MY CHRISTMAS MORNING IN MANHATTAN HOLIDAY TOUR IN NYC
CHRISTMAS MORNING IN MANHATTAN TOUR: BEST HOLIDAY SIGHTS + EXCLUSIVE LUNCH AT PAPILLON CHRISTMAS RESTAURANT
Launched for the first time in 2024, the My Christmas Morning in Manhattan Tour welcomed over 7,000 guests in just over a month. Due to its incredible success, we’re bringing it back for 2025, with even more festive magic.
This Christmas morning in Manhattan tour is the perfect blend of iconic midtown holiday sights and a grand finale at the most beautiful and popular Christmas restaurant in New York, Papillon Christmas Restaurant. During the holidays, Papillon accepts no reservations, but with the My Christmas in New York team, you skip the line and enter before the official opening time.
For the first time this year, we’ve also secured something truly special. Thanks to our close relationship with Papillon Christmas Restaurant, you’ll enjoy an exclusive lunch menu, created only for our guests. Choose an appetizer, entrée, and dessert from their most-loved dishes, all at a special price, only available through this tour.
Get ready to join the Christmas Morning in Manhattan Tour and know everything about the most beautiful festive traditions.
During the past two holiday seasons, Marco and his team welcomed over 20,000 happy guests on their Christmas Lights tours. You can explore all the glorious reviews in the highlights of Marco’s Instagram pages: @MyChristmasInNewYorkCity and @MyChristmasInNewYork!
You can also browse real guest experiences in our Reviews section by clicking HERE.
Click on the BOOK NOW button and join the most famous Christmas Lights Tour 2025!
Want to dive deeper into the best things to do in NYC at Christmas? Don’t miss our full guide: Christmas in New York 2025 – Best Things to Do.
JOIN MY CHRISTMAS MORNING IN MANHATTAN TOUR FOR AN EXCLUSIVE HOLIDAY EXPERIENCE IN NEW YORK
We begin our Christmas morning in Manhattan at our usual meeting point in Times Square. From there, we head to Radio City Music Hall. We continue along 6th Avenue, where you’ll see the famous christmas ornaments. At Rockefeller Center, you’ll admire the world-renowned Christmas Tree and ice-skating rink, then stroll through Channel Gardens. We arrive at 5th Avenue, stopping first for the dazzling Saks Fifth Avenue windows, followed by St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
Our second stop is the elegant and historic Grand Central Terminal.
Next, we continue our walk up 5th Avenue, surrounded by magic in every window.
Our tour ends with something truly unforgettable, an exclusive visit to Papillon Christmas Restaurant, the most photographed and beloved Christmas restaurant in New York. You’ll have guaranteed reserved seating (no action needed on your part, it’s included with your booking).
This year, for the first time, we’ve partnered with Papillon to suggest a special 2-course lunch menu, created just for our tour guests at a special price.
We travel in a first-class coach bus, limited to 50 guests for a relaxed and premium experience. Throughout the ride, your guide will share insider tips, fun facts, and everything you need to enjoy the rest of your holiday season in New York.
KEY INFO OF THE CHRISTMAS MORNING IN MANHATTAN TOUR 2025
CALENDAR
Our 2025 Christmas Morning in Manhattan Tour runs daily from November 21 to December 30. Multiple time slots are available, all visible on our booking platform when you click BOOK NOW.
The tour begins in Times Square, on 45th Street between 7th and 8th Avenues, at a clear, easy-to-find location. A My Christmas in New York team member will be near Starbucks, under the tunnel, holding a yellow umbrella. You’ll receive step-by-step instructions in your booking confirmation to ensure a smooth and stress-free start.
FULLY GUIDED
During our 2025 Christmas Morning in Manhattan Tour, a licensed NYC tour guide will be with you the entire time. Your guide will share live narration, insider tips, and festive stories along the way. Whether you’re on the bus or exploring on foot, you’ll enjoy the magic of Christmas in New York City.
TOUR DURATION
Our Christmas Morning in Manhattan Tour lasts about 3 hours and includes three magical stops in Midtown Manhattan: Radio City and Rockefeller Center, Grand Central Terminal, and 5th Avenue Holiday Windows. You’ll be accompanied by a licensed NYC tour guide from start to finish. The final drop-off is at Papillon Christmas Restaurant, where you can enjoy skip-the-line access and a guaranteed reserved table, all included with your tour booking.
For the Christmas Morning in Manhattan Tour, you’ll travel on a comfortable Coach Bus. To ensure a premium experience, we limit participation to a maximum of 50 guests. This allows for a smooth, enjoyable ride through Midtown while keeping the group size comfortable and festive. Click HERE to learn more about our vehicles for the New York Christmas Morning Tour.
The tour ends at Papillon Christmas Restaurant, our final drop-off location and one of the most festive spots in Manhattan. As part of your booking, you’ll receive exclusive early access before opening time, plus a guaranteed reserved table, no wait, no hassle.
You’ll also have the option to enjoy a special 2-course lunch menu at a special rate, created just for our tour guests and available only through My Christmas in New York.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE TOP RATED CHRISTMAS MORNING TOUR
- Drop-off at Papillon Christmas Restaurant: End your tour with exclusive early access to Papillon, NYC’s most beloved Christmas restaurant. Skip the lines and walk right in, your reserved table is waiting.
- 2-course lunch menu – only for our guests: Enjoy a specially curated holiday meal available only to participants of My Christmas in New York tours. Choose your favorite appetizer, entrée, and dessert at a special rate.
- Three magical Midtown stops: Explore the best of NYC’s holiday decorations, from Radio City and Rockefeller Center, to Grand Central Terminal, and the sparkling 5th and 6th Avenue Holiday Windows and Sights.
- Fully guided by licensed NYC experts: Your guide will share festive facts, fun stories, and insider tips throughout your Christmas Morning in Manhattan experience.
- Comfortable Coach Bus travel, limited to 50 guests: Ride through Manhattan’s winter wonderland in a spacious, climate-controlled Coach Bus.
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THE CHRISTMAS MORNING IN MANHATTAN TOUR?
INCLUDED
- Exclusive access to Papillon Christmas Restaurant before opening time, with guaranteed reserved seating
- Special 2-course holiday lunch menu available only to tour participants upon payment of an exclusive rate
- Three magical Midtown Manhattan stops: Radio City & Rockefeller Center, Grand Central Terminal, and 5th and 6th Avenue Holiday Windows & Sights
- Fully guided 3-hour Christmas sightseeing tour, with live narration and festive stories from a licensed NYC tour guide
- Comfortable transportation on a climate-controlled coach bus, limited to 50 guests for a premium experience
- Drop-off at Papillon Christmas Restaurant in Midtown Manhattan
EXCLUDED
- Food and drinks are not included in the tour price. If you choose to stay at Papillon, you can enjoy the exclusive 2 or 3-course lunch menu, available to tour participants at a special rate and paid directly at the restaurant.
- Gratuities (optional but appreciated for your guide & driver)
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Return transportation to Times Square. The tour ends at Papillon Christmas Restaurant, which serves as the final drop-off point.
FULL ITINERARY OF THE CHRISTMAS MORNING IN MANHATTAN TOUR
We begin our Christmas Morning in Manhattan Tour at our usual meeting point in Times Square. From there, we head to Radio City Music Hall, home of the legendary Rockettes. We walk along 6th Avenue, where you’ll see the giant red ornaments, towering candy canes, and the Fox Square Tree. We pass by NBC Studios, where the TODAY Show is filmed. Then we arrive at Rockefeller Center, home of the world-famous Christmas Tree and ice-skating rink. We stroll through Channel Gardens, leading us to 5th Avenue. There, we admire the Saks Fifth Avenue windows, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and the glittering Cartier Mansion.
Our next stop is the historic and elegant Grand Central Terminal. Inside, you’ll see the famous opal clock, featured in countless films. Your guide will share stories about the terminal’s history and its holiday traditions. During the season, Grand Central glows with festive touches, including the Holiday Market and the beloved Holiday Train Show. If the train show isn’t open yet, your guide will show you where to return and enjoy it later.
Our walk continues along 5th Avenue, where every window tells a Christmas story. We begin at the Louis Vuitton luggage-themed installation and their new boutique with a giant giraffe at the entrance. You’ll admire the stunning Bergdorf Goodman windows, sparkling displays at Tiffany & Co., and pass the iconic Plaza Hotel. We finish beneath the dazzling Swarovski Star, floating above 57th Street, shining with over 3,000 crystals.
The tour ends at the magical Papillon Christmas Restaurant, one of the most festive spots in Manhattan. Here, you’ll enjoy skip-the-line access and a reserved table, included in your booking. You’ll also have the opportunity to stay and enjoy a 2-course lunch menu, crafted exclusively for My Christmas in New York guests and paid directly at the restaurant. It’s the perfect finale to your Christmas morning in Manhattan.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR YOUR CHRISTMAS MORNING IN MANHATTAN TOUR
- The My Christmas Morning in Manhattan Tour runs in all weather conditions — rain, snow, or sunshine. Please dress appropriately for the weather.
- Our meeting point is in Times Square, a busy Midtown Manhattan location. Arrive 15–20 minutes early for smooth check-in. Our team will be there 30 minutes before departure, holding a yellow umbrella to help you find us easily.
- What to bring: comfortable walking shoes, warm winter clothing, an umbrella in case of rain, and anything else you need to stay properly dressed for winter in New York City.
- This is a walking and sightseeing tour with frequent stops. While the pace is relaxed, participants should be comfortable walking for short stretches.
- The tour is not suitable for guests with significant mobility impairments or wheelchair users, as sidewalks may be crowded and uneven.
- Pets, bicycles, alcohol, drugs, and strong-smelling foods are not allowed on our vehicle. Snacks and non-alcoholic drinks are permitted.
- Children aged 0–2 can travel for free as long as they sit on a parent’s lap. No seat will be allocated for them.
- The tour ends at Papillon Christmas Restaurant, where you can enjoy exclusive access and a reserved table. Return transportation to Times Square is not included.
- Food, drinks, and gratuities at Papillon are not included in the tour price. If you choose to stay for lunch, you’ll pay directly at the restaurant.
- Seating on the vehicle is assigned first-come, first-served within your chosen category (Priority or General Seating).
- The tour will depart exactly on time. Late arrivals may not be able to join the tour and no refunds will be provided for missed tours outside of the cancellation window.
2025 CHRISTMAS MORNING IN MANHATTAN TOUR DATES
The Christmas Morning in Manhattan Tour officially begins on November 21, 2025, and runs daily through December 30, including Christmas Eve.
From November 21 to December 30, this unique Christmas Morning in Manhattan Tour will take place every morning, with multiple departure slots depending on demand. We recommend booking early, this experience sells out fast.
Are you planning to join the My Christmas Morning in Manhattan Tour? Keep in mind that Christmas lights and decorations are the same on weekdays and weekends. For fewer crowds and better photo opportunities, weekdays are highly recommended, especially Monday through Thursday. With thousands of guests joining us in 2024, this tour has become one of the most popular ways to experience Christmas morning in New York. We offer a very flexible cancellation policy in case your plans change, so you can book with peace of mind.
Below you’ll find the full calendar of available dates for 2025. All tour slots are updated in real time and fill up quickly.
CHRISTMAS MORNING IN MANHATTAN TOUR VEHICLE - THE COACH BUS (MAX 50 PASSENGERS)
The Christmas Morning in Manhattan Tour is one of our most magical NYC holiday experiences — filled with lights, stories, and festive charm. Will you join us this Christmas season?
Each coach bus used for the Christmas Morning in Manhattan NYC Tour is spacious, climate-controlled, and designed for comfort.
For a more relaxed and premium experience, capacity is strictly limited to 50 guests per bus.
You’ll enjoy a smooth ride through Manhattan’s most iconic holiday sights with charging outlets at your seat.
When booking your 2025 tour, you can choose between Priority Seating and General Seating. Priority Seating includes spots toward the front of the coach, typically within the first three rows, offering a more premium view and extra comfort. All seats are assigned first come, first served within your selected category. Please note: the exact number of rows in Priority Seating may vary depending on the bus layout used that day. Occasionally, Priority may extend up to four rows to ensure a consistent experience.
Each tour is fully guided from beginning to end by a licensed New York City tour guide, who stays with you onboard and at every stop. Below, you’ll find the real-time calendar for all our 2025 Christmas Morning in Manhattan Tours. Book early to reserve your preferred seating and enjoy the most festive morning in New York, in comfort and style.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE CHRISTMAS MORNING IN MANHATTAN TOUR ITINERARY
MEETING POINT IN TIMES SQUARE AND CHECK-IN
Your Christmas morning in Manhattan Tour begins in the heart of Times Square, one of New York City’s most iconic and festive locations, especially magical during the holiday season.
Meeting Address:
220 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036
This is right in front of the Starbucks on 45th Street, located midway between 7th and 8th Avenue. The Starbucks sits under the pedestrian tunnel of the Marriott Marquis Hotel and is directly across from Junior’s Cheesecake Restaurant, a clear and easy-to-find location.
To ensure a smooth check-in, we recommend arriving at least 15–20 minutes before your scheduled departure. Our My Christmas in New York team will be there 30 minutes early, holding our recognizable yellow umbrella so you can spot us easily.
If you’re unsure where to stand, just come up to our staff, we’ll guide you to the correct check-in lane and answer any questions. If you don’t see other guests or members of the My Christmas in New York team, you are not in the correct location. We welcome hundreds of guests every day, so if you’re in the right spot, you’ll know it!
The tour departs exactly at the time listed on your booking. Due to NYC traffic and the tight schedule, we cannot wait for late arrivals.
If you arrive late and miss your tour, we’ll try to reschedule you based on availability, but no refunds are provided for no-shows outside the cancellation window.
To avoid stress and fully enjoy the Christmas Morning in Manhattan Tour, arrive early, check in on time, and let our team handle the rest.
Stop 1: Radio City, Rockefeller Center, 6th and 5th Avenue Magic
We begin our Christmas Morning in Manhattan Tour right in front of the world-famous Radio City Music Hall, the legendary home of the Rockettes. This iconic theater is a New York City holiday staple, beautifully decorated and glowing with festive energy during the season.
From there, we walk along 6th Avenue, where Manhattan lights up with some of its most photographed holiday installations. You’ll see the giant red Christmas ornaments, the walk-through tree, the towering candy canes, and the festive Fox Square Christmas Tree.
We pass by NBC Studios, where the TODAY Show is filmed, a favorite among morning TV lovers. We continue toward Rockefeller Center, the beating heart of the holiday season in NYC. You’ll admire the world-famous Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and its dazzling ice-skating rink, both glowing under the morning light.
Then we stroll through the Channel Gardens, a stunning holiday corridor filled with angels and garlands, leading us to 5th Avenue. There, we stop to see the legendary Saks Fifth Avenue windows, the gothic beauty of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and the sparkling Cartier Mansion.
Stop 2: Grand Central Terminal & Holiday Charm
Next, we travel to the elegant and historic Grand Central Terminal, a landmark filled with holiday nostalgia.
Inside the Main Concourse, you’ll discover the iconic opal clock, a centerpiece featured in countless films and a true New York meeting point. Your licensed guide will share fascinating facts about the terminal’s rich history and its role in the city’s festive traditions.
During the holiday season, Grand Central transforms into a winter wonderland, complete with a curated Holiday Market where local vendors offer crafts, gifts, and seasonal treats. You’ll also learn about the beloved Holiday Train Show, one of NYC’s favorite traditions for locals and visitors alike. If it’s not open yet, your guide will show you where to come back and enjoy it later in your trip.
Stop 3: 5th Avenue Holiday Windows & the Giant Star
Our festive walk continues along the legendary 5th Avenue, home to New York’s most stunning holiday window displays. We start at the Louis Vuitton luggage-themed installation, which transforms the entire corner into a bright and bold holiday statement. Next door, you’ll see their newly opened flagship boutique, guarded by a towering giraffe and ostrich, a whimsical and unforgettable touch.
As we move north, we’ll stop to admire the luxurious and creative Bergdorf Goodman holiday windows, always a highlight of New York’s Christmas season. You’ll pass the historic Plaza Hotel, the setting of many holiday movies, and continue toward the Tiffany & Co. flagship, glowing with sparkling elegance. The experience culminates at 57th Street under the dazzling Swarovski Star, suspended high above the avenue. Made with over 3,000 crystals and lit with brilliant LED lights, it shines as a glowing beacon of holiday spirit in the heart of Manhattan.
End of the Tour: Papillon Christmas Restaurant
Your Christmas Morning in Manhattan Tour ends with an exclusive experience at Papillon Bistro & Bar, the most famous Christmas-themed restaurant in New York City.
This stunning Midtown spot is filled with thousands of twinkling lights, garlands, ornaments, and floor-to-ceiling festive décor. Dining here feels like stepping into a holiday movie.
With My Christmas in New York, your visit to Papillon comes with two exclusive perks: First, you’ll enter before the restaurant’s official opening hours, giving you time to enjoy the magical decorations and festive atmosphere. Second, you’ll enjoy guaranteed skip-the-line access for lunch, a rare benefit during the busy holiday season.
Papillon does not accept reservations in December, and wait times to dine here can reach up to two hours. But with your Christmas Morning in Manhattan Tour ticket, a table is guaranteed. No reservation is needed. Just let your guide know you’d like to stay, and your spot will be ready.
Guests also will also be able to enjoy a special 2-course holiday menu, available only to our participants and paid directly at the restaurant. This includes your choice of appetizer, entrée, and dessert, all curated from Papillon’s most popular dishes.
Don’t miss the chance to end your morning at one of New York City’s most iconic Christmas restaurants, with none of the stress or wait. We can’t wait to welcome you to the My Christmas Morning in Manhattan Tour and share this magical experience together.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ) INCL. CANCELLATION POLICY
HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT OUR NEW YORK CITY CHRISTMAS TOURS? START HERE!
Do you have questions about our Christmas Morning in Manhattan Tour, booking process, or cancellation policies? You’re in the right place! Our FAQ section is designed to help you prepare for your trip and answer the most common questions about our Christmas Tours in New York City.
You can always reach us directly at info@discovernyc.tours or via WhatsApp (messages only – no calls). Our team aims to respond within 48 hours.
Before contacting us, we recommend checking out our FAQ section, which we regularly update based on real feedback and questions from past tour participants. Whether you’re looking for tour-specific details, advice on what to bring, or want to learn more about our NYC Holiday Lights Tours, the answers are just a click away.
Curious about our cancellation policy? You’ll find all the details there too! All of our tours include free cancellation up to 72 hours before departure. Need even more flexibility? At the time of booking, you can choose to upgrade to a 24-hour cancellation option for an additional fee.
Click the button below to visit our FAQ section and get all the information you need to enjoy a stress-free Christmas in New York.
