Christmas in New York: Private Holiday History Tour
Description
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
Tour Options
Itinerary
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.
Worlds Largest Department store
Discover the stories that inspired holiday traditions
Stroll through the winter village
World class shopping and holiday displays
Iconic art deco complex and home to the most popular christmas tree
Home of the Rockettes and Christmas Spectacular
The largest decorated gothic-style Catholic Cathedral in the United States
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- 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
Reviews(107)
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.
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.
IBEROJET Departure from Madrid on 12/22/2023 with Iberojet destination Cancun. How has this company changed, especially the ground staff (check-in) and not the cabin staff, the personal treatment is still wonderful, I mean the check-in staff, having preferential billing and seeing how this staff is leaving you behind and moving ahead from your nose people who are friends or family when you protest tell you that even if you have paid for that service you have no right to protest in your own face I say that a lot has changed because I have flown with them since they were Evelop and four times a year but I think that It was the last one and by the way we were not the only ones who had this problem, many people with this type of billing had the same problem. For the cabin staff, everything is the opposite, kindness and impeccable service, very very good.
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.
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!
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 !
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.
Hi Benjamin - Thank you for the personal complement. You booked The Holiday Tour and we did see everything that was listed and included for this tour and covered the history of the holidays as per the tour description. Additionally, I was open and happy to answer all of your questions off topic, take photos for you, provide recommendations and directions to your next destination. There is a lot to see in the city and we covered a lot of ground and information during the two hour private walking tour and did as much as we could possibly do for that duration. You both seemed to thoroughly enjoy the tour. If there is something missing from the description please let me know,
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.
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
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!