New York in 1 Day for Families - See the legendary Dyker Heights holiday displays (best along 83rd–86th Streets)
In Collaboration with AventoursNYC. Updated on February 1, 2026.
A cozy, family-friendly 3-hour evening tour from Midtown Manhattan to Brooklyn to see the over-the-top Dyker Heights Christmas displays, enjoy guided commentary during climate-controlled transfers, capture skyline photos at the Brooklyn Bridge, and finish with a drop-off at Bryant Park Winter Village. English & Spanish guides; audio in French & German available.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with AventoursNYC, inspired by the tour Dyker Heights Christmas Lights Tour. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- See the legendary Dyker Heights holiday displays (best along 83rd–86th Streets)
- Climate-controlled transfers with licensed guides and kid-friendly commentary
- Photo stops at Brooklyn Bridge for Manhattan skyline views
- Drop-off at Bryant Park Winter Village — ice rink, holiday shops & family amenities
Itinerary
Day 1
Evening holiday lights tour timed for best light displays and family comfort.
Meeting point — Check-in at 235 W 55th St (near Broadway)
Meet your licensed guide and group at the address on West 55th St for check-in. Brief orientation, name & DOB check, and boarding for the climate-controlled vehicle.
Tips from local experts:
- Subway access: the nearest lines are N/Q/R at 57th St–7th Ave (a short 5–10 minute walk); plan extra time if arriving by subway with a stroller.
- Restroom & warming option: there are cafés and small shops along 55th St where you can use restrooms before boarding — bring a small bag with snacks for kids.
- Bring printed or digital confirmation and IDs for the children (DOB sometimes required on booking); keep stroller compacted if possible to fit on the vehicle.
Scenic transfer down Manhattan’s West Side — Guided drive
Board the climate-controlled vehicle. The guide provides family-friendly stories about the Hudson River, Manhattan shoreline, and what to expect in Brooklyn while you travel.
Tips from local experts:
- The vehicle is heated — still bring a warm layer for when you step outside in Brooklyn; little ones lose heat faster at night.
- If anyone is prone to motion sickness, sit toward the front and keep light snacks available; the guide can make a short restroom/comfort stop if needed.
- Point out landmarks (e.g., Hudson Yards/Intrepid) to keep kids engaged — the guide will time commentary to match visible sights along the route.
Dyker Heights Christmas lights — Walk & photo time
Explore the famous, over-the-top decorations concentrated along Dyker Heights' residential streets. You’ll have free time to walk short stretches, take photos, and soak in the holiday atmosphere.
Tips from local experts:
- Best displays are clustered on 83rd–86th Streets between 11th and 13th Avenues — stick with your guide and group to avoid getting separated in the crowds.
- Sidewalks are mostly stroller-friendly but can be crowded; a lightweight stroller or carrier is recommended. Bring a small flashlight or use your phone camera light for safer steps.
- Public restrooms are limited in the residential area — use facilities on the coach or ask the guide to point out nearby cafés/delis if you need a bathroom break.
Transfer from Dyker Heights to Brooklyn Bridge — Short coach ride
Return toward Manhattan with a quick transfer. Enjoy a warm, seated ride and a chance for the guide to answer questions and recommend family activities in Midtown.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring damp wipes and a spare outfit for little ones — holiday displays can mean long exposure to cold; the vehicle will be a warm transition.
- The coach offers a calm break after walking; encourage kids to relax or nap while driving to make the Brooklyn stop easier.
- If you plan to continue exploring after the tour, ask your guide for stroller-accessible shortcuts and kid-friendly restaurant recommendations near Bryant Park.
Brooklyn Bridge — Quick photo stop & skyline views
Short on-foot stop at the Brooklyn Bridge pedestrian area for classic Manhattan skyline photos. Time for family photos and a few minutes on the promenade.
Tips from local experts:
- The pedestrian walkway is elevated and has ramps — it’s stroller-accessible but can be narrow and busy at night; hold children’s hands and watch for cyclists.
- Wind off the East River can be strong after sunset — bring hats and gloves, and keep photo time short for little ones.
- For a calm photo spot, move slightly off the main walkway toward the Brooklyn-side approach where crowds thin and views of lower Manhattan open up.
Manhattan skyline quick viewpoint (Columbus Circle area) — Short stop
A brief Midtown stop to enjoy another perspective of the Manhattan skyline before the final drop-off — convenient if families want a warm indoor spot nearby.
Tips from local experts:
- If anyone needs a warm indoor break, the shops at Columbus Circle (Deutsche Bank Center / Time Warner Center) have restrooms and quick snack options.
- Benches and open space make this a good place for parents to reorganize strollers, diapers, and snacks before heading to Bryant Park.
- This is a short 10-minute pause — if you’d like more time to explore Columbus Circle restaurants, tell the guide so they can advise on timing for drop-off adjustments.
Drop-off at Bryant Park Winter Village — End of tour
Tour concludes with drop-off in front of Bryant Park Winter Village. Great spot to continue family fun: ice skating (free admission; skate rental for a fee), holiday kiosks, and a carousel in winter seasons.
Tips from local experts:
- Bryant Park is stroller-friendly with clear paths; family restrooms and baby-changing stations are nearby — ask the on-site info desk for exact locations.
- Ice skating is free to enter but skate rentals cost money — bring warm socks and check child-size availability early if you plan to rent skates.
- For a warm treat, visit the Winter Village kiosk for hot chocolate and kid-friendly snacks; lines can form, so split up (one adult watches kids while another queues).
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 4 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Families |
| Transfers | 2 |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 5 |
| Total Places | 5 |
| Activities Types | Neighborhood, Transfer, Attraction, Outdoor |
