Christmas in New York: Private Holiday History Tour
5.0
105 Ratings
New York
Experience the magic of Christmas in New York on a private holiday history tour. Discover the secrets behind holiday traditions, visit iconic sites, and capture unforgettable memories.
Duration:
2 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
-
Manhattan - 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.
- 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
What's Included
- Expert local guide
- Private tour
What's Not Included
- Gratuities
Additional Information
Join our expert-guided private excursion to immerse yourself in the enchantment and grandeur of the festive season through a historical exploration of holiday traditions. Our exclusive Christmas in New York tour showcases the most stunning Yuletide landmarks in the heart of Manhattan and unveils the fascinating stories behind them. Prepare to soak up the holiday narrations and origins of longstanding traditions that will animate the city’s spectacle for a memorable holiday experience.
-
Uncover the origins and hidden tales of various jovial practices we link with the holiday season.
-
Discover the wonders behind Macy’s and unravel the marvels of 34th Street.
-
Take a leisurely walk past a well-loved ice rink to a local holiday-themed market.
-
Witness the brilliant holiday decorations adorning Fifth Avenue.
-
Bask in the splendor of Rockefeller Center.
-
Feel the genuine Christmas spirit at St Patrick’s Cathedral.
-
Capture memorable holiday photos of your extraordinary journey.
- 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
Location
Herald Square
West 35th Street
In front of the James Gordon Bennett Memorial Monument in the park at 35th street between Sixth Avenue and Broadway
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(105 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Diane_k
Dec 21, 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.
Review provided by Viator
Drbleecker
Jan 9, 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!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kelly_k
Dec 15, 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 !
Review provided by Viator
Lauradx7654bp
Aug 5, 2021
The Gilded Age, a New York Historical Tour not to miss! - Really, I can’t say enough good things about Kevin Draper and New York Historical Tours. As a NYC native I love deepening my knowledge of my beloved city. Kevin is a real New Yorker with a total zest for the City and for sharing with others what makes New York so special. Having already greatly enjoyed Kevin's on line talks during this past year, it was a real pleasure to take my first in-person tour, The Gilded Age: The Heyday of High Society Tour, and to be with Kevin Draper. On our walk up Fifth Avenue from the Plaza to beyond the Guggenheim Museum, Kevin's knowledge and enthusiasm were real and totally entertaining. I enjoyed this tour and know that Kevin and his company can take your anywhere which is what I expect to do in the coming year.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sherrypandfamily
Jan 3, 2021
Excellent Gilded Age Tour in Upper East Side - My (adult) family and I took an exceptional two hour private "gilded age" tour with Kevin yesterday and had the most wonderful time. We have done walking tours when visiting other cities but, as native New Yorkers, had never taken the opportunity to do so here. With my birthday falling in the winter and the pandemic causing us to shy away from indoor activities to celebrate, we determined to do this tour- and it was a wise choice. Kevin led us from the Plaza up Fifth Avenue to 90th Street, providing fascinating information about the period, showing us the mansions that were built and what became of them, and sharing stories about the prominent families of that time. He also alerted us to various public art pieces and events that are held around the city (in non COVID times), as points of interest, unrelated to the subject of the tour. We were all masked and felt totally safe during the tour, with Kevin navigating us away from any crowded spots. I highly recommend this tour company, with Kevin as guide, for a completely enjoyable experience. Whether from out of town, or local, it is well worth it
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Amsmrii
Sep 25, 2020
AMAZING. - Best tour I ever did! I did the Highlights of Harlem Tour, our tour guide Kevin was amazing! My friend and I learned so much about the history of Harlem. The second the tour ended, i started telling everyone I knew to do it!
During this time (covid), they offer private tours only. The price was good, you can bring up to 6 people, and masks were on the entire time.
Our guide, again, was really incredible. He was extremely insightful, and kept my friend and I engaged the entire time.
I had to choose any walking tour in new york to do for a class. So honestly, neither of us were expecting this great of an experience. We HIGHLY recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jackinmd
Mar 11, 2020
The Best GUILDED AGE tour in NYC !! - Kevin Draper has to be one of the most informed New York Tour guides. We took this fascinating 2 hour walking tour of Fifth Avenue this morning and were blown away by the quality of the information that Kevin imparted to us. We highly recommend this tour and Kevin.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Travelingtrayci
Dec 30, 2019
Christmas In New York - Went to New York for Christmas and we had an excellent time. More scammers than we encountered on before trips. Careful with the characters in time square they will rip you off, they should be regulated better. Other than that there was a lot of people there and now with permits they allow vendors to sell purses on the streets, loved it....
Review provided by Tripadvisor
X130njcarolh
Dec 9, 2019
Kevin Draper's Gilded Age Tour - My visitors from Texas found Mr Draper via TripAdvisor's rave reviews so I booked the tour for the four of us for December 5, 2019. We could not have been more pleased with his expertise and knowledge of the history regarding the Gilded Age. He was the best! We would recommend Mr. Draper to anyone. All of us left there raving about the tour and promising to come back for another one. There was a lot of walking involved and all 4 of us are over 60, but we had no problem at all.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Benjamin_p
Dec 13, 2021
Kevin was amazing !! You... - Kevin was amazing !! You can tell he’s a New Yorker . Only thing however is it needs more information on this tour regarding what’s “included” and what were actually “doing”. Could of showed me more for the price of $200.
Review provided by Viator
