Guide for the 2025 NYC Holiday Light Tours

RPD LIMOUSINE • October 15, 2025

As December approaches in New York City, the skyline transforms into a glittering spectacle. In 2025, the New York City holiday lights tour returns with renewed vigor, greater variety, and dazzling innovation, making it a must‑see season for visitors and New Yorkers alike.


Highlights & Anchors of the Season


NYC Tourism has stepped up its game this year, rolling out festive displays across all five boroughs. One of the signature installations is Holiday Under the Stars” at The Shops at Columbus Circle, featuring 300,000 lights and 44 glowing stars across midtown. Hudson Yards will also “shine bright,” with more than two million lights, 725 decorated trees, and illuminated hot-air balloons, all anchoring seasonal shopping and dining zones.


Meanwhile, Lightscape at Brooklyn Botanic Garden returns November 21 through January 4, inviting guests to wander through enchanted light installations, musical elements, and atmospheric design.


Another seasonal tradition: the Saks Fifth Avenue holiday light show, which had been paused in 2024, returns this year on November 24. This “reimagined” spectacle will project synchronized LED animations onto the façade, timed to music, and run nightly until late evening. The show complements the store’s holiday window displays, which promise new thematic storytelling and festive visuals.


Tours That Bring the Lights to Life


Walking tours, bus rides, carriage rides — the 2025 season offers something for every preference. 


Dyker Heights Christmas Lights Tour (Brooklyn)


Perhaps the most iconic neighborhood display, Dyker Heights returns in 2025 with a full slate of guided tours. The standard tour lasts about 4 hours, combining a bus ride, a walking portion through the most decorated blocks, and a stop in DUMBO for skyline views. Of course, we offer luxury transportation, making the route more flexible and immersive.


NYC Christmas Lights Carriage Ride (Midtown)

For a romantic or family‑friendly option, we can take you for a Christmas lights ride down Fifth Avenue. You can expect to pass highlights like the Cartier display, Bergdorf Goodman, The Plaza and the Peninsula, and, most memorably, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, which will be lit December 3, 2025, with 50,000 LEDs and a Swarovski-topped star.


Holiday Lights & Movie Sites Tour


Beginning November 28, On Location Tours will host a themed walk through Manhattan — stopping at locations from Elf, Home Alone 2, Scrooged, and more. The route weaves through festive landmarks like Bloomingdale’s, Rockefeller Center, and Bryant Park. Our limo service can get you to and from this tour. 


Tips for Navigating the Season


  • Go early or midweek. Holidays in midtown get very crowded. Locals recommend early evening slots or Tuesday–Thursday nights to beat the densest crowds.

  • Book in advance. Tours, especially to Dyker Heights, fill up quickly.

  • Layer up & bring footwear for walking. Even tours with vehicles may include walking portions.

  • Plan side attractions. Combine your tour with ice skating at Rockefeller Center, holiday markets like Bryant Park, or a visit to the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall, which returns November 6 through January 4.

  • Mind the showtimes. The Saks light show kicks off at sunset and runs until about 11 pm, with repeats every few minutes.

  • Consider borough‑level offerings. Don’t overlook Staten Island’s Historic Richmond Town events, Bronx neighborhoods’ tree-lightings, and Hanukkah menorah lightings in Brooklyn and Manhattan.


Book with RPD Limousine for your Holiday Lights Transportation 


This season feels especially ambitious: the return of Saks’ marquee display, expanded light installations across major centers, and more thematic tours give visitors a richer palette of choices. The blending of tradition (Tree Lighting, Radio City shows) with newer experiences (movie‑themed walks, botanical gardens lit trails) means there’s something new even for returning visitors.


If you’re planning a trip to NYC this winter, make space in your itinerary for one or more of these light tours. Whether you're seeking magic, romance, Instagram moments, or holiday film nostalgia, 2025 promises a dazzling NYC holiday. And be sure to call RPD Limousine, which offers the ultimate way to see the city’s spectacular lights, from the Rockefeller Center tree to dazzling displays across Brooklyn and Manhattan. Skip the crowded streets and enjoy the festive scenery from the comfort of a chauffeured limo. Let RPD Limousine handle the route and parking, so all you have to do is relax, take in the views, and make memories. Ready to elevate your holiday experience? Book your Christmas light tour with RPD Limousine today and celebrate the season in style!

Why You Should Hire a Limo Service to See the Christmas Lights in NYC
By RPD LIMOUSINE November 19, 2025
Every year, New York City transforms into a sparkling holiday wonderland. From the iconic Rockefeller Center tree to the festive storefronts along Fifth Avenue, the city becomes a breathtaking display of lights, color, and holiday cheer. While there are many ways to take in these dazzling sights, hiring a limo service is one of the most enjoyable, comfortable, and memorable ways to experience Christmas in NYC. Whether you're planning a romantic night out, a family adventure, or a group celebration, here’s why a limo ride is the perfect way to explore NYC’s holiday lights . 1. Experience Comfort and Luxury During the Busiest Season The holiday season in New York City is magical, but it’s also crowded. Streets are packed with tourists, taxis are scarce, and public transit can be overwhelming, especially when you’re bundled up for winter. A limo allows you to avoid the chaos entirely. Inside a limo, you can relax in a warm, spacious, and luxurious environment. Plush seating, climate control, and tinted windows provide a peaceful escape from the cold and the crowds. Instead of juggling coats, bags, and subway maps, you get to sink in, sip a warm drink, and enjoy the ride. 2. Enjoy a Stress-Free Night Without Navigation or Parking Hassles Driving in Manhattan during the holidays is not for the faint of heart. Streets can be congested, parking is scarce, and many of the best Christmas displays are located along heavily trafficked areas. Hiring our professional limo service eliminates all these stressors. Your chauffeur will handle the driving, navigate the traffic, and drop you off right at the best viewing spots with no circling for parking or sprinting through the cold required. This means you can focus entirely on taking in the lights and enjoying your night out. 3. See All the Best Holiday Attractions in One Smooth Tour The city’s most spectacular holiday displays are spread throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, and even parts of Queens. With a limo service, you can easily map out a route that hits all the highlights without worrying about transportation logistics. Some popular stops include: Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Dyker Heights Christmas Lights in Brooklyn Fifth Avenue holiday window displays Bryant Park Winter Village Rado City Music Hall Central Park holiday décor With a chauffeur who knows the city well, you’ll get an optimized, efficient route that makes the most of your time, perfect for families with kids or anyone on a tight schedule. 4. Create a Special, Memorable Holiday Experience A night out looking at Christmas lights feels magical on its own, but riding in a limo elevates the experience into something truly memorable. Whether you're celebrating a holiday tradition or creating a new one, the experience feels special from the moment you step inside the vehicle. Couples enjoy the romantic atmosphere, families appreciate the convenience and comfort, and groups of friends love being able to celebrate together without worrying about driving. The limo itself becomes part of the celebration. 5. Ideal for Photos and Social Media Moments NYC’s Christmas lights are already photo-worthy, but a limo adds an extra touch of glamour. Whether you’re snapping selfies in the plush interior or capturing the glow of Fifth Avenue from your private window, the entire experience feels Instagram-ready. Many limo services even offer holiday-themed amenities, such as festive lighting or hot cocoa, making your photos even more fun and festive. 6. Safe and Reliable Transportation for Holiday Nights Out The holiday season often involves crowds, late nights, and unpredictable winter weather. A limo provides a safe, dependable way to get around the city. You don’t have to worry about icy sidewalks, long walks to the subway, or late-night transportation shortages. With a professional chauffeur handling the roads, you can enjoy your holiday outing with peace of mind. Book your Christmas Lights Limo Ride with RPD Limousine Hiring a limo service to see the Christmas lights in NYC combines luxury, comfort, convenience, and holiday charm into one unforgettable experience. Instead of wrestling with crowds and traffic, you’ll glide through the city in style, taking in the sights from a warm, relaxing private vehicle. Whether for families, couples, or groups of friends, a limo turns a simple night of sightseeing into a cherished holiday memory. If you’re planning a trip to NYC in December, you don’t want to miss the opportunity to see the city’s annual Christmas lights at your leisure. Call RPD Limousine , which offers the most VIP way to see the city’s spectacular lights, from the Rockefeller Center tree to dazzling displays across Brooklyn and Manhattan. Skip the crowded streets and enjoy the festive scenery from the comfort of a chauffeured limo. Let RPD Limousine handle the route and parking, so all you have to do is relax, take in the views, and make memories. Book your Christmas light tour with RPD Limousine today and celebrate the season in style!
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