NYC Classic Cocktails and Christmas Lights Tour
Visit three hotel cocktail lounges (each more than 110 years old!) and see the famous Fifth Avenue holiday window displays and Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. Get in the holiday spirit with classic cocktails mixed by professional mixologists. Guests will sip cocktails in three different landmark hotels and tour the incredible seasonal light displays of Manhattan.
This three-hour walking tour will cover Times Square to Rockefeller Center. The small tour group size, just twelve attendees, assures you personal attention from the guide and the co-leader. Proper evening attire is required to help transport the tour group back to Pre-War Manhattan. Note: Drinks are not included in the ticket price.
The 15-block walking tour includes an in-depth look at the history of New York City, the famous residents of the hotels we’ll visit, and the growth of the city. We’ll talk about speakeasies, Prohibition, and the drinking culture of the last 125 years. We will see the locations where scores of famous movies were filmed in the spots we will be crossing. You’ll be walking in the footsteps of famous cocktail aficionados such as John Barrymore, Marlene Dietrich, Alfred Hitchcock, and Dorothy Parker.
Your tour guide is Kevin C. Fitzpatrick, author of Under the Table: A Dorothy Parker Cocktail Guide. He and the co-leader will show you three historic Manhattan hotels that were built in 1902, 1905, and 1906 and the famous holiday lights of Manhattan.
Meeting Point
Tour meets in Times Square next to NYPD on 43rd Street. Your guide will wear a red scarf or necktie and will be holding a Big Apple Fanatics Tours Sign.
Dress Code: We’ll be inside luxury hotels dressed as proper ladies and gentlemen. Men must wear a coat and necktie. Women in evening wear. Come in your best fur (faux or real) to battle the elements as we walk to see the famous Christmas lights of Fifth Avenue.
Additional info
- Advance booking is required, no exceptions;
- Minimum age is 21 years (gov’t photo ID required);
- Dress code is coat, tie, eveningwear.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Where do I meet the guide?
The meeting point is in front of the New York Police Department’s Times Square station in Times Square. It is on the pedestrian plaza at Broadway and 43rd Street. Arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled start time. Your guide will be wearing a red scarf.
What is the nearest subway stop?
Any subway to Times Square/42nd Street: 1, 2, 3, 7, N, R, Q.
Do I need ID?
Yes you must bring a government-issued photo ID, no matter your age.
Does the tour start and end at the same place?
No. The guide will show you at the end of the tour how to get to your next destination or to mass transit.
What about inclement weather?
Tours will run snow, rain, or (moon) shine. We ask that you check the weather forecast and dress accordingly if inclement weather is predicted. If a serious storm is predicted that may impact the tour, you will be notified by e-mail, directly from Big Apple Fanatics Tours.
Are there bathrooms along the way?
Yes. Restrooms are available along the route.
What are the clothing guidelines for walking tours?
Scarf/Gloves/Hat optional. Warm sweaters, pants/leggings, all-weather boots, parka style coat, scarf, gloves, and hats.
Should we wear comfortable shoes?
Yes! Comfortable shoes are a staple for any kind of walking tour. We are walking approximately 15 blocks; so high heels may not be practical.
How long do the tours last?
Tours generally last 3 hours.
Where does the tour take place?
This tour takes place primarily in Midtown Manhattan.
What should I bring?
- Camera.
- Bottle of water.
- Cash to tip for exemplary service at bars.
- Extra cash as we end the tour near restaurants where food and drinks maybe purchased.
What Is Not Included in the Tour?
While gratuities are not included for the tour guide in the ticket price, they are always appreciated for exemplary service.
Can I book a private tour?
Yes, reach out here to book a charter tour for 2 to 12 people.