Christmas Lights Tours in New York City

The City That Never Sleeps is a melting pot of activity year-round. In the fall and the spring, the colors of the trees in places like Central Park come alive and provide a beautiful backdrop for tourists and locals alike.

Meanwhile, in the summertime, open-air festivals dot the city and tourists flock in search of the world's best Broadway shows, the world's best museums, and the world's best sky-high observation decks.

But there's another "world's best" that pops up once a year, when the winter snow blankets the city — as the holiday season rolls around, the Big Apple becomes a true winter wonderland. Streets are lit up with festive lights, houses are decked out with decorations, and holiday window displays add that extra Christmas cheer to every corner of Manhattan.

And while you'll find Christmas lights displays around every corner, the best way to take it all in is by signing up for a Christmas Lights tour in New York City.

These trips are designed to take you to the more renowned displays around the city, giving you a chance to get out and explore some of the best spots in New York City's haunts — whether that be Dyker Heights, Central Park, the Rockefeller Center or anywhere in between.

Here's all you need to know about Christmas lights tours, one of the most captivating options for sightseeing tours in New york City.

What are the best Christmas lights tours in New York City?

New York's Christmas lights aren't cornered to just one part of the city, they're spread out across all five boroughs. With that in mind, there are several different options when it comes to the best Christmas lights tours in New York City — from drives to Dyker Heights in Brooklyn or a walk around the main lit-up landmarks in East Manhattan.

The most popular options are listed in further detail below

Multi-stop NYC Christmas Lights Tour

Starting off in Eastern Manhattan, where you'll get to see some of the most iconic sites lit up in the holiday spirit. You'll then continue your journey into Brooklyn, where you'll get to see some of the more unique displays at Dyker Heights.

The Italian neighborhood, which has become infamous for its Christmas decorations, boasts homes that spend as much as $20,000 on lighting up their homes with reindeer, Santa, elves, and synchronized music systems.

The kind of tour also includes stops at the DUMBO viewpoint, where you can see the Brooklyn Bridge in lights, before finishing up at the iconic Rockefeller Centre's Christmas Tree.

Christmas Lights Walking Tour in Brooklyn at Dyker Heights

Focusing exclusively on Brooklyn's Dyker Heights, this walking tour will take you through neighborhood streets and make a beeline for its jaw-dropping displays.

Since this tour doesn't include transport to or from Manhattan, and only lasts around 1.5 Hours, it's one of the cheapest Christmas lights tours in New York.

4-Hour Multi-Stop Christmas Lights Tour on a "Luxury Bus"

Suited for those who prefer to travel in style, this style of tour starts off in the heart of Manhattan and takes you to several stops around town.

This typically includes the Greenwich Village Christmas Tree, the Dyker Heights community, Chelsea and the Meatpacking District, and the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel — from which, after exiting, you can see the Statue of Liberty all lit up.

Christmas Lights Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride

Made for romantic, this experience centers around Midtown Manhattan. Seated on a horse-drawn carriage with a cozy blanket, you'll get to see the lights and Christmas decorations of Central Park, the Rockefeller Center, St. Thomas Church and more, as well as the Saks Fifth Avenue light show.

As a little bonus, you're usually given treats to feed the horses as well.

Similar experiences with pedicabs are available too, if you prefer not to be pulled by a horse.

NYC Christmas Lights Tour By Limousine - Manhattan And Dyker Heights

The ultimate luxury experience, this tour combines the best of both worlds — Manhattan and Dyker Heights. Starting off with a taste of the city's most famous sights, you'll then be driven to Brooklyn to see the suburban side of New York at Christmas.

Given the high price tag, it's usually best suited to groups.

Are there any combos available with Christmas lights tours in New York City?

Yes, you can enjoy a Christmas lights tour in New York City as part of a combo package with other activities, such as:

New York City Christmas Markets and Lights Walking Tour

During the holiday season, New York City welcomes several different winter wonderland markets — Bryant Park, Union Square, Grand Central Terminal and Columbus Circle, to name a few.

On this style of combination tour, you'll get to explore up to four of these festive markets, witnessing Christmas decorations and lights between each stop.

What will I see and do?

While every  Christmas lights tour in New York City is slightly different, most stick to a similar set of iconic locations.

Rockefeller Center

Home to the iconic Rockefeller Christmas tree, the center of Midtown Manhattan is one of the most popular places for locals and tourists alike to soak up the holiday spirit.

Dyker Heights

A neighborhood in southwest Brooklyn, Dyker Heights has become the go-to destination for extravagant suburban Christmas decorations. The houses here often spend tens of thousands of dollars on decorations, which has created a fairytale-like atmosphere.

Fifth Avenue

On the Upper East Side, Fifth Avenue is known for its high-end stores and shops. During Christmas, it's also a hot spot for decorations and lights — with big windows of luxury brands in particular offering up stunning displays.

Central Park

When blanketed in snow, Central Park is a true winter wonderland. Many of the trees around the park are decorated with Christmas lights too, adding to its enchanting atmosphere. Most horse-drawn carriage rides will make their way through a portion of the park.

Iconic landmarks

If you choose a multi-stop bus tour, you'll have the chance to see many of New York City's iconic landmarks lit up in all their Christmas glory, including the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Manhattan skyline (typically seen from Brooklyn or DUMBO).

Christmas Markets

Some Christmas lights tours in New York City also include visits to charming holiday markets. These are dotted all over the city — Columbus Circle, Union Square, Bryant Park and more — but they all offer cozy vibes, holiday treats and festive tunes.

What are the prices of Christmas lights tours in New York City?

The cost of Christmas lights tours in New York City can vary significantly, depending on the type of tour you choose, but they start from as little as US$20.

Walking tours are the cheapest options, ranging from US$20 to US$25 for walking-only, or US$40 to US$50 for walking plus market visits.

Bus tours are slightly more expensive, with prices usually ranging from US$50-US$95 per person, depending on the length and luxury level.

Horse-drawn carriage rides start from US$100, but are usually per vehicle not per person. Meanwhile,

Finally, Limousine tours are the most expensive. These cost upwards of US$900 but are priced per group (up to 6) not per person.

What do NYC Christmas Lights tours include?

Every Christmas lights tour in New York City is slightly different, but all of them come with a friendly, local guide to tell you about the city's sights and festive attractions.

Depending on which tour you choose, other extras may include visits to local markets, horse-drawn carriage rides, transport in between the different locations, refreshments or even limousine services.

Where do Christmas lights tours in New York City start?

The starting points for Christmas lights tours in New York City vary, depending on the type of tour chosen.

In most cases, they'll begin at a central location like Columbus Circle or Times Square.

Horse-drawn carriage rides usually start from Central Park, while limousine tours will pick you up from anywhere in the city.

It's best to double-check the pick-up points with your tour operator before you book.

What is the duration?

Generally speaking, the duration of a Christmas lights tour in New York City is between three and four hours.

The only exception to this are horse-drawn carriage rides, which usually last around one hour.

Are these tours wheelchair friendly?

Only some Christmas lights tours in New York City are wheelchair accessible. These are usually the bus or limo tours. For obvious reasons, walking tours or horse-drawn carriage rides are not suitable for wheelchairs.

It's best to double-check with your tour operator before booking, as they will be able to provide more detailed information about the tour's accessibility based on your unique circumstances.

When is the best time to go on a Christmas lights tours in New York City?

The best time for a Christmas lights tour in New York City is from late November to early January. This period captures the festive holiday atmosphere, with iconic decorations and displays adorning the city's streets, making for a magical experience. In 2023, Christmas in New York brings the iconic Rockefeller Christmas tree lighting event.

The widely recognized ceremony is set for November 29, 2023. Additionally, Saks, known for its light show, is scheduled to kick off on November 22, 2023.

Are Christmas Lights tours in NYC safe?

Yes, Christmas lights tour in New York City are safe, as they provide expert guides and safety equipment, however are not recommended for travelers that are unable to ambulate. If in doubt, check with the tour provider before booking.

Can children join?

Children accompanied by adults are welcome on the Christmas lights tour in New York City, while infants are required to be seated on laps. Children must be under the supervision of an adult at all times, and infant seats are available for those who need them.

Travel tips

• Plot a map to plan your route of the Christmas lights tour to cover major displays efficiently.
• Watch the sunset over the Statue of Liberty and the Hudson River and the views of the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan skyline by nightvisit for the best views of illuminated decorations.
• Dress warmly to stay comfortable while exploring the city's festive lights.
• Navigate the city efficiently and avoid parking hassles during peak holiday traffic.
• Bring a camera to capture the dazzling displays and create lasting holiday memories.