New York City Holiday Tour With Empire State Building

New York City , United States of America

New York City Holiday Tour With Empire State Building

Active

(2 reviews)

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Your journey begins at St. Patrick’s Cathedral where your guide shares stories about its rich history as you admire its beautiful exterior. From there, make your way to Rockefeller Center and see the world famous Christmas tree up close while your guide explains the traditions that make this spot one of the most beloved places in New York during the holidays.

Continue past Radio City Music Hall and enjoy a glimpse of its sparkling seasonal decorations while learning about its famous Christmas performances. Walk through the Bryant Park Holiday Village where you can take in the lights, the cozy winter market stalls, and the lively rink area that make this part of the city feel especially festive.

Your guide will walk you to the Empire State Building and drop you off right at the entrance. You can explore the museum exhibits inside & then head up to the observatory for incredible views of New York City during the Christmas season. It is the perfect finale to your New York holiday tour.

Available options

New York City Holiday Tour With Empire State Building

What's included

Explore holiday icons: St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Radio City Music Hall & 5th Avenue

Visit the world-famous Rockefeller Christmas Tree

Small Group Format (12 Guests Max)

Fully Guided and Narrated Tour

Empire State Observatory (Admission Included)

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Your tour starts at the beautiful St. Patrick’s Cathedral. From outside, your guide will uncover the cathedral’s rich history and timeless Gothic design! An inspiring first stop before exploring more of New York’s holiday magic.

Stop 2

At Rockefeller Center, get an up close look at the world famous Christmas tree that lights up the plaza each year. Your guide will share the stories behind the tree, the history of Rockefeller Center, and why Christmas in New York City feels truly magical.

Stop 3 Pass by

As you pass by Radio City Music Hall, your guide will point out its sparkling holiday decorations and share the stories behind its famous Christmas traditions. It is a quick but memorable glimpse of one of New York City’s most iconic festive landmarks.

Stop 4

Walk through the Bryant Park Holiday Village and enjoy the festive energy of the season. Your guide will highlight the sparkling lights, the open air market stalls, and the lively rink area. It is a charming part of the tour that truly captures the spirit of Christmas in New York City.

Stop 5

Your guide will walk you to the Empire State Building and drop you off right at the entrance. From there, you can explore the museum exhibits at your own pace before heading up to the observatory for incredible views of New York City during the holiday season. It is the perfect way to end your Christmas tour.

What's not included

Tips

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Meet your guide at Paley Park, they will be sporting company branded clothing.

About New York City

New York City, often referred to as the cultural capital of the world, is a sprawling metropolis that never sleeps. With its iconic skyline, world-class museums, Broadway shows, and diverse neighborhoods, NYC offers an unparalleled urban experience that blends the historic with the modern.

Top Attractions

Statue of Liberty

A symbol of freedom and democracy, the Statue of Liberty is a must-visit. Take a ferry to Liberty Island for close-up views and a visit to the museum.

Historical 3-4 hours $18.50 (grounds access), $21.70 (pedestal access), $24.10 (crown access)

Central Park

A vast urban park offering a green escape in the heart of the city. Enjoy walking paths, boat rentals, and various attractions.

Nature 2-4 hours Free (some attractions have fees)

Times Square

The bustling heart of NYC, known for its bright lights, Broadway theaters, and vibrant atmosphere.

Entertainment 1-2 hours Free (shows and shopping have separate costs)

Empire State Building

An iconic Art Deco skyscraper offering panoramic views of the city from its observation decks.

Architecture 1-2 hours $44 (Main Deck), $74 (Top Deck)

Metropolitan Museum of Art

One of the world's largest and finest art museums, housing over 2 million works of art.

Museum 3-5 hours $25 (suggested admission)

Brooklyn Bridge

An iconic suspension bridge offering stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and East River.

Architecture 1-2 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

New York-style Pizza

Thin-crust pizza with a wide, foldable slice. Toppings vary but often include pepperoni, mushrooms, and sausage.

Dinner Can be made vegetarian or vegan.

Bagel with Lox

A classic NYC breakfast consisting of a toasted bagel topped with smoked salmon, cream cheese, and often capers or red onion.

Breakfast Contains dairy and fish.

Cheesecake

Creamy, rich cheesecake, often served with fruit toppings or chocolate sauce.

Dessert Contains dairy.

Pastrami on Rye

Thinly sliced pastrami piled high on rye bread, often served with mustard.

Lunch Contains meat.

Popular Activities

Hiking in Central Park Kayaking in the Hudson River Rock climbing in the Bronx Spas and wellness centers Yoga and meditation classes Strolling through botanical gardens Museum visits Broadway shows

Best Time to Visit

May to September

This period offers warm weather, outdoor festivals, and all attractions in full swing. However, it's also the busiest and most expensive time to visit.

15°C to 30°C 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish, Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin), Russian, Hindi
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

EST (GMT-5) / EDT (GMT-4) (Daylight Saving Time)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

NYC is generally safe, but like any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use common sense and trust your instincts

Getting there

By air

John F. Kennedy International Airport • 24 km (15 miles) from downtown
LaGuardia Airport • 13 km (8 miles) from downtown

By train

Penn Station, Grand Central Terminal

By bus

Port Authority Bus Terminal, Greyhound Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

The subway is the most efficient way to get around NYC. It operates 24/7 but can be crowded during peak hours.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Manhattan Brooklyn Queens Bronx Staten Island

Day trips

Niagara Falls

650 km (400 miles) • Overnight

A breathtaking natural wonder featuring three waterfalls: Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls.

Washington D.C.

370 km (230 miles) • Full day

The capital of the United States, offering iconic landmarks, museums, and government buildings.

Philadelphia

150 km (93 miles) • Full day

A historic city known for its role in the American Revolution and its vibrant cultural scene.

Festivals

New Year's Eve in Times Square • December 31 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade • Fourth Thursday in November NYC Pride • Late June

Pro tips

Use a MetroCard for easy and discounted subway and bus rides
Walk as much as possible to explore the city and its neighborhoods
Try street food for a quick and delicious meal on the go
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
Use apps like Google Maps or Citymapper for real-time navigation and transit information