Terms and Conditions
By booking a tour with My Christmas in New York, you agree to the following terms and conditions. This summary highlights the most important points to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
1. BOOKING & PARTICIPATION
All bookings are subject to availability and are confirmed upon payment. Tickets are issued under the name of the person who made the booking and cover the total number of guests selected. It is not necessary to provide the name of each participant.
2. MEETING POINT & CHECK-IN
All tours depart from Times Square at the address provided in your booking confirmation. Please arrive 15 to 20 minutes before your scheduled departure time. Our team will be present at the meeting point holding a yellow umbrella. Guests must check in with our staff before lining up to ensure they are assigned to the correct tour, vehicle, and departure time.
3. LATE ARRIVALS
Tours depart exactly at the scheduled time. Late arrivals will not be able to join the tour once it has departed. No refunds will be granted in case of late arrival. Rebooking may not be possible, as tours often sell out in advance.
4. CANCELLATION POLICY
Our cancellation policy is strictly based on timing to ensure fairness for all guests.
– Free cancellation up to 5 days before the scheduled tour.
– With Cancellation Protection, cancellation is possible up to 72 hours before the tour.
No refunds are provided after the applicable cancellation deadline, including for personal emergencies or no shows. Only the ticket price is refundable where applicable. Cancellation Protection, booking, payment, and service fees are non refundable. All cancellation requests must be submitted via email at info@discovernyc.tours. The timestamp of the email determines eligibility.
5. ITINERARY & OPERATIONS
Our tours are carefully planned; however, stops and itineraries may occasionally be adapted or adjusted due to factors beyond our control, including traffic, weather, or operational needs.
Stops are not guaranteed in a specific order.
6. WEATHER CONDITIONS
Tours operate in all weather conditions, including rain and snow. In rare cases of extreme weather, we will contact guests in advance and offer rebooking or refund options where applicable.
7. TRAFFIC & TIMING
New York City traffic is unpredictable. While we always aim to operate on schedule, delays may occasionally occur. For this reason, we do not recommend booking time sensitive activities immediately after the tour, as we cannot guarantee an exact end time.
8. TRANSPORTATION
Tours operate using coach buses or luxury minivans, depending on the option selected. Coach buses are equipped with an onboard restroom, while luxury minivans do not have restroom facilities. Vehicles may occasionally be adapted or changed due to operational needs, safety considerations, or factors beyond our control. This will not impact the overall experience.
9. RESPONSIBILITY
Guests are responsible for arriving on time at the correct meeting point and following staff instructions during check in and throughout the tour. My Christmas in New York is not liable for delays, disruptions, or changes caused by factors beyond our control.
10. ACCESSIBILITY
Our tours involve walking and the use of vehicles that are not equipped for wheelchair access. For operational and safety reasons, wheelchair users cannot be accommodated. Guests should be comfortable walking short distances.
11. LOST ITEMS
My Christmas in New York is not responsible for items left on the vehicle. If you believe you have lost an item, we will gladly provide the contact details of the transportation company so you can coordinate directly with them.
12. GUEST CONDUCT
We aim to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for all guests. We kindly ask that all participants behave respectfully toward the guide, driver, and other guests. Alcohol consumption is not permitted during check in or on the tour. We reserve the right to refuse participation to any guest whose behavior may affect the safety or experience of others.
Frequently Asked Questions
Meeting Point & Check-In
All of our Christmas tours begin in the heart of Times Square, one of New York City’s most iconic and festive locations during the holiday season.
Meeting Address:
đź“Ť 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 is directly under the pedestrian tunnel of the Marriott Marquis Hotel and across from Junior’s Cheesecake Restaurant, a clear and easy-to-find location.
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 team members, you’re likely in the wrong spot. We welcome hundreds of guests every day, if you’re in the right place, you’ll know it!
Please arrive 15 to 20 minutes before your scheduled departure time. This helps ensure a smooth check-in process and an on-time 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 a tight schedule, we cannot wait for late arrivals. If you arrive late and the tour has already departed, you will not be able to catch up with the group and no refund will be issued. Rebooking may also not be possible, as most of our tours sell out in advance.
Just bring your digital or printed booking confirmation. At check-in, we’ll ask for your name, and since we have the full manifest, you’ll be quickly checked in. We’ll only ask to see your confirmation if there’s any doubt (for example, to confirm your seating or group allocation).
No, it is not necessary to include the name of each participant. The reservation is always made by one person for the entire group. Only the name of the person making the booking is required. We will then see the number of tickets included in your reservation.
Transportation & Accessibility
We use coach buses and luxury minivans, depending on the tour. All vehicles are heated and comfortable. You’ll find the exact type of vehicle specified on each tour page and in the tour-specific FAQ section below.
You can bring a small bag, non-alcoholic drinks, and light snacks. Small foldable strollers and small to medium luggage are allowed. Strong-smelling food, alcohol, drugs and pets are not permitted.
Yes, but only small to medium luggage and foldable strollers. Storage space is limited, so please pack light and compact.
Unfortunately, our tours are not suitable for wheelchair users or individuals with mobility issues. Due to safety requirements and regulations, wheelchairs are not allowed on our tours. This is because the experience includes walking segments, crowded sidewalks, and vehicles that are not equipped for wheelchair access.
For the comfort and safety of all passengers, no pets or animals of any kind are allowed, including service animals.
Guests & Language
All tours are conducted exclusively in English.
Absolutely! Children of all ages are welcome. Children under the age of 2 ride for free if seated on a parent’s lap (no seat reserved).Â
We do not offer senior discounts.
Yes, absolutely, we welcome everyone, including elderly guests. However, please note that our tours often involve walking, sometimes through busy or uneven sidewalks. If you or someone in your party has mobility concerns, these tours may not be suitable.
Tickets & Booking
Yes! Our tours often sell out weeks and even months in advance, especially during the peak holiday season. We recommend booking as early as possible to secure your preferred date.
You’ll receive a confirmation email right after booking. No need to print anything, just show your email or ticket on your phone at check-in.
Check your spam/junk folder first. If you still can’t find it, just email us at info@discovernyc.tours or send us a WhatsApp text at +1 (332) 733-7705 and we’ll be happy to resend it.
No. Our tours are ONLY sold directly through us. If you buy from another site, it’s not our company, and we cannot assist or guarantee the experience. Always book via our official website or @MyChristmasinNewYorkCity link in bio.
Seating & Service
Seats are assigned on a first come, first served basis within each category, as specified on the booking platform. Priority seats are located in the first few rows of the vehicle and can be purchased at a premium. The number of priority rows varies depending on the vehicle type.
Choosing priority seating guarantees you a spot in the front rows, even if you arrive later or are among the last guests to check in. You will also generally be among the first to get off the bus at each stop.
Please note that priority seating does not impact the overall experience or views, as all guests get off the vehicle to see the main sights and every seat has windows. However, it is often preferred by guests who are less comfortable with bus travel or who simply prefer sitting closer to the front.
Tips are not included. If you had a great experience, gratuities for your guide and driver are always appreciated!
Weather, Traffic & Timing
All our Christmas tours run in all weather conditions, rain, snow, or sunshine. Please dress appropriately for the weather. 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.
If required and in rare cases of extreme weather, we’ll contact you with updates in advance and ensure you are rebooked or refunded.
You must email us at info@discovernyc.tours to request a cancellation or rebooking. Rebooking and cancellations requests received via WhatsApp texts, voice messages or through Instagram are not considered valid. Don’t worry if we don’t reply immediately, what counts is the time you sent your email. As long as you’re within your cancellation window, we’ll honor it.
Traffic in New York City is extremely unpredictable and can vary day by day. While we always plan our routes carefully and work with experienced drivers, traffic is something that no tour operator can fully control. We always strive to keep the tour running smoothly and on time, but occasional delays can happen, especially during the holiday season.
We do not recommend scheduling any fixed appointments or activities right after the tour. All our tours involve transportation by vehicle, which naturally comes with some uncertainty due to traffic conditions. While we always aim to finish on time, delays can occur, and we cannot guarantee an exact end time. For your peace of mind, it is best to keep your schedule flexible after the tour.
OPTION 1: FREE / STANDARD CANCELLATION up to 5 DAYS before YOUR TOUR DEPARTURE
If you cancel up to 5 days before the start of your tour, you will receive a full refund of your ticket price at no extra cost.
For example: If your tour is scheduled for December 5 at 4:30 PM, you can cancel and receive a full refund until November 30 at 4:30 PM.
After this deadline, the tour cannot be cancelled or rescheduled, unless you purchased the Cancellation Protection option as outlined below.
Only the ticket price is refundable. Cancellation Protection fees, booking, payment, and service fees are not refundable, even when you cancel within the allowed window.
OPTION 2: CANCELLATION up to 72 HOURS before YOUR TOUR DEPARTURE
If you purchased the $5 per person Cancellation Protection, you can cancel and receive a full refund of your ticket price up to 72 hours before your tour starts.
For example: If your tour is scheduled for December 5 at 4:30 PM, you may cancel until December 2 at 4:30 PM and receive a full refund.
This option must be selected at the time of booking and cannot be added later.
Only the ticket price is refundable. Cancellation Protection fees, booking, payment, and service fees are not refundable, even when you cancel within the allowed window.
IMPORTANT
To cancel your booking, you must send an email to info@discovernyc.tours. Cancellations are not accepted via Instagram or WhatsApp, email only.
The timestamp of your email is what determines eligibility. Even if we reply later, your request will be honored if sent within the allowed window.
No refunds are provided after the cancellation deadline, including for personal emergencies.
Only the ticket price is refundable. Cancellation Protection, booking, payment, and service fees are always non-refundable.
Yes! At checkout, you can add an optional Cancellation Protection for $5 per person. This allows you to cancel up to 72 hours before the start of your tour and receive a full refund of the ticket price, instead of the standard 5-day cancellation policy.
Only the ticket price is refundable. Cancellation Protection fees, booking, payment, and service fees are not refundable, even when you cancel within the allowed window.
Please note that this option must be selected at the time of booking and cannot be added later.
Our cancellation policy applies without exceptions. Unfortunately, no refunds are provided for cancellations made after the policy deadline, even for personal emergencies. Our cancellation policy is based strictly on the timeline to ensure fairness for everyone.
Refunds typically appear in your account within a few business days. If you paid with a non-U.S. card, allow a bit more time due to international processing.
Contact
The best way to reach us is via:
- Email: info@discovernyc.tours
- WhatsApp (text only): +1 (332) 733-7705
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Please do not message Marco directly on Instagram, as he receives a high volume of messages daily and cannot respond based on urgency. Our team is dedicated to assisting you and typically replies to all inquiries within 48 hours.
About the Holiday Spirit in Manhattan Tour
Yes. Guests aged 21 and over must show a valid ID at the entrance. Please don’t forget it, as entry may be refused according to the rooftop’s internal rules.
Yes, children are welcome every day except on Fridays and Saturdays after 7:00 PM. If you are joining our tour with kids and would like to visit the rooftop bar, please book on any other day of the week.
Please note that guests under 21 must be accompanied by at least one parent.
No. Our tour includes skip-the-line access and no cover charge, but not a reserved igloo seat. The rooftop does not accept reservations unless it is for groups of over 20 people. However, the igloos are large, each seating more than 20 guests, and there are many available. You will always find a place to sit and enjoy.
This tour includes skip-the-line access (normally $40) and waives the rooftop cover charge (usually $15–25). You’ll also enjoy a fully narrated experience, both on the warm bus and during the guided walks. With a dedicated driver and guide, you travel comfortably between stops and explore each location with insider commentary.
Throughout the tour, there is some light walking at each stop, so guests should be comfortable walking short distances. The walks are not long or strenuous, and the experience is designed to offer a balanced mix of time on the bus and time exploring on foot at a relaxed and comfortable pace.
About the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights Tour
Your tour guide will give you a voucher on the day of the tour. It is valid not only that same day but also for several days afterward, giving you flexibility to enjoy it when you prefer. The validity range will be indicated on the voucher.
Officially, Bryant Park Winter Village closes at 8:00 PM. However, from experience, many independent vendors stay open longer due to the evening crowds. This means you’ll usually be able to stroll, shop, eat, and enjoy your free hot chocolate even after the official closing time.
The tour includes a one-hour guided walk through Dyker Heights at a moderate pace. The route is a loop with your tour guide, along crowded streets that can be slightly uphill or downhill. You should feel comfortable walking for one hour. There is also a 30-minute stop in DUMBO, which involves only light walking. The rest of the tour is spent on the bus, traveling between Manhattan, Dyker Heights, and DUMBO.
You will walk. During the holiday season, the streets of Dyker Heights are closed to large vehicles and are police-patrolled. The bus will drop the group off, and after the one-hour walk, it will pick everyone up again.
Please note that the Christmas houses cannot and will not be visible from the bus. The experience is designed to be fully enjoyed on foot.
If you choose the coach bus option, yes, there is a bathroom onboard. The luxury minivan option does not have a bathroom.
You’ll travel in a warm, comfortable vehicle (coach bus or minivan) with live narration from your guide both on the bus and during the walk. Getting to Dyker Heights on your own can be difficult, especially as it is a residential area not easily accessible by public transportation. Having transportation, live narration, and everything organized for you makes the experience smooth, stress free, and much more enjoyable.
The second stop in DUMBO offers stunning nighttime views of the Manhattan skyline. Plus, every participant receives a free hot chocolate voucher included with their booking.
About the Christmas Morning in Manhattan Tour
Out of the 3-hour tour, about 2 hours are spent walking, spread across several stops. The walks are at a relaxed pace and broken into shorter stretches. The tour offers a nice balance between time on the bus and time outside, with both indoor and outdoor stops.
This tour highlights Midtown’s most iconic Christmas decorations and holiday windows. The focus is more on festive displays than on sparkling lights. Still, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree remains lit after its lighting ceremony and looks especially magical before dawn.
The tour lasts about 3 hours. At the end, you’ll be dropped off at Papillon, where your guide will assist to ensure smooth skip-the-line entry and table seating.
With every booking, you have the option to enjoy skip-the-line access and early entry before official opening hours at Papillon. To include this experience, you must select the Papillon experience during checkout and pay a $15 per person reservation fee, which will be fully credited toward your final bill at the restaurant.
Your table will be reserved for 1.5 hours, and you will have access to a special 2-course menu crafted exclusively for our guests at the preferred rate of $39.
Tables are allocated per booking, not by tour group. For example, if your booking is for 4 people, you’ll have your own table for 4. If you are part of a larger group that booked separately, let us know in advance so we can make a note and inform Papillon to seat you together.
You’ll sit in the beautifully decorated main areas of the restaurant; there is no separate room for our tour participants.
Your table is reserved immediately after the tour, for 1.5 hours. This is standard practice in most New York City restaurants.
Walk-in lines can stretch from 1 to 3 hours during the holiday season, especially on weekends. Since Papillon does not take reservations in December, our skip-the-line access is an exclusive perk made possible through our direct partnership with the restaurant.
About our Luxury Travel Packages
We spend four magical nights together in New York during two of the most special moments of the holiday season.
The Thanksgiving Travel Package takes place from November 25 to November 29, 2026, including Thanksgiving Day and the festive weekend when the city begins to sparkle with Christmas lights.
The Rockefeller Tree Lighting Travel Package takes place from December 1 to December 5, 2026, centered around the iconic Tree Lighting and some of the most magical days of the Christmas season.
We have secured exclusive Parade viewing with brunch inside a venue located directly along the parade route. Instead of standing outside for hours, you can stay warm and comfortable inside while enjoying delicious food and drinks as the balloons and floats pass by, or step outside at any time to experience the magic up close.
We always select the best available location for our group, so you can enjoy the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade without stress.
We enjoy the Tree Lighting from an exclusive indoor venue overlooking Rockefeller Center. You will have direct views of the tree through large windows, while staying warm and comfortable with buffet dining, drinks and live music included.
At any time during the evening, you can step outside to a dedicated viewing area using your exclusive access bracelet, then return inside. This allows you to experience the Tree Lighting without being stuck in the crowds.
Both Thanksgiving and the Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting are among the busiest and most complex times to visit New York. Restaurants sell out, premium experiences are hard to access, and the city becomes extremely crowded.
With our travel packages, everything is already arranged for you. From exclusive experiences like the Parade brunch or the Tree Lighting gala dinner, to priority access at Papillon Christmas Restaurant and Ellen’s Stardust Diner, every detail is secured in advance.
Instead of spending hours planning, waiting in lines, or worrying about logistics, you enjoy a seamless, stress-free experience with reserved access, premium locations, and carefully curated moments throughout your stay.
You also benefit from continuous guidance by our licensed Tour Leader, who coordinates everything and is always available, even during your free time.
This allows you to experience New York during its most magical moments with comfort, ease, and confidence, turning what could be a stressful trip into a truly unforgettable holiday experience.
Not at all. This is a boutique New York travel experience limited to just 22 guests.
We keep the group intentionally small so everything runs smoothly and every guest feels cared for, connected, and truly part of the experience. With a limited group size, you enjoy more comfort, easier logistics, and a more personal atmosphere throughout your stay.
Because 22 is the perfect number for a true boutique experience.
It allows smooth logistics, personal attention and premium comfort in our luxury minivan. You are never just a number. Your licensed Tour Leader, is with you throughout the entire stay, guiding, coordinating and supporting you from start to finish.
For this experience, we have selected the Tempo by Hilton Times Square, a 4 star hotel with excellent ratings. We have personally tested and validated it to ensure it meets our standards for quality, location, and service, making it a perfect match for your stay in New York.
Nine of eleven meals are included throughout your stay. Each morning begins with a daily buffet-style breakfast at the hotel. During your experience, you will enjoy one of our exclusive highlight moments, either the Parade breakfast or the Tree Lighting gala dinner, both designed to offer premium viewing with food and drinks included.
We include a 3-course lunch or dinner at Ellen’s Stardust Diner with skip-the-line access, which is a true perk during this busy week, and a 2-course lunch at Papillon Christmas Restaurant with priority seating. After the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights Tour, we enjoy dinner together at Time Out Market in DUMBO with skyline views, followed by free hot chocolate at Bryant Park Winter Village.
On the Christmas cruise, your reserved table includes a complimentary drink and cookies. We also begin the trip with a warm introduction meeting featuring New York-style pizza, bagels and sweet treats, so from the very first moment you feel part of our group.
We celebrate Thanksgiving together at Ellen’s Stardust Diner with a reserved, skip-the-line 3-course dinner included in your package. During Thanksgiving week, the menu features traditional holiday specialties alongside their iconic Broadway-style dining experience.
It is festive, energetic and uniquely New York, and it is already secured for our group so you do not have to worry about reservations during one of the busiest dining nights of the year.
Yes. For all scheduled group activities, we move together in our luxury and comfortable minivan, so you can relax and enjoy every moment. No subway stress. No logistical worries.
Please note that airport transfers to and from New York are not included in the package.
Yes. Our licensed Tour Leader is with you throughout the entire stay and always reachable, even during free time. We are present, available and ready to support you at any moment. If needed, you also have direct access to us as owners.
The $250 deposit per person is non-refundable in any case, and our full cancellation policy applies to all bookings.
If you are unable to travel, you may transfer your package to another person. The change must be communicated to us in advance so we can arrange all necessary updates. If the participant change is not communicated beforehand, we cannot guarantee participation.
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance for additional protection.
For full details, including the exact cancellation timeline and conditions, please refer to the dedicated cancellation section on each travel package page:
Thanksgiving Travel Package → HERE
Rockefeller Tree Lighting Travel Package → HERE
This New York travel package is perfect for couples, families, friends, mother-daughter trips and solo travelers who want a safe, curated and joyful way to experience the most magical moments of the holiday season in NYC. It is ideal for first-time visitors who want everything handled professionally, but also for returning guests who want to experience the city in a completely different way.
With our licensed Tour Leader guiding you throughout the entire stay, the experience goes far beyond a typical trip. You gain insider knowledge, priority access, seamless logistics and the comfort of always having someone by your side. Even if you have been to New York before, experiencing Thanksgiving or the Rockefeller Tree Lighting with a boutique group and dedicated guidance transforms it into something truly special.
There is no formal dress code for the Thanksgiving Parade and Tree Lighting travel packages, or for any of the experiences included.
For the Tree Lighting Gala Dinner, we suggest a more elegant and festive outfit. That said, there is no need for anything overly formal. Think smart, comfortable, and holiday-inspired.
The same applies to the Thanksgiving Parade brunch viewing. Most guests choose a polished but relaxed look, suitable for both indoor dining and stepping outside to enjoy the parade.
Keep in mind that November and December in New York can be cold and sometimes unpredictable. We strongly recommend dressing in layers so you can easily adjust between outdoor and indoor temperatures throughout the day.
Make sure to bring all winter essentials such as a warm coat, scarf, gloves, and a hat to stay comfortable during your trip.
Yes. You secure your spot with a $250 deposit per person. The remaining balance can be paid in full or split into manual monthly installments. On the 1st of each month, you receive a reminder and complete your payment. Simple and flexible.
Children under 2 years old can attend free of charge.
For guests over 2 years old, the price is the same as the adult rate, as the core costs remain identical. Experiences such as Rockettes Orchestra tickets, premium dining reservations, cruise seating, hotel rooms and transportation are all priced per seat or per space, not by age.
However, we do offer a discounted rate for a third and fourth person sharing the same room, which is most often a child. If you share your family configuration with us, we will calculate the exact total for you.
No, pets are not allowed during this group travel experience. The hotel, restaurants, cruise and transportation providers have their own policies, and due to the structured nature of this boutique New York experience, we cannot accommodate pets.
At the moment, this travel package is not wheelchair accessible. The program includes walking portions, stairs, restaurant layouts and vehicle logistics that are not optimized for full wheelchair access.
If you have specific mobility concerns, please contact us before booking so we can honestly assess whether this experience would be comfortable for you.
Yes, absolutely. Many guests choose to extend their stay and experience both Thanksgiving and the Tree Lighting. Reach out to us via email or WhatsApp and we will tailor the experience for you. We can create a customized add-on so you avoid paying twice for overlapping experiences while still enjoying both the Thanksgiving and Tree Lighting highlights.