Description
New York City Holiday Tour Itinerary
December 1–6, 2026
Day 1: Tuesday, December 1
Travel to New York City
Your holiday getaway begins as we travel to New York City, one of the most exciting destinations in the country during the Christmas season.
Upon arrival, guests will check in at the SpringHill Suites New York Manhattan/Times Square, conveniently located near the heart of Midtown Manhattan. After check-in, the rest of the evening is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Take a stroll through Times Square, see the city lights, explore nearby shops, or simply relax after the day of travel.
Dinner is on your own this evening, giving you the flexibility to choose from the many restaurants and casual dining options nearby.
Day 2: Wednesday, December 2
Guided City Tour, 9/11 Memorial & Museum, and Dinner at Carmine’s
Breakfast is included at the hotel.
10:00 AM — Guided Bus Tour of New York City
Start your first full day in New York with a 3-hour guided bus tour led by a knowledgeable local guide. This tour is a wonderful way to get acquainted with the city and see many of its most recognizable neighborhoods, landmarks, and historic areas.
As you travel through Manhattan, your guide will share stories about New York’s history, architecture, culture, and famous sights. This comfortable bus tour allows guests to experience the energy of the city while learning more about what makes New York such an iconic destination.
1:00 PM — Lunch & 9/11 Memorial and Museum
The guided tour will conclude near the 9/11 Memorial, where guests will have time for lunch and a meaningful visit to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum.
Lunch is on your own. Dining options are available inside the nearby Oculus Building, a striking transportation and shopping hub known for its impressive architecture. Eataly is also located just around the corner and offers a variety of Italian dining options.
After lunch, guests will explore the 9/11 Memorial & Museum with a self-guided audio tour. The museum tells the story of September 11 through personal accounts, artifacts, photographs, and historical exhibits. Guests may move through the museum at their own pace, allowing time for reflection and a deeper understanding of the events, the lives impacted, and the resilience of New York City.
4:00 PM — Return to Hotel
Meet back at the designated bus pickup location to return to the hotel. Guests will have time to relax and freshen up before dinner.
6:30 PM — Dinner at Carmine’s in Times Square
This evening, enjoy a group dinner at Carmine’s, a classic New York favorite known for its generous family-style Italian dining. Located just a short 4-minute walk from the hotel, Carmine’s offers a lively atmosphere and hearty dishes perfect for sharing.
The group will walk to dinner together.
Day 3: Thursday, December 3
Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island & Empire State Building
Breakfast is included at the hotel.
9:00 AM — Depart for Liberty Island Ferry
Meet in the hotel lobby and board the bus for the ferry docks. Today’s sightseeing focuses on two of America’s most meaningful historic landmarks: Liberty Island and Ellis Island.
10:00 AM — Ferry to Liberty Island
Board the ferry to Liberty Island, home of the world-famous Statue of Liberty. Guests will have access to the Statue of Liberty Pedestal, offering a closer look at this remarkable monument and its history.
During your time on Liberty Island, you will have the opportunity to walk the grounds, visit the museum, take photos, and enjoy views of New York Harbor and the Manhattan skyline. The Statue of Liberty has welcomed visitors and immigrants for generations and remains one of the most powerful symbols of freedom and opportunity in the United States.
Ellis Island Visit
After Liberty Island, the group will continue by ferry to Ellis Island, one of the most important immigration sites in American history. Guests will enjoy a self-guided audio tour and have time to explore the historic buildings and exhibits at their leisure.
Ellis Island tells the stories of millions of immigrants who passed through its halls in search of a new life in America. Exhibits highlight the immigration process, family histories, personal journeys, and the lasting impact of immigration on the United States.
A designated meeting time will be provided for the return ferry to Manhattan.
Return to Hotel
Once back on the mainland, the group will return to the hotel to rest and freshen up before the evening activity.
4:45 PM — Dinner & Empire State Building Experience
Depart the hotel for dinner at the Empire State Building.
After dinner, guests will ride to the top of the Empire State Building for breathtaking nighttime views of New York City. From high above Manhattan, you will see the city illuminated below, including the skyline, bridges, streets, and landmarks that make New York unforgettable.
This is a perfect way to experience the magic of the city after dark.
Day 4: Friday, December 4
Radio City Christmas Spectacular & Free Time in Midtown Manhattan
Breakfast is included at the hotel.
9:30 AM — Depart for Radio City Music Hall
Meet at the hotel and depart for Radio City Music Hall, one of New York City’s most famous entertainment venues.
11:00 AM — Radio City Christmas Spectacular Starring the Rockettes
Enjoy a performance of the beloved Radio City Christmas Spectacular starring the Rockettes. This iconic holiday show is a New York tradition, featuring dazzling costumes, festive music, impressive choreography, beautiful stage effects, and the Rockettes’ world-famous precision dance routines.
The show is filled with Christmas spirit and is one of the highlights of the holiday season in New York City.
Afternoon & Evening — Free Time in New York City
After the show, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy on your own.
Radio City Music Hall is located near Rockefeller Center, one of the most festive areas in the city during the holidays. Guests may choose to see the famous Christmas tree, visit nearby shops, enjoy lunch or dinner at one of the many restaurants, or explore the surrounding Midtown attractions.
The hotel is approximately a half-mile walk from Radio City Music Hall, making it easy to return at your convenience.
Enjoy your final full day in New York City!
Day 5: Saturday, December 5
Departure from New York City & Hershey’s Chocolate World
Breakfast is included at the hotel.
10:30 AM — Depart New York City
Meet in the lobby to board the bus and begin the journey to our en-route hotel.
2:00 PM — Visit Hershey’s Chocolate World
This afternoon, enjoy a sweet stop at Hershey’s Chocolate World. Guests will have time to explore, shop for Hershey treats and souvenirs, and enjoy the fun chocolate-themed atmosphere.
During the visit, guests can browse a wide selection of candy, gifts, and specialty items. There will also be time for lunch on your own, with several dining options available inside the facility.
This stop is a fun and relaxed way to break up the return trip and enjoy one more memorable experience before heading home.
Day 6: Sunday, December 6
Travel Home
Breakfast is included at the hotel.
8:00 AM — Depart for Home
Meet in the lobby to board the bus for the return trip home.
As we make our way back, guests can relax and reflect on a wonderful holiday tour filled with New York City sightseeing, historic landmarks, festive entertainment, great meals, and unforgettable memories.
Terms & Conditions
Deposit is non-refundable at the time of booking. All payments are non-refundable after October 15, 2026.
Excite Tours does not own or operate the suppliers of services or accommodations included in this tour. As a result, Excite Tours is not responsible for any negligent or willful act, or failure to act, by any supplier or third party over whom Excite Tours has no control.
Excite Tours reserves the right to cancel the tour up to 60 days prior to departure if the minimum number of participants is not met. In the event of cancellation, guests will be notified and refunded in full.
Pricing is per person. Please ensure the number of tickets purchased matches your room occupancy. If travelers are purchasing tickets separately, please note your roommate’s name in the order notes at checkout.
Kay Chamberlain (verified owner) –
I had such a nice time in New York it was Non-Stop fun. Met a lot of nice people.
Diane E Dues –
Just went NYC with Excite Tours. It was such a great time! Action packed and tons of fun. Stayed in Times Square so we were close to everything. Met fantastic folks. Ate well. Shopped until we dropped. Saw the Rockettes, 911 Memorial, on and on. Highly recommended. Tour guides were so nice! Bus was comfortable, driver was awesome and there were endless snacks! Yay!!