoursFrom $165
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Outty Ranking

72/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

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 $165 per person. It scores 72 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, 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
72 / 100
Rating
5/5 (107)
Duration
2 hours
From
$165 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 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 you get

    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

    1. 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

    2. Macy's Herald Square

      Worlds Largest Department store

      10 minutes here

    3. New York Public Library - Stephen A. Schwarzman Building

      Discover the stories that inspired holiday traditions

      Pass by without stopping

    4. Bryant Park

      Stroll through the winter village

      10 minutes here

    5. Fifth Avenue

      World class shopping and holiday displays

      Pass by without stopping

    6. Rockefeller Center

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

      15 minutes here

    7. Radio City Music Hall

      Home of the Rockettes and Christmas Spectacular

      Pass by without stopping

    8. 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

    Christmas in New York: Private Holiday History Tour, photo 2Christmas in New York: Private Holiday History Tour, photo 3St Patrick's Cathedral, Christmas in New York: Private Holiday History TourChristmas in New York: Private Holiday History Tour, photo 5Christmas in New York: Private Holiday History Tour, photo 6Christmas in New York: Private Holiday History Tour, photo 7

    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 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    7 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Small groups

    3 mentions

    The group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.

    Value for money

    2 mentions

    Travelers 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.

    5 star
    105
    4 star
    1
    3 star
    1
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    JRW716 · December 2024

    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

    V7807DRcassandrar · December 2024

    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

    Diane_K · December 2022

    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

    drbleecker · January 2022

    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

    Kelly_K · December 2021

    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
    $165 to $330
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    37
    Verdict
    Strongly Recommended

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by New York Historical Tours, who run 11 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 55.2.

    See everything New York Historical Tours runs

    Why this scores 72

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)96
    Review evidence (18% weight)60
    Booking momentum (14% weight)54
    Value for money (12% weight)14
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)87
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    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?

    +

    Prices start at $165 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?

    +

    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?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 72 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". 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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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 NYC Bus Tour of Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens: Art, Food & Sports, Half-Day Bus Tour of NYC Top Highlights, SoHo, Little Italy, and Chinatown Walking Tour in New York. 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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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.

    What is included in Christmas in New York: Private Holiday History Tour?

    +

    Included: Expert local guide; and Private tour. Not included: Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Christmas in New York: Private Holiday History Tour?

    +

    In front of the James Gordon Bennett Memorial Monument in the park at 35th street between Sixth Avenue and Broadway Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Christmas in New York: Private Holiday History Tour offered in?

    +

    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Christmas in New York: Private Holiday History Tour?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Christmas in New York: Private Holiday History Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; and Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Christmas in New York: Private Holiday History Tour if the weather is bad?

    +

    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in New York. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

    What do travelers say about Christmas in New York: Private Holiday History Tour?

    +

    Across 107 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, small groups. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Christmas in New York: Private Holiday History Tour.

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