New York City might not be home to the country’s most traditional Christmas markets, but that doesn’t mean it’s lacking in charm.
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The city comes alive with bright Christmas lights, larger-than-life trees, and pop-up markets galore. Whether you want to snack on holiday specialities, get your gift shopping done, or just walk around enjoying the atmosphere, you’re in for a pleasant surprise.
For all its grit, filth, and impatience, New York City is a winter wonderland. Best of all, you can easily book a tour that showcases its harder-to-reach but can’t-miss Christmas attractions—from the OTT decorations in Dyker Heights to locating those smaller, more intimate Christmas markets.
If you’re visiting the city this holiday season, take a look at the best Christmas tours in New York City for 2025. They’re guaranteed to give you an overly romantic view of NYC.
Best Christmas tours in NYC in 2025
New York City Christmas Holiday Lights and Markets Walking Tour
From ambling through colorful, cozy Christmas markets to ogling at massive window displays, this tour takes you to some of the most popular and famous Christmas sites in Manhattan. Along the way, you can shop for souvenirs and snacks, learn more about Christmas movie filming locations, and otherwise soak up the city at its most charming.
Christmas in New York: Private Holiday History Tour
Want a little history lesson packaged into your holiday tour? This private tour takes you around Midtown Manhattan’s most famous Christmas sites, from the holiday window displays on Fifth Avenue to Rockefeller Center’s grand tree to the winter village in Bryant Park. It offers a great balance between shopping, exploring, and learning about some of New York City’s most well-known Christmas haunts.
New York City Christmas Lights Private Horse Carriage Ride
The name says it all: This private tour runs for 45 minutes to give you a lay of the land in Midtown Manhattan. Uniquely, tours are scheduled at night so that you can enjoy the city’s over-the-top light displays. Along the way, you’ll hit many of the hotspots mentioned in the tour above, including Rockefeller Center. Plus, you can get to cruise along Central Park.
New York City Cocoa and Carols Holiday Cruise
If you’re looking for New York City tours (regardless of the season), then don’t discount boat tours in NYC. They give you a seamless way to get a view of the skyline. This Christmas-themed holiday cruise comes with warm cocoa, homemade cookies, and a bit of caroling. It’s also a great way to escape the crowds if you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed.
New York City & Landmarks Christmas City Tour Covered Car
Assuming you’re brave enough to get into a covered car (sort of like a golf cart, but larger and heated), then this tour takes you to a different section of Manhattan. You’ll get to see the Christmas tree at Washington Square Park and Madison Square Park, plus view a few famous spots from Sex and the City and even the world-famous Macy’s store, home to larger-than-life window displays.
Elf and Home Alone 2 Movie Location Tour in Central Park
If you’re a big of Christmas staples like Home Alone and Elf, don’t skip this tour. Step into the pedicab and you’ll be ferried around Central Park’s most famous and iconic locations from both films. Your guide will also be dressed on-theme in an Elf costume, if that helps seal the deal in any way?
Magical Midtown Holiday Tour: Donuts, Lights, & Hot Chocolate
You need to eat a lot when you visit New York City if you want to fuel those endless days spent walking amid skyscrapers. This tour lets you sample some of Manhattan’s most beloved holiday treats while you explore the markets, see the lights, and sip on hot cocoa. You even get to see the tree at Rockefeller Center.
Dyker Heights Tours (Multiple)
Dyker Heights is a Brooklyn neighborhood where many residents go above and beyond to create massive, brightly lit Christmas decorations on their front lawns and stoops. I like to think every big city has one of these neighborhoods, so if you’re a fan of DIY Christmas charm, don’t miss out.
You can choose from a few different Dyker Heights tours, depending on your needs and interests:
Dyker Heights Christmas Lights Tours: This tour includes a stop at major Manhattan Christmas sites, too
Brooklyn Dyker Heights Christmas Wonderland Bus Tour: Easy and no-frills bus tour of the neighborhood with a professional, engaging tour guide
Dyker Lights Christmas Trolley Experience: This festive and light-lined bus takes you from Midtown Manhattan to Dyker Heights, where you can get a lay of the land as you explore the coolest light displays
Dyker Heights Christmas Lights Guided Tour: A guided tour on foot shows the best light displays before you get a little free time to explore on your own
