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Christmas in New York: Private Holiday History Tour

Christmas in New York: Private Holiday History Tour

Overview

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

City: New York City

Tue 24 Dec

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $150.00

Make a reservation

Tue 24 Dec

Starting at $150.00

Make a reservation

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What's Included

Expert local guide

Private tour

Additional Info

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
Masks are recommended but not required outdoors. Masks and/or proof of vaccination may be required to enter any indoor facility

What To Expect

Macy's Herald Square

Worlds Largest Department store

New York Public Library

Discover the stories that inspired holiday traditions

Bryant Park

Stroll through the winter village

Fifth Avenue

World class shopping and holiday displays

Rockefeller Center

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

Radio City Music Hall

Home of the Rockettes and Christmas Spectacular

St. Patrick's Cathedral

The largest decorated gothic-style Catholic Cathedral in the United States

Show 4 more stops

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Traveler Photos

Reviews (104)

Canafornian

Nov 2018

On a recent trip to NYC, I arranged two historical private tours with Kevin Draper of New York Historical Tours. My best girlfriend of many years and I were in town celebrating a big birthday and Hamilton was one of the activities on our itinerary. Thinking it would be helpful to have the history of Hamilton in NY, I reached out to Kevin and arranged a Founding Fathers Tour & the following day a Brooklyn Bridge and Brooklyn Heights tour. So remarkable! Kevin was a wealth of information, beyond what we could have figured out on our own or even from a book. He is passionate about history and is a city native. We saw Hamilton and then the next morning met up with Kevin at Bowling Green at the tip of lower Manhattan where our tour began. This truly brought the days of Hamilton to life for us - remarkable to walk in the steps of these American Founders. I especially appreciated being able to ask questions and have well-informed answers - it helps me understand so many things. Kevin seemed to thrive on our genuine interest and shared additional sources, suggested venues and even a recommendation for our lunch, once knowing I was a francophile (La District - separate review coming soon). Having travelled extensively through Europe, I have come to appreciate the value of a solid guide. We are able to see more than most people cover in a week. It costs to do this, but it also costs NOT to do this - the knowledge gained and places seen are worth their weight in gold. Given the state of our nation currently, I do find solace in history. Democracy is a struggle. Standing on the steps where George Washington was inaugurated - somehow gives me hope that the side of good and reason is going to win the current struggle. I appreciated talking with Kevin about these things. Yes, Kevin is a tour guide, but I think of him as my personal historian. He is personable, has a great sense of humor and enjoys what he does. I honestly wished that we were staying a few more days so we could take a few more tours. Alas - next time! So grateful we did this - Thank you Kevin!

robfisher2015

Nov 2018

Four of us spent a most interesting informative and enjoyable time with Kevin who is the founder of New York Historical Tours. We did the Greenwich Village,China Town Little Italy Tour. We met at the City Hall, Kevin briefed us on the founding of New York by the Dutch, the building of the Brooklyn Bridge which led to New York becoming one of the worlds great cities. We learnt how and why New York built up, why so many buildings are five stories. Kevin took us to the setting of Gangs of New York and the influence of the Irish immigrants on the Police, the Fire service and City Hall. On through the streets of Chinatown which then morph into Little Italy. Kevin was very knowledgeable about the "Families". We walked past a particular restaurant and the owner was sitting outside smoking a huge cigar. Kevin has great knowledge of the areas visited. He has a great sense of humour he was always interesting and the two hour walk flew by. It turns out Kevin was one of the leading lights in the retention and development of the High Line. This walk with Kevin was one of the absolute highlights, not just of New York but of our many travels over the last forty years. Not to be missed and ask for whatever walk Kevin is doing!!

Runimehta1

Nov 2018

Kevin was knowledgable, engaging, informative and made the tour (despite an extremely windy and chilly morning) absolutely worth attending! I am a New Yorker but wanted to know more about the history of the city and so decided to give this tour a shot. Kevin told us soooo many facts that I had no idea of even after having lived in Manhattan for all these years.. this tour is for visitors and locals alike. Go for it I say.