Christmas in New York: Santas Rickshaw Sleigh Ride

Thinking about celebrating the holiday season in New York City? This Santas Rickshaw Sleigh Ride offers a charming way to soak in the city’s festive spirit without the hassle of walking or driving around. It’s a guided, two-hour tour that whisks you through Midtown Manhattan’s most iconic holiday sights, all from the cozy seat of a decorated rickshaw.

Three things we especially love about this experience are its personalized storytelling, the stunning views of holiday landmarks, and the opportunity to capture memorable photos without fighting crowds. That said, a potential consideration is the outdoor nature of the tour—so dressing warmly is essential.

This tour works best for families, couples, or groups of friends who want an intimate, festive adventure that blends sightseeing with the joy of the season. If you’re after a relaxed, fun way to see NYC’s holiday highlights, this could be just the ticket.

Good To Know

• Unique transportation: Pedicab (rickshaw) decorated like Santa’s sleigh makes for a cheerful ride.
• Major landmarks: See Rockefeller Center, Fifth Avenue, Bryant Park, and more.
• Flexible timing: Usually available in the afternoon, evening, or at night.
• Guided narration: Enjoy fun facts and holiday stories from your guide.
• Photo opportunities: Plenty of chances to snap photos of the city’s festive displays.
• Additional activities: Optional horse-drawn carriage ride in Central Park for extra charm.

You can check if your dates are available here:

A Festive Ride Through the Heart of NYC

This Santa Rickshaw Sleigh Ride is designed to bring the Christmas magic alive in a relaxed, engaging way. You start your journey in Times Square, where the dazzling lights and huge billboards immediately put you in a holiday mood. From here, your guide, who is well-versed in holiday trivia and insider stories, pedals you through Midtown’s sparkling streets, providing commentary that makes each landmark come alive.

The Experience of the Decorated Rickshaw

Imagine sitting in a brightly decorated rickshaw styled like Santa’s sleigh, complete with blankets to keep you warm against the winter chill. This isn’t just a mode of transport—it’s part of the holiday fun! The cheerful decorations and festive music set the tone for what feels like a holiday adventure rather than a typical city tour.

What Makes the Tour Special

The tour offers a personalized experience, where your guide shares interesting tidbits about each sight. For instance, as you glide past Macy’s Herald Square, the guide might share stories about the Christmas windows, which have been a tradition for over a century. Reviewers mention that guides like “Mike and Sarah” make the experience engaging, with some fans praising the enthusiasm and knowledge of the guides.

Key Landmark Stops and Highlights

Rockefeller Center: No doubt, the highlight of the tour is stopping at the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. Towering above the skating rink and adorned with over 50,000 lights, this scene is a quintessential holiday snapshot. The tour allows plenty of time for photographs, ensuring you don’t miss capturing that perfect shot.

Fifth Avenue Window Displays: As your guide pedals you down Fifth Avenue, you’ll see the elaborate holiday window displays at Saks Fifth Avenue, Tiffany & Co., Cartier, and Bergdorf Goodman. The dazzling light shows and themed decor are truly captivating, and some reviews mention it’s like stepping into a winter wonderland.

Bryant Park Winter Village: The twinkling Christmas tree, cozy market stalls, and the ice-skating rink make this a favorite stop. You’ll get a chance to snap photos and enjoy the lively, festive atmosphere. One reviewer noted that this part of the tour makes you feel like you’ve entered a holiday fairy tale.

Empire State Building: Your guide shares holiday trivia and fun facts about the illuminated Empire State Building, which is lit in Christmas colors, adding to the holiday ambiance.

Holiday Window Displays on Fifth Avenue: Your ride continues along Fifth Avenue, where you’ll see spectacular light shows and animated window displays. The detailed decorations at Saks and Tiffany’s are often described as “impressive” and “beautifully executed.”

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Additional Considerations and Tips

While the experience is largely outdoor, the weather in winter can be unpredictable. Reviewers recommend bundling up in warm clothing and bringing a good camera for photos. Some mention that the blankets provided are a thoughtful touch, but layering is key.

The tour duration of two hours provides ample time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed. It’s also flexible, with tours typically available in the afternoon, evening, or night, allowing you to choose the best time for your schedule or preferred lighting for photos.

Optional Add-On: Central Park Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride

One reviewer pointed out that there’s an optional horse-drawn carriage ride through Central Park, which can amplify the holiday magic. This is an extra cost but might be worth considering if you want to extend your festive experience.

Practical Details

• Price: $160 per person, which might seem steep at first glance, but considering the guided commentary, exclusive photo opportunities, and the personalized nature of the ride, it offers good value.
• Duration: 2 hours, making it a manageable and relaxed way to see many sights.
• Group Size: Private groups, so your experience is tailored to your party.
• Accessibility: The tour is wheelchair accessible, accommodating a range of travelers.
• Payment: You can reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

What Travelers Say

Many reviews highlight the stunning views and the fun, festive atmosphere. One guest expressed that the guide’s storytelling made the landmarks come alive, turning a simple sightseeing trip into a memorable holiday experience. Another reviewer appreciated the warm blankets and cheerful music, which added comfort and cheer during the chilly winter ride.

Some mention that the ride is suitable for all ages and especially enjoyed by families and couples. However, a few reviewers noted that the outdoor setup requires some preparation—so dress warmly and be ready for brisk winter air.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This Santas Rickshaw Sleigh Ride offers a unique and charming way to celebrate Christmas in NYC. It combines sightseeing with a festive, personal touch that’s hard to match. You’ll love the beautiful views of holiday lights and landmarks, the engaging narration, and the opportunity to take memorable photos without the crowds.

The cost is reasonable given the level of personalization and access to prime locations. Plus, the experience’s flexible timing makes it easy to fit into your holiday plans. It’s especially ideal for those who want a relaxed, fun, and intimate way to enjoy the city’s holiday spirit.

Overall, if you’re looking for a cozy, joyful adventure with friends or family, this tour will deliver a hearty dose of Christmas cheer. Just remember to bundle up and bring a camera—you won’t want to miss capturing those magical moments.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children? Many reviews indicate that families enjoy the experience, especially with children who love holiday lights and festive sights. Just ensure they’re comfortable outdoors for the duration.

How long is the tour? It lasts approximately 2 hours, providing enough time to see major landmarks without feeling rushed.

Can I reserve my spot in advance? Yes, you can reserve online and even choose to pay later. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the tour.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchairs? Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for a variety of travelers.

What should I wear? Dress warmly with layers, including hats, gloves, and warm shoes. Blankets are provided on the rickshaw, but extra warmth helps in cold weather.

Are there any additional costs? The main tour fee is $160 per person. Optional activities, like the horse-drawn carriage ride through Central Park, are extra.

To sum it up, this Santa Rickshaw Sleigh Ride is a delightful way to see New York during the Christmas season. It’s a cozy, fun-filled experience that captures the city’s holiday magic perfectly. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned NYC explorer, this tour offers a charming, memorable addition to your holiday itinerary.

You can check if your dates are available here: