6 Days • 5 Nights
New York Festive: Christmas & Holiday Magic
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- The Rockefeller Center tree and ice rink
- Fifth Avenue's dazzling holiday windows
- Christmas markets at Bryant Park and Union Square
- The Radio City Christmas Spectacular
- Festive lights, carols and seasonal treats
- The magic of New York dressed for the holidays
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 6-day journey.
Met at the airport and transferred to your Manhattan hotel, all decked out for the season. Settle in with a first look at the festive lights and enjoy a welcome dinner.
A guided tour of the city dressed for Christmas, the Rockefeller tree, the dazzling department-store windows along Fifth Avenue, and the great sights aglow with lights.
A day of holiday magic, skating beneath the Rockefeller tree or in Central Park, browsing the twinkling Christmas markets at Bryant Park and Union Square, and sampling seasonal treats.
A day taking in a famous observation deck for winter skyline views, and the iconic Radio City Christmas Spectacular or a festive Broadway show in the evening.
A free day to enjoy the festive city, holiday shopping on Fifth Avenue, a museum, Brooklyn, or a carol service at a historic church.
After breakfast you are transferred to the airport for your onward flight, full of holiday magic.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 5 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner and a festive skyline observation
- Airport transfers
- Sightseeing, tours and activities as per itinerary with expert guides
- Ground transport and any excursions as specified
- Attraction entry fees as per itinerary
- a guided festive city tour, ice-skating and a Christmas markets walk
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Radio City or Broadway show tickets (we can pre-book)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa & ESTA: New York is in the USA, so Visa Waiver Program travellers need an approved ESTA before flying, and other nationalities need a US B-2 visa; a valid passport is required. We advise you based on your nationality
- Currency & tipping: The currency is the US Dollar and cards are accepted everywhere; tipping is expected, around 18 to 20 percent in restaurants, and tips for guides, drivers, bartenders and hotel staff. Sales tax is added at the register
- Getting around: New York City is best explored on foot and by its extensive subway; a transit pass is handy, and taxis and rideshares are plentiful. We arrange airport transfers and any tours and day trips
- Best time to visit: New York is a year-round city; spring and autumn are ideal for sightseeing, summer is warm and lively with rooftop bars and parks, and winter brings the magic of the festive season, ice rinks and holiday windows
- Broadway & bookings: Broadway shows, popular restaurants and observation decks can sell out, especially at weekends and holidays; we can pre-book tickets and tables so you do not miss out
- Weather & layers: Weather varies by season, from hot, humid summers to cold, snowy winters; pack accordingly and bring comfortable walking shoes, as you will cover a lot of ground on foot
- Safety & etiquette: New York is a busy, welcoming city; take normal big-city precautions with your belongings, keep to the right on sidewalks and escalators, and enjoy the fast-paced energy
- Health & power: No vaccinations are required, but travel insurance is essential as US healthcare is costly. Power is 120V with type A and B plugs, so bring an adapter; the legal drinking age is 21 and ID is required
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the festive season in New York?
The holiday magic runs from roughly mid-November through early January, with the Rockefeller tree lit from early December. This itinerary is designed for that festive window; we advise on the best dates and can plan around New Year too.
Can you book the Radio City show?
Yes — we can pre-book tickets to the Radio City Christmas Spectacular or a festive Broadway show, which sell out fast at this time of year, so you are guaranteed seats. Just let us know your preference.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included, along with any meals named in the itinerary such as a welcome dinner. New York's dining scene is one of the world's best and part of the fun, so most lunches and dinners are left free, with our recommendations and bookings on request.
Can you book Broadway shows and restaurants?
Yes — we can pre-book Broadway tickets, popular restaurant tables and observation decks in advance so you do not miss out, especially at weekends and during the festive season. Just tell us your wish list.
Do I need an ESTA or visa?
Visa Waiver Program travellers need an approved ESTA before flying; other nationalities need a US visitor visa. We confirm exactly what you need for your nationality when you book.
When is the best time to visit New York?
New York is wonderful year-round, spring and autumn for ideal sightseeing weather, summer for lively parks and rooftops, and winter for the magic of the festive season. We advise on timing for your interests.
How do we get around the city?
New York is best explored on foot and by its excellent subway, which we help you navigate, plus taxis and rideshares. We arrange airport transfers and any guided tours or day trips in your itinerary.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. We can adjust the length, add day trips to Niagara, the Hamptons or upstate, tailor the balance of sightseeing, shopping, food and shows, and choose hotels to match your style and budget.
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