Frequently Asked Questions & Terms
Everything you need to know before booking with My Christmas in New York, from tour and travel package terms to meeting points, tickets, cancellation policies and our seasonal experiences.
Terms & Conditions
Please review the terms that apply to the experience you are booking. Our guided Christmas tours and multi-day travel packages have different booking and cancellation conditions.
Christmas Tour Terms
Booking, cancellation, arrival, transportation, accessibility and participation conditions for our guided Christmas tours in New York City.
View Tour TermsTravel Package Terms
Deposit, payment, cancellation, accommodation, itinerary and participation conditions for our multi-day New York travel packages.
View Travel Package TermsPackage and tour-specific details shown on the individual booking page and in your booking confirmation also form part of your reservation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about booking and joining a My Christmas in New York experience.
Meeting Point & Check-In
Where is the meeting point?
Our regular Christmas tours begin in the heart of Times Square. The exact meeting point is also included in your booking confirmation.
220 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036
The meeting point is in front of the Starbucks on West 45th Street, between Seventh and Eighth Avenue, underneath the pedestrian passage of the New York Marriott Marquis and across from Junior’s Restaurant.
Look for the My Christmas in New York team holding our recognizable yellow umbrella. If you are unsure, simply approach our staff and we will direct you to the correct check-in area.
When should I arrive?
Please arrive approximately 15 to 20 minutes before your scheduled departure time unless your individual tour page or booking confirmation provides different arrival instructions.
This gives us enough time to check everyone in and organize the group before departure.
What happens if I arrive late?
Tours depart at the scheduled time. Because these are group experiences and we need to respect the schedule of all participants, we cannot delay departure for late arrivals.
Once the tour has departed, it may not be possible to catch up with the group. Missed departures and portions of the experience missed because of late arrival are not refundable.
What do I need for check-in?
Simply have your digital or printed booking confirmation available. We normally check guests in using the name on the reservation and our booking manifest.
Your confirmation may only be needed if we need to verify details such as your booking category, seating option or group allocation.
Do I need to provide the name of every participant?
For our regular Christmas tours, no. The reservation can be made under the name of the person completing the booking for the entire group.
Individual participant details may be required for travel packages or selected experiences when requested during booking.
Transportation & Accessibility
What types of vehicles do you use?
Depending on the selected experience, our tours operate using coach buses, minibuses or luxury minivans.
All vehicles are comfortable and climate controlled. The exact vehicle type included with your booking is shown on the individual tour page and booking platform.
Are there bathrooms onboard?
This depends on the vehicle used for your selected experience. Coach buses and some minibuses include an onboard restroom, while luxury minivans do not.
Please check the individual tour page for the exact transportation features included with your booking.
Can I bring luggage or a stroller?
Small to medium luggage and compact foldable strollers can generally be accommodated, but storage space is limited and varies depending on the vehicle.
If you are traveling with larger luggage or several bulky items, please contact us before the tour so we can confirm whether sufficient space is available.
Are the tours wheelchair accessible?
Our standard tour vehicles are not equipped for wheelchair access, and our tours also include outdoor walking portions through busy New York streets and sidewalks.
For this reason, our regular group tours are not wheelchair accessible. Guests should be comfortable boarding and exiting the vehicle and completing the walking portions described on the selected tour page.
Are pets allowed?
No. Pets are not permitted on our group Christmas tours.
Booking & Guests
Should I book in advance?
Yes. Christmas in New York is an extremely busy season and many departures sell out well in advance, particularly on weekends and during the busiest weeks of December.
We recommend booking as soon as your travel dates are confirmed if you have a preferred date, departure time or seating category.
How will I receive my booking confirmation?
Your booking confirmation is sent by email after the reservation has been completed successfully.
You do not need to print it. You can simply keep the confirmation available on your phone for check-in.
What if I cannot find my confirmation?
First check your spam or junk folder.
If you still cannot find the confirmation, email us at info@discovernyc.tours or send us a WhatsApp message at +1 (332) 733-7705 .
Are children welcome?
Yes. Children are welcome on our Christmas tours. Children under two may participate free of charge when seated on a parent or guardian's lap and when no separate vehicle seat is required.
Individual experiences may have additional venue requirements, which are stated on the relevant tour page where applicable.
What language are the tours conducted in?
Our regular scheduled Christmas tours are conducted in English.
How does Priority Seating work?
When Priority Seating is offered, those seats are located in the first rows of the vehicle and can be selected for an additional charge during booking.
Priority Seating guarantees a place within the designated front seating area. General seating is assigned separately. The exact number of priority rows can vary depending on the vehicle.
All guests leave the vehicle at the main sightseeing stops, so Priority Seating does not change which attractions or stops are included in the tour.
Are gratuities included?
Gratuities are not included and are not compulsory. If you enjoyed your experience, tips for your guide and driver are always appreciated.
Weather, Timing & Cancellations
Do tours operate in bad weather?
Our Christmas tours operate in normal winter weather, including rain and snow. Please check the forecast and dress appropriately for outdoor walking and standing.
In rare cases of severe weather or unsafe operating conditions, we will contact affected guests with the available options.
Can New York traffic affect the tour?
Yes. New York traffic can be unpredictable, especially during the Christmas season. We plan routes carefully and work with experienced professional drivers, but occasional delays can occur.
The route, order of stops or time spent at individual locations may occasionally be adjusted to keep the experience running as smoothly as possible.
Should I book something immediately after my tour?
We recommend leaving some flexibility after your tour. While we always aim to finish at the published time, traffic and other operating conditions can occasionally cause delays.
Avoid scheduling reservations or activities with a strict start time immediately after the expected finishing time.
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellation conditions depend on whether you booked one of our regular Christmas tours or a multi-day travel package.
For our regular Christmas tours, the standard cancellation policy allows cancellation up to 5 days before departure for a refund of the ticket price. Guests who purchased our optional Cancellation Protection at the time of booking may cancel up to 72 hours before departure.
For our multi-day travel packages, the general cancellation schedule allows a full refund of refundable package payments until four calendar months before the package start date, a 50% refund from less than four calendar months until two calendar months before the start date, and no refund within two calendar months of departure.
Deposits and applicable booking or payment fees may be non-refundable. Please always review the relevant Terms & Conditions document at the top of this page, together with the cancellation information shown on the individual tour or travel package page and your booking confirmation, for the exact conditions applying to your reservation.
How do I request a cancellation or booking change?
Cancellation requests must be submitted by email to info@discovernyc.tours .
The timestamp of your email determines when your cancellation request was submitted, so there is no need to worry if our team responds later.
For other booking questions or changes, you may also contact us by WhatsApp.
When will I receive my refund?
Once an eligible refund has been processed, it normally appears on the original payment method within several business days.
Processing times can vary depending on the bank, card provider and country of issue.
Contact
How can I contact My Christmas in New York?
For booking questions and assistance, you can contact our team directly.
Email: info@discovernyc.tours
WhatsApp: +1 (332) 733-7705
For cancellations, please always use email so that the time of your request is properly recorded.
Questions About Our Christmas Tours
Looking for details about a specific experience? Here are answers to some of the most common questions about our individual Christmas tours.
Holiday Spirit in Manhattan
Do I need an ID to enter 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar?
Yes. Guests aged 21 and over should bring a valid government-issued photo ID, as the venue may require it at the entrance.
Entry remains subject to the rooftop's own age and identification requirements.
Are children allowed at the rooftop?
Children can join the rooftop portion of the experience when permitted under the venue's operating rules for that day and time.
Guests under 21 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult. Please review the current Holiday Spirit tour page before booking with children.
Is a seat inside one of the rooftop igloos guaranteed?
No. The tour includes the rooftop access benefits described on the tour page, but individual igloo seating is not reserved for each guest or booking.
Seating remains subject to the venue's availability when the group arrives.
What special rooftop benefits are included?
Your Holiday Spirit tour includes the exclusive rooftop access arrangements described on the current tour page, in addition to the guided Christmas sightseeing experience and transportation.
Please check the tour page before booking for the exact benefits included with the current season.
How much walking is included?
The tour includes light walking at the scheduled stops. The walking portions are broken into manageable sections and combined with transportation between different areas of Manhattan.
Guests should be comfortable walking short distances outdoors in winter conditions and navigating busy New York sidewalks.
Dyker Heights Christmas Lights Tour
Will we walk or drive through Dyker Heights?
The main Dyker Heights Christmas Lights experience is enjoyed on foot.
Your vehicle transports the group from Manhattan to Brooklyn and between the major tour areas, while the famous decorated streets of Dyker Heights are explored with your guide on a walking route.
The houses are best experienced up close and are not intended to be viewed only from inside the vehicle.
How much walking is included in Dyker Heights?
The Dyker Heights portion includes approximately one hour of guided walking at a moderate pace.
The route follows neighborhood streets and sidewalks that may be crowded and can include slight inclines or uneven surfaces. Guests should be comfortable walking continuously for this portion of the experience.
Other stops involve much lighter walking, with the remaining travel time spent aboard the vehicle.
How does the free hot chocolate work?
Every participant receives the complimentary hot chocolate benefit described on the Dyker Heights tour page.
Your guide will provide the redemption information during the tour. Please follow the validity details shown on the voucher or instructions provided that evening.
Are there bathrooms onboard?
This depends on the transportation option selected. Coach buses include an onboard restroom, while our luxury minivan option does not.
The vehicle type is shown clearly during booking.
Why join a guided Dyker Heights tour instead of going on my own?
Dyker Heights is a residential Brooklyn neighborhood located away from Midtown Manhattan. Our tour combines organized transportation, a carefully planned walking route, live commentary and additional Christmas stops into one smooth experience.
Your guide leads the group directly through the decorated streets, helping you make the most of the neighborhood without having to organize transportation or navigate the area independently.
Christmas Morning in Manhattan
How much walking is included?
The experience includes several guided walking sections throughout Midtown Manhattan, combined with transportation between selected areas.
The walks are divided into shorter sections and are generally taken at a comfortable sightseeing pace. Guests should nevertheless be comfortable spending extended periods outside and walking through busy Midtown streets.
How can we experience Christmas decorations on a morning tour?
The tour focuses on Midtown's most iconic Christmas displays, decorated storefronts, landmarks and holiday installations.
Many of New York's major Christmas decorations can be enjoyed throughout the day.
How long is the tour?
The guided Christmas Morning experience lasts approximately three hours.
Please check the current tour page and booking confirmation for the exact departure time, ending point and any optional experience offered after the sightseeing portion.
Is there a dining experience after the tour?
A special Christmas dining experience may be offered as part of or in connection with selected Christmas Morning departures.
The exact venue, format, inclusions and booking arrangements for the current season are shown on the Christmas Morning tour page and during checkout.
Rockefeller Center at 5 AM: Beat the Crowds
What does “Rockefeller Tree Lighting at 5 AM” mean?
At approximately 5:00 AM, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lights switch on for the day. Our tour is timed so you can experience that moment during the quiet early-morning hours.
This is not the official annual Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. There are no performances, celebrities, VIP programming or special entertainment. The experience is about seeing the famous tree illuminate for the day before the usual Christmas crowds arrive.
Why does the tour start at 4:30 AM?
The early departure is the entire idea behind this experience. We leave Times Square at 4:30 AM so we can reach Rockefeller Center before 5:00 AM and experience the Christmas Tree during one of the quietest moments of the day.
After Rockefeller Center, we continue through Midtown while the streets, sidewalks and Christmas displays are still much quieter than they will be later in the morning and throughout the day.
How close will we get to the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree?
We arrive near Rockefeller Center at approximately 4:50 AM and walk toward the Christmas Tree.
Depending on security barriers, access restrictions and conditions that morning, your guide will position the group as close to the tree as reasonably possible while maintaining a clear view.
After the lights switch on, you will have approximately 20 to 25 minutes around Rockefeller Center for photos, videos and time to enjoy the illuminated tree from different viewpoints.
Is coffee or breakfast included?
We include a short coffee and breakfast stop after Rockefeller Center so you can warm up before continuing the tour.
Coffee, bagels, pastries and any other food or drinks are purchased directly by guests and are not included in the tour price.
How much walking is involved?
This is not a continuous walking tour. We travel between different parts of Midtown in a comfortable vehicle and step out at carefully selected Christmas locations.
Guests should be comfortable getting on and off the vehicle several times and walking short distances at Rockefeller Center and the other sightseeing stops.
Where does the tour end?
The tour returns to Times Square at approximately 6:30 AM, where the experience began.
Return transportation to Times Square is included as part of the tour.
Will Marco personally lead the tour?
The first vehicle is personally led by Marco.
If additional vehicles are added because of demand, they will be led by experienced NYC-licensed tour guides following the same carefully designed route and experience.
Travel Package FAQs
Our travel packages combine some of New York’s most memorable seasonal events with carefully selected tours, shows, dining experiences and free time to enjoy the city at your own pace.
About Our Travel Packages
What is included in a My Christmas in New York travel package?
Every travel package is built around one major seasonal New York experience, such as the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade with reserved brunch viewing or a special Christmas Tree Lighting experience.
Around that main event, we create a complete itinerary combining signature My Christmas in New York tours, selected shows, seasonal events, dining experiences, transportation and other carefully chosen activities.
Just as importantly, we intentionally leave free time throughout the trip so you can shop, explore, visit attractions, meet friends or simply enjoy New York at your own pace.
The result is a balanced experience combining organized and guided activities with enough independent time to make the trip your own.
The exact itinerary, inclusions and exclusions are always listed on the individual travel package page and in your booking confirmation.
How long are the travel packages?
Most of our travel packages are approximately four to five nights long.
The exact dates and number of nights are clearly shown on the individual package page before booking.
Will every day be fully scheduled?
No. Our packages are specifically designed to provide a balance between organized experiences and independent time.
We take care of the major experiences that are often difficult to organize individually, while still giving you time to enjoy New York according to your own interests.
The amount of free time varies depending on the package and is shown clearly in the published itinerary.
How large are the travel package groups?
We intentionally keep our travel package groups small so the experience remains personal, flexible and easy to manage.
The maximum number of participants for each package is shown on the individual package page and may vary depending on the itinerary.
Hotel & Accommodation
Which hotel will we stay at?
The planned hotel is identified on the individual travel package page whenever available.
If a hotel or accommodation partner becomes unavailable, My Christmas in New York may replace it with a comparable hotel of the same or higher advertised standard in the same general area whenever reasonably possible.
Can I choose my room type?
Yes. Available room configurations and their respective prices are shown during booking.
The room category selected must correspond to the number of guests staying in that room, so please review the occupancy description carefully when completing your reservation.
Can I add extra hotel nights before or after the package?
Yes. We offer the possibility to extend your stay by adding hotel nights before and/or after the official travel package dates.
The maximum number of additional nights available, together with the applicable room options and prices, is disclosed during booking.
Booking & Payment
How much is the deposit?
A $250 deposit per person is required to reserve your place on one of our travel packages.
The deposit is non-refundable and is applied toward the total price of your travel package.
Can I pay for the package in installments?
Yes. We offer flexible payment plans with up to 24 installments, depending on when you book and how much time remains before the final payment date.
The available schedule and installment amounts are shown before you confirm your reservation.
You can also make additional payments toward your balance whenever you choose. Any extra payment reduces the remaining balance and automatically adjusts the amount of your future scheduled installments.
Are service or credit card processing fees refundable?
No. Any applicable service fees or credit card processing fees are non-refundable.
These fees are separate from the refundable portion of your travel package payment.
Can I transfer my reservation to someone else?
Yes. A travel package reservation can be transferred to another participant.
You must inform us in advance so we can update the reservation and any relevant participant information.
Please contact us as early as possible if a transfer is required.
Cancellations
What is the travel package cancellation policy?
Our standard travel package cancellation schedule is based on the official package start date.
Until four calendar months before the package start date, refundable package payments are eligible for a full refund.
From less than four calendar months until two calendar months before the package start date, 50% of the refundable package price is refundable.
Within two calendar months of the package start date, the package is non-refundable.
The $250 per person deposit and any applicable service or credit card processing fees are non-refundable.
Please always review the Travel Package Terms & Conditions at the top of this page, together with the individual travel package page and your booking confirmation, for the complete conditions that apply to your reservation.
Does the reason for cancellation change the refund policy?
No. The cancellation policy is based on when the cancellation is received in relation to the package start date, rather than the reason for cancellation.
We strongly recommend purchasing appropriate travel insurance that can provide coverage for circumstances such as illness, personal emergencies, travel disruption or other covered events.
Activities & Optional Add-Ons
Are all activities and meals included?
Only the activities, meals, transportation and services specifically listed as included on the individual travel package page form part of your package.
Free time, optional activities and personal expenses are not included unless expressly stated otherwise.
Can included restaurants, venues or activities change?
Yes. Travel packages are planned far in advance, and restaurants, venues, transportation providers or other suppliers may occasionally become unavailable.
When this happens, we will arrange a comparable alternative whenever reasonably possible while preserving the overall quality and intent of the experience.
How do optional add-ons work?
Selected packages may offer additional experiences, hotel nights or other services as optional add-ons during booking.
These add-ons are offered in connection with the relevant travel package and are not standalone experiences unless specifically stated otherwise.
Optional add-ons follow the same cancellation schedule as the travel package unless different conditions are clearly stated at the time of booking.
Guest Information
Can dietary requirements be accommodated?
We will always do our best to communicate dietary requirements to the restaurants and venues included in your package.
Accommodation depends on the individual venue and cannot always be guaranteed. Please provide any important dietary information as early as possible before your trip.
Are travel packages wheelchair accessible?
Our current travel packages are not wheelchair accessible because the included group transportation is not equipped for wheelchair access.
Package itineraries may also involve significant walking, standing, stairs and uneven New York sidewalks. Guests with mobility limitations should contact us before booking so we can explain the physical requirements of the selected package.
What happens if I am late for an included activity?
Guests are responsible for being ready at the meeting time provided for each included activity.
Because we operate as a group and must respect the schedule of all participants, the group cannot wait for late arrivals.
Missed transportation, activities, meals or portions of an experience due to a guest's late arrival are not refundable.
Do you recommend travel insurance?
Yes. We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance appropriate for your trip.
Depending on the policy selected, travel insurance may provide protection for covered events such as illness, personal emergencies, flight disruption, baggage issues or other unexpected circumstances.
Need Help?
Who can I contact with questions before booking?
Travel packages are a bigger commitment than a regular tour, so please contact us if there is anything you would like to clarify before making your reservation.
Email: info@discovernyc.tours
WhatsApp: +1 (332) 733-7705
We’re Here to Help
Still Have Questions?
Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Our team is happy to help with questions about our Christmas tours, travel packages, bookings and your upcoming New York experience. Get in touch with us by email or WhatsApp.
For cancellation or reservation-change requests, please contact us by email so we can review your booking properly. These requests cannot be handled via Instagram.
