New York City Christmas Holiday Lights and Markets Walking 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
4.3/5
Based on 61 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is New York City Christmas Holiday Lights and Markets Walking Tour worth booking?
New York City Christmas Holiday Lights and Markets Walking Tour is a 4-hour experience in New York, United States, from $49 per person. It scores 62 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.3/5 rating across 61 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 62 / 100
- Rating
- 4.3/5 (61)
- Duration
- 4 hours
- From
- $49 per person
Get into the spirit of the holiday season by visiting four of New York’s most attractive traditional holiday markets. Soak up the festive atmosphere of the Big Apple around Christmas time, when the city is at its most ma
What you get
- Christmas Cottage, the oldest Christmas Shop in New York City
- The famous Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and Skating rink
- Professional guide
- Magnificent window displays at big department stores
- New York’s traditional Christmas markets
- Optional traditional Christmas food and warm drinks
About this experience
Get into the spirit of the holiday season by visiting four of New York’s most attractive traditional holiday markets. Soak up the festive atmosphere of the Big Apple around Christmas time, when the city is at its most magical.
What's included
Included
- Christmas Cottage, the oldest Christmas Shop in New York City
- The famous Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and Skating rink
- Professional guide
- Magnificent window displays at big department stores
- New York’s traditional Christmas markets
- Optional traditional Christmas food and warm drinks
Not included
- Gratuities
- Food
What you'll see and do
The Shops at Columbus Circle
Christopher Columbus is being honored here by a monument located in the center of a traffic circle that circles around the monument to go either north, south or east.
10 minutes here
Columbus Circle
This is the first Holiday market that is being visited with many kiosks offering food, drink, arts and crafts and full of Holiday Gift ideas.
30 minutes here
Central Park
This is the first public park in America with over 42 million visitors each year. This 843 acre park took 15 years to complete and was designed by famed architects Olmstead and Vaux. Home to the Wollman Rink, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and Tavern on the Green.
10 minutes here
Fifth Avenue
Fifth Avenue is a major thoroughfare in the borough of Manhattan. It stretches north from Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village to West 143rd Street in Harlem. It is one of the most expensive shopping streets in the world.
20 minutes here
Bergdorf Goodman
Bergdorf Goodman Inc. is a luxury department store based on Fifth Avenue. This exclusive store always retains the highest quality and fashion. Christmas time brings their beautiful and avant-garde window displays.
Pass by without stopping
St. Patrick's Cathedral
St. Patrick's Cathedral is a Catholic cathedral in Midtown. It is the seat of the Archbishop of New York as well as a parish church. St Patrick opened its doors in 1879.
Pass by without stopping
Rockefeller Center
(Exterior Visit) Rockefeller Center is a large complex consisting of 19 commercial buildings. The holidays in NYC begin at Rockefeller Center. Whether it’s a visit to the iconic Christmas Tree, a skate on the ice at the Rink, or exploring attractions and fun things to do, there’s a magic here that can’t be denied.
30 minutes here
Saks Fifth Avenue
Shop the best designer clothing arrivals at Saks Fifth Avenue. During the Christmas season, they offer some of the most breathtaking decorations and window displays.
Pass by without stopping
Bryant Park
The European-inspired open-air market curated by Urbanspace features artisans from New York City and around the world. Located along Bryant Park’s allées, plazas, and terraces, the Shops are housed in custom-designed, "jewel box" kiosks. Enjoy local crafts, artisan provisions, and exquisite gifts from around the world.
30 minutes here
Grand Central Terminal
Grand Central Terminal's Vanderbilt Hall hosts this enduring holiday market, where booths featuring artisans, jewelers & home goods vendors draw shoppers beneath the iconic Beaux Arts chandeliers.
30 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
New York
Meet your guide at the MAIN ENTRANCE of the Shops at Columbus Circle, located at 10 Columbus Circle, New York, NY 10019.
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
- Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 9 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Inside Out Tours LLC
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 61 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
4 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
61 verified traveler reviews for New York City Christmas Holiday Lights and Markets Walking Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Tour not paced very well. Read full review for details.
This tour started off well. We walked across the street and went into our first Christmas market. We were told to meet at the meeting spot in 20 minutes. And that is where the problem started. There were at least 100 booths in this market. When my significant other asked if we would be allowed more than 20 minutes at the next 2 markets and then Liam became combative. He responded to her question by saying "You were back in 20 minutes and no one else had an issue meeting in 20 minutes." To which I responded that everyone showed up in 20 minutes because that was the limit we were given, but more time would be nice. He then told us that no one is making us stay with the group we are welcome to go back to the Central Park Market and leave the group. I tried to explain that we know that everyone, including us, showed up in 20 minutes because that was thelimit we were given, but with the size of the market we felt we could have been given more time, 45 minutes would have been a better amount of time, but 20 minutes was way to short for the size of the market we started at. To explain my issue later on we went to a market with 20 or so booths and were again given 20 minutes. Liam was not professional at all and had this a bad experience. I am sure others would have liked more time at the first market, we for one were only able to shop at one booth. His combative attitude and not answering the question asked made for a terrible experience on this tour.
Response from the operator: Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We’re glad to hear the tour started off well and appreciate you explaining your experience in detail. Our Christmas Markets tour itinerary is carefully crafted in advance to balance walking time, market visits, and the overall length of the experience. The 20-minute shopping windows were intentionally set to allow guests to visit multiple markets, though we understand that larger markets can feel rushed for those who would prefer more time to browse. We’re sorry to hear that the interaction with the guide did not meet your expectations. Liam is a five-star guide with a strong track record of positive guest experiences, and we have not previously received concerns of this nature. That said, we take all feedback seriously and have shared your comments internally. Thank you again for joining us and for sharing your perspective.
via Viator
Christmas Walking Tour - Fast Paced
Let me start out by saying that this was an OK tour and our guide Kevin was extremely knowledgeable but know that if you are going to do this tour you better be physically prepared to literally walk miles during this tour. This is not a tour for individuals that have mobility issues or aren't in physical shape to walk miles. Our guide Kevin was difficult to keep pace with for my wife as he was a fast walker and there were 2 other groups beside ours in this tour that "tapped" out before finishing the tour due to the inability to keep up with the tour at times. The tour lasts 4 hours and highlights Christmas themed attractions and Christmas Markets in mid-Manhattan. You won't spend much time at any one place as most of the 4 hours is spent walking from spot to spot. You can spend as much time as you want at the Bryant Park market as it is the last stop on the tour. As this tour is during the Christmas holiday season, be prepared for huge crowds on the streets as you try to navigate the tour through the area. It was very difficult to keep up with the tour at times due to the mass of humanity along the tour route. I would recommend this tour for physically fit individuals who have no problems walking distances and don't mind huge crowds. Learning about the Christmas traditions in NYC from our guide Kevin were the highlights of the trip.
Response from the operator: Thank you for taking the time to share such a thoughtful and balanced review. We’re glad to hear that you found the tour engaging overall and that Kevin’s knowledge of New York City’s Christmas traditions was a highlight of your experience. You are absolutely correct that this is a 4-hour walking tour, and we appreciate you underscoring the physical demands involved—especially during the busy holiday season. We make a point of clearly communicating in our tour descriptions and pre-tour information that this experience involves extended walking through midtown Manhattan, often in dense crowds, and is best suited for guests who are comfortable walking long distances at a steady pace. That said, your feedback regarding pacing is valuable. While holiday crowds and shared public spaces can make group movement challenging, we are actively reinforcing with our guides the importance of adjusting pace when possible and regularly checking in with guests, particularly during high-traffic periods. We appreciate your recommendation to future guests and your recognition of the educational value Kevin brought to the tour, and we hope to welcome you again on another experience that’s an even better fit for your interests and comfort level.
via Tripadvisor
Christmas lights tour
Joseph was great. He was informative and was constantly making sure the group were together. There were a few unexpected issues along the way due to the sheer volume of people on 5th Ave. However, Joseph guided us through it and made sure we were all safe. It was quite scary for a while. I guess these situations are unavoidable especially during the Christmas crowds. Thank you Joseph.
Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your experience. We’re glad Joseph provided an informative, well-managed guided tour and prioritized group safety during the busy 5th Avenue Christmas crowds. Navigating high-volume holiday conditions is challenging, and we appreciate your understanding. We’re delighted you felt supported and enjoyed the tour despite the circumstances.
via Tripadvisor
Great Tour of NYC
Liam was great, we had a member of our group in a wheelchair and he made sure to look out for ramps and help with the crowds. It was a great tour and we really enjoyed it.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your thoughtful feedback. We’re glad to hear Liam provided an inclusive, accessible, and enjoyable guided tour. Ensuring wheelchair accessibility, navigating crowds, and delivering a high-quality experience are priorities for our tours. We truly appreciate your kind words and are delighted your group had a great time.
via Tripadvisor
Christmas lights and markets
This tour was great as it showed all the best Christmas lights and markets. Liam was knowledgeable and made things fun which made the trip more enjoyable. Would definitely recommend!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- 5+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Price range
- $49 to $59
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 21
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 62
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
New York City Christmas Holiday Lights and Markets Walking Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for New York.
How much does New York City Christmas Holiday Lights and Markets Walking Tour cost?
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Prices start at $49 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 New York City Christmas Holiday Lights and Markets Walking Tour take?
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Plan for about 4 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 New York City Christmas Holiday Lights and Markets Walking Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 62 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.3/5 across 61 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 New York City Christmas Holiday Lights and Markets Walking 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 New York City Christmas Holiday Lights and Markets Walking Tour suitable for kids and families?
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The operator sets a minimum age of 5. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 4-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book New York City Christmas Holiday Lights and Markets Walking Tour?
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Around 21 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 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does New York City Christmas Holiday Lights and Markets Walking 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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