Christmas in New York: Santas Rickshaw Sleigh Ride

Imagine zipping through the bright, bustling streets of Midtown Manhattan, wrapped in blankets, with the glow of holiday lights all around. For about 2 hours, you and your group get to enjoy a guided ride in a decorated rickshaw that feels just like Santa’s sleigh—an unusual yet charming way to see New York’s most iconic holiday sights. The tour costs $160 per person and is rated 4.6 out of 5, which speaks to its warmth and festive appeal.

What we really love about this experience is how it combines practicality and fun: you get close to the holiday landmarks without the hassle of walking or waiting in long lines, and the cozy blankets make the outdoor chill manageable. Plus, the cheerful commentary and holiday music create a genuinely festive atmosphere that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a winter wonderland.

One thing to consider is that, since it’s outdoors, you’ll want to dress warmly. Also, those with back problems might find the rickshaw a bit uncomfortable for a long ride. This tour is best suited for couples, families, or friends who appreciate a fun, relaxed way to enjoy New York’s Christmas magic, especially if you’re after a visual feast with fewer crowds.

Key Points

• Unique transportation: Ride in a Santa-themed rickshaw decorated for the season, giving you an intimate view of NYC’s holiday sights.
• Iconic landmarks: See Rockefeller Center, Fifth Avenue’s window displays, Bryant Park Winter Village, and more.
• Festive atmosphere: Enjoy lively commentary, seasonal music, and the opportunity for holiday photos.
• Flexible schedule: Tours are available in the afternoon, evening, or night, fitting various travel plans.
• Optional extras: You can add a horse-drawn carriage ride through Central Park for an extra cozy touch.
• Weather-dependent: Operating in all weather conditions, so dress warmly and be prepared.

When planning a December trip to New York City, we often look for experiences that blend the city’s natural charm with festive highlights. The Santas Rickshaw Sleigh Ride hits that sweet spot, offering a personalized, lively way to explore the city’s holiday displays and landmarks without the crowds that can sometimes make walking tours hectic.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting Point and First Impressions

The tour begins in the heart of Times Square. Here, the luminous billboards and holiday decorations immediately set a festive tone. From this bustling hub, your guide—whose cheerful commentary and stories we found quite engaging—begins pedaling you through Midtown. The decorated rickshaw, resembling Santa’s sleigh, is surprisingly roomy with cozy blankets, which are much appreciated once the winter chill sets in.

One of the first things we loved was the personalized experience: unlike large bus tours, this feels more intimate, allowing you to soak in the sights at a comfortable pace. The guide also shares fun facts and holiday trivia, making it suitable for all ages.

The Route and Key Stops

Rockefeller Center and Its Iconic Christmas Tree

No Christmas tour of NYC is complete without a visit to the Rockefeller Center. The towering Christmas Tree, adorned with over 50,000 lights, gleams against the winter sky, and the skating rink nearby adds to the scene’s magic. The guide takes a moment for everyone to capture photos—an important part of the experience.

Fifth Avenue’s Holiday Window Displays

Next, the tour glides along Fifth Avenue, where elaborate holiday window displays await. Saks Fifth Avenue’s spectacular light show and the beautifully decorated windows at Tiffany & Co., Cartier, and Bergdorf Goodman are true highlights. These displays have been a New York tradition for over a century, and seeing them lit up at night feels special.

More Great Tours Nearby

Bryant Park Winter Village

The tour then stops at Bryant Park, which during the holidays transforms into a winter wonderland with a large Christmas tree and a lively holiday market. The ice skating rink and market stalls offer a cozy, festive atmosphere perfect for photos and soaking in the holiday spirit.

The Empire State Building and Midtown Lights

Your guide shares holiday trivia while pointing out the Empire State Building, illuminated in red and green, adding to the seasonal glow. The views from the street are often stunning, especially with the city’s lights reflecting off the snow or wet streets.

Optional Central Park Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride

If you want to elevate the holiday experience, you can opt for a horse-drawn carriage ride through Central Park. While this is an additional cost, many find it a charming way to slow down and enjoy the park’s winter scenery—think snow-dusted trees and peaceful pathways contrasting with the busy city streets.

The Highlight: Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

The grand finale is, of course, the Rockefeller Christmas Tree. Standing tall and bright, it embodies the heart of NYC’s holiday celebration. Your guide makes sure everyone gets a good angle for photos, and the scene’s twinkling lights and bustling atmosphere** leave a lasting impression.

What the Ride Feels Like

Throughout the tour, you’ll enjoy festive music—sometimes classic carols or cheerful holiday tunes—adding to the joyful ambiance. The cheerful commentary from your guide offers insights and little stories about each landmark, making the sights more meaningful. We found the ride to be surprisingly comfortable, even during colder evenings, thanks to the blankets and sheltered design of the rickshaw.

Practicalities and Considerations

Price and Value

At $160 per person, this tour is a bit of an investment, but we think it offers good value considering the personalized experience, the convenience of transportation, and the chance to see so many major landmarks in just two hours. It’s especially valuable if you prefer a more relaxed, intimate way of sightseeing rather than navigating busy streets on foot or dealing with crowds on larger tours.

Duration and Timing

The 2-hour length fits well into a packed holiday schedule. Tours are usually available in the afternoon, evening, or night, giving flexibility to combine with other activities like ice skating or shopping. Because the tour runs in all weather conditions, you’ll need to dress warmly—think layers, gloves, and a hat.

Accessibility

The tour is wheelchair accessible, which is a significant plus for travelers with mobility issues. The group size is private, enhancing comfort and personalized attention, and you can reserve now and pay later, offering flexibility.

Additional Costs

While the main tour includes the ride, extras like the horse-drawn carriage or ice skating are not included. These are options if you want to add a bit of extra magic to your day.

This experience is perfect for couples wanting a romantic evening, families with kids who love festive lights, or groups of friends looking for a fun, relaxed way to experience Christmas in NYC. If you’re after stunning views with plenty of photo opportunities, and enjoy stories and music that elevate the holiday spirit, you’ll find this a worthwhile outing.

The Santas Rickshaw Sleigh Ride offers a unique, charming way to see New York’s most celebrated holiday sights. It’s a personalized experience that combines comfort, fun, and a bit of holiday magic, all wrapped up in a two-hour window that fits easily into most itineraries.

While it’s not the cheapest option, the value lies in the intimacy, the exclusive access to iconic landmarks, and the festive atmosphere that makes this tour stand out. It’s especially well-suited for those who want to avoid the crowds but still want to capture the essence of Christmas in NYC.

If you’re looking for a memorable, cheerful, and visually stunning way to celebrate the season, this tour might just become the highlight of your holiday trip.

Is this tour suitable for families with children?
Yes, it’s a fun experience for families, especially those who enjoy outdoor activities and festive sights. Just keep in mind that you should dress warmly and that very young children might need additional blankets or comfort.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 2 hours, making it a manageable window that won’t tire out little ones or busy travelers.

Can I see the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree?
Absolutely. The tour’s highlight is the tree itself, and your guide ensures you have plenty of time for photos and to soak in the scene.

Is the ride comfortable in cold weather?
Yes, the rickshaw is equipped with blankets and shelter, but dressing warmly is highly recommended—think layers, hats, and gloves.

Are there options for extra activities?
Yes, you can add a horse-drawn carriage ride through Central Park for an additional cost; the tour also covers other landmarks, but food and drinks are not included.

Is it accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for travelers with mobility needs.

What’s the best time of day to take this tour?
Evening or night offers the best holiday lights and ambiance, but the tour is available in the afternoon too, if you prefer a daytime experience.

In summary, the Santas Rickshaw Sleigh Ride is a delightful way to see New York City during the holiday season—combining scenic views, festive cheer, and a touch of whimsy. It’s a great choice for anyone wanting a personal, memorable holiday experience without the fatigue of navigating large crowds or walking long distances. Just remember to bundle up, bring your camera, and get ready to enjoy the Christmas magic.

You can check availability for your dates here: