Where to go · CHRISTMAS WALKING TOURS IN THE USA
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 8 christmas walking tours in the USA worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
Join an English-speaking guide such as Derek, Max, Nick, or Rose for a 90-minute evening walk through Dyker Heights. You’ll see extravagant homes, hear the story of Lucy Spata and the neighborhood’s holiday codes, and get plenty of photo stops. The walk covers about 3 miles, so bring warm clothes and sturdy shoes.
“Very interesting walk trip. Nice and helpful guide. Really recommend”
Walk Midtown New York at Christmas with a local guide, beginning at St. Patrick’s Cathedral and ending near Macy’s Herald Square. You’ll see Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall, Fifth Avenue displays, Bryant Park’s holiday market, the Diamond District, and other landmarks. Guides such as Gabby, Cameron, Luke, and Patrick bring history and humor to a crowded evening route.
“Although it was a rainy night it would have been nice if our tour guide would have paused and recommended picture spots and gave time to take pics at some of the different locations, especially in front of the Rockefeller tree. That’s mainly why I purchased our family of 5 tickets. Instead I just got the tree itself from a side view. I thought he was leading up to a pic spot.”
Join Bobby’s Bike Hike at 11:30 a.m. for a three-hour winter walk through central Chicago. You’ll see Millennium Park, Cloud Gate, State Street, and Christkindlmarket while sampling deep-dish pizza, a Chicago-style hot dog or Italian beef, Palmer House brownies, and holiday cider. Guides such as Mickey, Brooke, Julia, and Lillian lead groups of up to 15.
“Loved the option to have a beer tasting from the local brewery and our tour guide was awesome. The food was delicious and the pizza from Lou Malnati’s pizzeria was the best deep dish we’ve ever had.”
Join Brooklyn Unplugged Tours for a 90-minute evening walk through Dyker Heights, where decorated homes turn ordinary residential streets into a holiday show. Guides such as Ryan, Slava, John, and Derrick share neighborhood stories and point out notable houses. Expect crowds, cold weather, uneven sidewalks, and about three miles of walking.
“Excellent experience and must do if in NYC for the holidays! I would highly suggest using a tour guide as you learn so much about the history and houses in Dyker Heights.”
Start at Columbus Circle at 3 p.m. and follow a guide through Manhattan’s Christmas markets, Fifth Avenue windows, Rockefeller Center, Bryant Park, and Grand Central Terminal. You’ll shop for crafts and food, hear holiday stories, and spot movie locations. Guides such as Joseph, Charlie, Charles, and Kathryn have led this route.
“Store windows on fifth avenue and Saks music/light show were great. Kathryn’s sharing of various pictures of the mansions and other historical sites were interesting.”
Walk from the Williamsburg Inn through Merchants Square and Colonial Williamsburg with a private guide such as Bambi, Cynthia, Cyndi, or Will. Learn how wreaths, sprays, roping, fruit, herbs, and unusual objects fit 18th-century decoration rules, then finish near Bruton Parish Church with ginger cakes and a possible hot drink.
“We enjoyed this unique tour. Cynthia was very personable and knowledgeable. She explained before our tour the criteria for what materials were permissible as classic Colonial decorations.”
Walk Colonial Williamsburg for two hours with a costumed English-speaking guide, often including Tom, whose storytelling covers colonial Christmas customs, Santa, the first American Christmas tree, and a curious Masonic service. The tour starts and ends at the Capitol Building, costs $25, and takes place outdoors, so bring warm clothes and comfortable shoes.
“Tom was a great guide. He shared his extensive knowledge of history in a very entertaining way.”
Join Lonnie Sandifer Tours for a one-hour Christmas walk through Colonial Williamsburg. You’ll visit Bruton Parish Church, the John Greenhow Store, the Roscow Cole House, St. George Tucker House, and Duke of Gloucester Street while hearing stories of old and new Virginia Christmas traditions. The tour costs $25 and ends near Raleigh Tavern Bakery.
“Wonderful guide and we learned some interesting facts. Our guide was friendly and we thoroughly enjoyed this one hour walk. It was just enough and gave us plenty of time to explore on our own the rest of the day.”
Pick a market, a sleigh, a stage or a river.
