Experience New York City at its most magical on a 2-hour NYC Christmas Lights Walking Tour through Midtown Manhattan. See the dazzling holiday window displays along Fifth Avenue, the Macy’s mechanical Christmas windows, the illuminated façade of Saks Fifth Avenue, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and the spectacular Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree.
Along the way, your guide will share the stories, traditions, and surprising details behind New York’s famous Christmas displays. We’ll even hop on the subway for one short ride to beat the holiday traffic, warm up, and experience a little of the city beneath the streets.
Whether you're visiting New York for the first time or returning to experience the holidays, this is a fun way to see Midtown Manhattan's Christmas lights and holiday decorations with a local guide.
And every ticket helps support New York City Toys for Tots. Tours by Foot has donated more than $18,000 since we began supporting the organization in 2018.
Experience Christmas in New York City
There’s nothing quite like New York City at Christmas. Join Tours by Foot for an evening through Midtown Manhattan as the city’s most famous streets and landmarks sparkle for the holiday season.
We’ll stroll along Fifth Avenue, taking in the elaborate Christmas window displays and festive decorations that have made this stretch of Manhattan a holiday tradition. Along the way, your guide will share the stories behind the displays, the artists and designers who create them, and the traditions that have helped make Christmas in New York famous around the world.
We’ll also hop on the subway for one short ride. It’s a practical way to avoid some of Midtown’s holiday traffic and warm up along the way—but it’s also part of the experience. Keep your ears open for the musicians who help make New York’s subway system come alive during the holidays.
The evening ends at Rockefeller Center, where you’ll see the towering Christmas Tree and the festive surroundings that have become one of the most recognizable holiday scenes in New York.
What You'll See on the NYC Christmas Lights Tour
Fifth Avenue comes alive at Christmas, and we'll take time to enjoy the sights that make Midtown one of the most festive places in New York City. Depending on the year, displays and decorations may change, but you can expect plenty of holiday sparkle along the route.
- Famous Christmas Window Displays — See the elaborate holiday windows created by some of New York's best-known department stores and luxury retailers.
- Macy's Mechanical Christmas Windows — Watch the beloved animated displays at Macy's, a New York holiday tradition that brings imaginative scenes to life.
- Holiday Lights & Festive Displays — Take in the sparkling decorations and illuminated storefronts that transform Fifth Avenue and Midtown after dark.
- Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree — Finish the evening at Rockefeller Center, home to New York City's iconic Christmas Tree and one of the city's most spectacular holiday settings.
Iconic Christmas Lights & Window Displays
Our Midtown Manhattan Christmas Lights Tour takes you past some of New York City's most famous holiday landmarks and displays. The exact window displays can change from year to year, but these are some of the iconic sights you'll encounter along the route:
- Macy’s Mechanical Christmas Windows — Watch the beloved animated displays at Macy’s, a New York holiday tradition that brings imaginative scenes to life.
- Saks Fifth Avenue — See the spectacular holiday façade and festive window displays at one of Fifth Avenue’s most famous department stores.
- Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree — Take in one of New York City’s most iconic holiday sights and learn about the history and traditions behind the famous tree.
- St. Patrick’s Cathedral — Admire the contrast between the cathedral’s soaring architecture and the festive lights of Fifth Avenue.
- Tiffany & Co. — See the holiday decorations and window displays outside this legendary Fifth Avenue jeweler.
- Bergdorf Goodman — Discover the elaborate, artistic holiday windows that make Bergdorf Goodman a perennial New York Christmas favorite.
- Macy’s Herald Square — Take in the holiday atmosphere around one of the city’s most famous department stores.
And plenty more holiday magic along Fifth Avenue!
Prefer to stay warm? If you’d rather see New York’s holiday sights from a heated vehicle, there’s also an On Location Tours Holiday Lights & Movie Sites bus tour. You can learn more about the holiday lights bus tour.
Tour Information
- Duration: Approximately 2 hours
- Starting time: 7:00 PM daily during the holiday season.
- Additional departures may be added on busy December dates.
- Meeting point: The Patience & Fortitude lions in front of the New York Public Library at 5th Avenue & 41st Street. When facing the library, look for the lion on the right side of the staircase.
- End point: Rockefeller Center, near the Christmas Tree and skating rink.
- Subway: Please have a contactless credit/debit card or OMNY ready to pay for one subway ride
- Accessibility: This tour is not wheelchair accessible. We cannot accommodate wheelchairs or non-foldable strollers. Foldable strollers are welcome.
- New Year's Eve: No tour is offered on New Year's Eve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a walking tour or a bus tour?
This is a walking tour of Midtown Manhattan’s Christmas lights and holiday displays, with one short subway ride along the way. We use the subway to avoid some of the holiday traffic, warm up, and experience a little of New York City’s underground culture along the way.
What will we see on the NYC Christmas Lights Tour?
You’ll explore some of the most famous Christmas lights and holiday window displays in Midtown Manhattan, including the dazzling Fifth Avenue displays, Macy’s mechanical Christmas windows, Saks Fifth Avenue, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Tiffany & Co., and other seasonal decorations.
The exact window displays and decorations can change from year to year, but Rockefeller Center and its famous Christmas Tree are always among the highlights. The tour ends at Rockefeller Center, giving you time to enjoy the tree and surrounding holiday atmosphere.
Where do we meet and where does the tour end?
The tour meets at the Patience & Fortitude lions in front of the New York Public Library at 5th Avenue and 41st Street. When facing the library, look for the lion on the right side of the staircase.
The tour ends at Rockefeller Center, near the famous Christmas Tree and skating rink. From there, you're perfectly positioned to continue exploring Midtown Manhattan's holiday lights and decorations on your own.
Will we see the Saks Fifth Avenue Christmas lights?
Yes. Saks Fifth Avenue is one of the highlights of our NYC Christmas Lights Tour. We’ll stop to see the spectacular holiday façade and Christmas window displays along Fifth Avenue.
The exact design and any synchronized light show can change from year to year, so we don't promise a specific show. Our focus is on experiencing the Fifth Avenue Christmas lights and holiday displays as part of the walking tour.
Is the NYC Christmas Lights Tour wheelchair accessible?
No. The NYC Christmas Lights Tour is not wheelchair accessible. The route includes crowded Midtown sidewalks and a short subway ride with stairs, so we cannot accommodate wheelchairs or non-foldable strollers. Foldable strollers are welcome.
What time does the NYC Christmas Lights Tour run?
Tours typically begin at 7:00 PM daily during the holiday season. Additional departure times may be added on popular dates in December.
Check the booking calendar for the most current tour times and availability.
There is no tour on New Year's Eve.