New York City at Christmastime

Day 1 : Arrive in the Big Apple

We fly to New York City to begin our wonderful holiday experiences. Our superb accommodations for the next four evenings are at the Novotel New York Times Square. Experience the excitement of Times Square and explore the city’s best known attractions, museums and shops.

Day 2 : A City Tour & The Rockettes

We awake this morning and enjoy a delicious welcome breakfast at our hotel. Following breakfast, a local guide joins us to tour The Big Apple. The sights and sounds of New York City during the holiday season are truly a magical experience! See Rockefeller Center and its famous ice skating rink, the Lincoln Center Christmas Tree, and Grand Central Station. We also view the windows adorning the shops of 5th Avenue. Following an included lunch, there’s time for shopping or exploring midtown Manhattan. This evening we’re guests at The Radio City Christmas Spectacular®, starring the world famous Radio City Rockettes®. Debuting in 1933, it is both brilliantly grand and genuinely moving; a glittering combination of old favorites and new delights. Enjoy the flawless precision of 140 people while they sing and dance in the legendary Parade of the Wooden Soldiers. Experience Santa’s magical ride to the North Pole, where life-size ragdolls come to life, and marvel at the stunning reenactment of the first Christmas as the Living Nativity unfolds before us on stage. After the performance, we travel to Rockefeller Center to view its towering Christmas tree. Typically, a Norway Spruce, the minimum size requirements for the tree are 65 feet in height and 35 feet in width. Over five miles of lights are used to decorate the tree each year. We return to our hotel for the evening.

Day 3 : The Nutcracker™

Our day begins with breakfast at the hotel. This morning we take an excursion boat for a cruise of New York Harbor. Our cruise travels past Battery Park, Lower Manhattan and Liberty Island to view the Statue of Liberty, America’s most recognized symbol of freedom. The statue was given as a gift from France to commemorate liberty and friendship and was dedicated on October 28, 1886. We also cruise past Ellis Island, former gateway to America for millions of immigrants. The remainder of our afternoon is free for shopping at the Holiday Shops at Bryant Park and other leisure opportunities. Tonight, we enjoy The Nutcracker™ performed by the New York City Ballet at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. A once-in-a-lifetime experience, this glittering classic ballet will stay with you forever and warm your spirit. Beloved characters, gorgeous costumes, a one-ton Christmas tree that magically seems to never stop growing, an on-stage snow storm, and a 62-piece orchestra performing Tchaikovsky’s timeless music make this performance truly unforgettable.

Day 4 : The Empire State Building

After an included breakfast at the hotel we visit the Empire State Building, a landmark recognized the world over. First opened in 1931, the Empire State Building was the tallest building in the world and remained as such until the 1970’s. We gather this afternoon and enjoy a special Holiday Vacations Farewell Lunch. After lunch horse-drawn carriages meet us for a ride through Central Park. The remainder of the afternoon is free to enjoy our final day in New York City. This evening is open to take in a Broadway play.

Day 5 : Fly Home

We depart for home with lasting memories of New York City at this magical time of the year.