Holiday Markets & Lights Tour by Inside Out Tours NYC
Difficulty
easy
Duration
4 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels with moderate walking and subway navigation required.
Overview
Step into New York’s festive streets with Inside Out Tours’ Holiday Markets and Christmas Lights Tour. Enjoy handcrafted gifts, historic sights, and glowing decorations on a spirited urban walk through Manhattan’s best seasonal markets.
New York Holiday Markets and Christmas Lights Tour
4 Hours
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
New York Holiday Markets and Christmas Lights Tour
Get into the holiday spirit by visiting three of New York’s most attractive traditional holiday markets with their dizzying array of hand-crafted goods, local art, desserts, fashionable winter attire, traditional food, and warm Christmas drinks. On this three-hour walking and subway tour, you learn the rich history of how the city shaped Christmas traditions as you make your way through the finest seasonal markets. See holiday lights, Christmas movie sites, and charming holiday department store window decorations along the way. With our top recommendations at every market, you have no trouble getting all your holiday shopping done! It’s the most wonderful time of the year to visit New York City and this walking tour certainly puts everyone in the holiday spirit!
Departure Location Meet your guide at the MAIN ENTRANCE of the Shops at Columbus Circle, located at 10 Columbus Circle, New York, NY 10019.
The guide will be holding up a Red, Inside Out Tours Flag.
End Point Grand Central
Adventure Tips
Dress for walking and variable weather
Wear comfortable shoes and layers to stay warm during the outdoor walking and subway segments.
Bring reusable bags
Markets offer many unique gifts, so pack a sturdy bag for your purchases to minimize waste.
Have MetroCard ready
The tour includes subway travel; a pre-loaded MetroCard will make transit smoother and faster.
Keep your camera handy
Photo ops abound from market stalls to window displays—capture the festive lights and candid moments.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Urban birds such as pigeons and sparrows commonly seen during walks
- Occasional sighting of squirrels in nearby parks
History
New York City’s modern Christmas traditions blossomed in the 19th century, popularized by events like the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting, adding cultural weight to this seasonal tour.
Conservation
Guides encourage sustainable shopping practices and minimizing waste during visits to holiday markets to support local artisans and reduce environmental impact.
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Adventure Hotspots in New York
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
Essential for navigating city streets and market areas comfortably over several hours.
winter specific
Warm layered clothing
Multiple layers protect against cold, wind, and variable temperatures throughout the tour.
winter specific
Portable phone charger
Keeps your smartphone powered for photos, navigation, and communication.
Reusable shopping bag
Handy for carrying purchases from holiday markets sustainably.
winter specific