Top North America Christmas Tours

Get into the festive spirit aboard a holiday-themed cruise in New York City. Set sail aboard an elegantly decorated yacht from Chelsea Piers. Along the way, see the Statue of Liberty, Manhattan skyline, and other scenic vistas. You can also sing along to carols played by the live jazz band, nibble on Christmas cookies, and enjoy a cup of spiked hot cocoa from the bar.

Experience the magic of the holidays, New York City–style—and discover a festive attraction many other visitors miss—on this guided tour of Brooklyn's Dyker Heights neighborhood. Long celebrated for its over-the-top Christmas lights and installations, this residential neighborhood is a great place to get into the holiday spirit. Your guide takes you to the best viewing spots; then, explore the neighborhood independently before heading back to Manhattan.

Combine a visit to the Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak with a trip on the Cog Railway with this tour from Denver. Your driver will pick you up at Union Station and take you to the Garden of the Gods, where you'll explore for a bit before taking the railway up to Pikes Peak. You'll then have time to visit Manitou Springs before returning to Denver.

See New York City during its glittering, festive best—and enjoy a romantic way to explore—on a private, 45-minute horse-and-carriage ride. Meet your driver in Midtown Manhattan for a prompt departure at your predetermined time, and set off after dark to make the most of the twinkling lights. You’ll see many Central Park highlights before heading down Fifth Avenue to admire the holiday window displays, glimpse the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, and more.

The BIGGEST little show in the Smokies, with classic country hits, soul stirring gospel favorites, a nod to Broadway with familiar tunes, and a salute to our United States Armed Forces in a stand to your feet full dress military salute.

“Ghosts of Christmas Past”: a Haunted Holiday Stroll Uncover Salem’s fascinating and ghostly holiday history, from strict Puritan bans on Christmas making it illegal even to celebrate, to Victorian Holiday ghost stories originally told around the fireside. With warm Yuletide cheer, we examine ancient customs of Yule and other Pagan winter solstice traditions of Krampus, Frau Perchten “the Christmas Witch”, and Mary Lwyd! Spend your holiday season with us for a storytelling experience you’ll never forget.

Enjoy a uniquely New York way to ring in the holidays when you book a special Christmas Day Bateaux cruise. Departing from Chelsea Piers, set off to admire views of the city’s skyline, get up close to the Statue of Liberty, and more. Along the way, enjoy a 3-course, plated holiday brunch menu, complete with drinks and bottomless mimosas. As you go, music from an on-board pianist helps set a festive mood.

Experience the Radio City Christmas Spectacular featuring the legendary Rockettes, a dazzling holiday tradition in the heart of NYC. Watch the stage transform into a festive wonderland with dazzling choreography, Santa’s magical journey to the North Pole, and the Parade of the Wooden Soldiers. This package also includes a timed ticket to the 86th-floor observation deck of the Empire State Building.

Your journey begins at St. Patrick’s Cathedral where your guide shares stories about its rich history as you admire its beautiful exterior. From there, make your way to Rockefeller Center and see the world famous Christmas tree up close while your guide explains the traditions that make this spot one of the most beloved places in New York during the holidays. Continue past Radio City Music Hall and enjoy a glimpse of its sparkling seasonal decorations while learning about its famous Christmas performances. Walk through the Bryant Park Holiday Village where you can take in the lights, the cozy winter market stalls, and the lively rink area that make this part of the city feel especially festive. Your guide will walk you to the Empire State Building and drop you off right at the entrance. You can explore the museum exhibits inside & then head up to the observatory for incredible views of New York City during the Christmas season. It is the perfect finale to your New York holiday tour.

See how New York City residents decorate their homes for the holidays with this evening tour. Visit Dyker Heights and Bay Ridge in Brooklyn, neighborhoods known for their homes with quirky Christmas lights. Plus, you'll pass Dumbo, the Brooklyn Bridge, Lincoln Center, Fifth Avenue, and Rockefeller Center.

Enjoy the special opportunity to ring in the holidays with a live gospel choir concert in Harlem at the Mt. Olivet Baptist Church in New York City. Join the church on Christmas Eve for the festive service, and let the uplifting music, performed by gospel singers, warm your heart during the holiday season. Prebook early to guarantee your place and avoid disappointment.

The Dyker Heights Christmas displays are a must-see attraction if you’re in New York City over the holidays. While many tours only focus on the Brooklyn neighborhood, this festive tour also covers holiday attractions in Manhattan, including the spectacular Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. Get into the holiday spirit, with a convenient combination of on-foot exploration and comfortable transportation by bus.

Enjoy easy skip-the-line access to the California Academy of Sciences with this pre-paid ticket. Walk right in to explore the museum's 4-story rainforest, planetarium, and aquarium, plus the new Tiny Chef, Big Impact exhibit celebrating small actions for the planet.

Maximize your Chicago sightseeing on a river cruise—and travel aboard a unique historical vessel, which other tours don’t offer—on this one-of-a-kind excursion. Pick from different departure times and board a classic Chicago fireboat, which served the city’s fire department from 1937 to 1981. As you sail Lake Michigan and the Chicago River, view architectural highlights including the Wrigley Building and Chicago Lighthouse, and chart the boat’s firefighting history via the on-board displays and commentary.

Quebec City sparkles in the winter and comes to life during the festive Christmas season. On this tour you can experience the magic of Old Quebec during the holidays. As it will be cold out, you don’t want to wander aimlessly—your walking tour guide will take you to the best winter spots in the UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site. Sample local Christmas produce and learn about the unique traditions of the city.

In the charming city of St. Augustine, the annual "Nights of Lights" celebration transforms the historic streets into a dazzling spectacle from November through January. This captivating event features three million sparkling lights, creating stunning light displays that illuminate the city's rich architectural history. For an unforgettable experience, visitors can embark on a tour via a state-of-the-art golf cart, allowing them to comfortably explore the twinkling wonderland. This convenient and eco-friendly mode of transport enhances the magic of the event, providing a unique perspective on one of the most enchanting holiday traditions in Florida.

There is no better way to enjoy the famous Nights of lights in St Augustine than from an electric cart. Unobstructed views for taking perfect pictures. Avoid traffic by navigating through smaller street not accessible to larger cars and buses. Easy to get in and out of and more importantly its far more fun!

Be transported back to Williamsburg in 1943 in this 1-hour character tour. Learn how the citizens of the town are dealing with rationing, blackout drills, and all the new servicemen in town during the Holiday season. Please note that each tour is unique, so the advertised routes may vary. You will be guided through town by either a USO Hostess or an Air Raid Warden. However, for evening tours, the guide will solely be an Air Raid Warden. Routes may also be changed to accommodate activities in Colonial Williamsburg. Shades of Our Past is not affiliated with Colonial Williamsburg; therefore, this tour does not include entrance or admission into Colonial Williamsburg-owned buildings. Since the tour is through the streets of Colonial Williamsburg it is weather contingent. Please be prepared for all weather conditions. Please be aware that due to staff participation in other events, tours may be unavailable on certain days. For details about these programs, please visit our website.

Discover New York City at its most festival on this holiday tour to southern Brooklyn's Dyker Heights and Bay Ridge neighborhoods where holiday lights are taken to a whole new level. Admire the most dazzling festive neighborhood displays, learn insider stories about the tradition, and enjoy views of the lit-up Manhattan skyline on the way back.

Get in the festive spirit and discover the larger-than-life Christmas decorations of Brooklyn’s Dyker Heights neighborhood with ease on this bus tour. The provided transportation lets you cover more ground than you could independently, while staying cozy in the winter weather. Be amazed by the vibrant nativity displays, massive inflatable Santas, and more. Kids and adults alike will love this over-the-top Christmas experience.

The Denver foothills are packed with some of Colorado's best sights, from Red Rocks Amphitheater to Lookout Mountain and scenic Lariat Loop. Throughout this half-day tour from Denver explore the scenic foothills, get panoramic views of the mountain surroundings, and stroll through small, historic towns before stopping in Golden for a coffee or craft beer. It's a quick escape from the big city buzz and a taste of life in the mountains just outside of "Mile High" City.

On this cheerful tour you’ll see Chicago’s most famous Christmas trees, as well as several under-the-radar ones you may not know about. Your guide will lead you around downtown, stopping at the Christkindlmarkt and the old Marshall Field’s, as well as hidden-gem spots with some of the city’s most impressive holiday decor. All the while, you’ll learn about some beloved Christmas stories and traditions from across the globe, and even get to stop for some holiday sweets.

This isn’t your typical pub crawl - it’s a walking holiday adventure through the holiday classic 'A Christmas Carol'! Guided by Asheville's premier Dickensian host, Nigel Humbuggins, you’ll visit four of the city’s renowned South Slope pubs to enjoy legendary local brews, all while experiencing one of the greatest Christmas stories ever told. Along the way, your host keeps the energy high with playful antics and audience interactions - yet pauses to deliver moments of transcendent acting from Dickens’ most poignant passages, giving the tale its full emotional power. *Brewery stops are subject to change due to events or availability at individual venues.