Christmas in New York: Santas Rickshaw Sleigh Ride

If you’re dreaming of seeing New York City sparkle during the holiday season, the Santa’s Rickshaw Sleigh Ride might just be a charming way to do it. While I haven’t taken this exact tour myself, I’ve looked into what it offers, and it seems perfect for anyone wanting a cozy, festive experience without the hassle of crowded streets or standing in lines.

What immediately caught my eye is how this tour combines the sights of famous landmarks like Rockefeller Center and Fifth Avenue with a unique, holiday-themed ride. Plus, with cheerful guides sharing stories and fun facts, it feels like a true local’s take on Christmas magic. The warm blankets and festive decor on the rickshaw promise a cozy atmosphere, even in the chilly winter air.

One thing to consider is that the tour operates in all weather conditions, so dressing warmly is a must, especially since it’s mostly outdoors. Also, if you’re hoping for a sit-down sightseeing experience or want to include activities like ice skating or a carriage ride, you’ll need to plan those separately, as they aren’t included.

This experience is ideal if you’re after a lighthearted, festive adventure that’s perfect for couples, friends, or even a small family group who want to soak in NYC’s holiday spirit without the hassle of navigating it all on foot. If you love holiday lights, iconic scenery, and a touch of Santa magic, this could be right up your alley.

Key Points

• Festive Pedicab Experience: A cozy, decorated Santa sleigh-themed rickshaw that makes for fun photos.
• Iconic Landmarks: See Rockefeller Center, Fifth Avenue, Bryant Park, and more.
• Guided Tour with Stories: Your guide shares holiday trivia and insider tales.
• Holiday Lights and Decorations: Enjoy stunning displays, from window dressings to Rockefeller’s giant tree.
• Comfort and Convenience: Warm blankets and sheltered rides help you stay cozy outside.
• Optional Add-Ons: Horse-drawn carriage and ice skating are not included but available separately.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Santa’s Rickshaw Sleigh Ride

When you think of New York City during Christmas, the image of twinkling lights, decorated storefronts, and the towering Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree naturally comes to mind. This tour taps into that festive magic in a fresh way—by taking you on an outdoor, guided rickshaw ride through Midtown Manhattan. It’s a great alternative to walking tours or bus rides, offering a more intimate and relaxed way to see the sights.

Starting Point and Duration

The tour kicks off in Times Square, right at the heart of the city’s bright lights and digital billboards. From there, your guide, riding in a decorated rickshaw designed to resemble Santa’s sleigh, pedals you through the bustling streets for about two hours. It’s a reasonably paced tour, allowing plenty of time to enjoy each landmark and snap some pictures. The ride usually takes place in the afternoon, evening, or at night, which means you’ll get different lighting and ambiance depending on when you join.

The Ride and What You’ll See

The charm of this tour lies in the combination of the scenery and the storytelling. As you glide past the glowing Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, you get to see the skating rink and festive decorations up close—perfect for holiday photos. The guide’s commentary adds context, sharing fun facts and holiday trivia that make the experience more engaging.

Next, you’ll cruise along Fifth Avenue, famous for its elaborate holiday window displays. Here, the spectacle at Saks Fifth Avenue’s light show and the beautiful, twinkling storefronts of Tiffany & Co., Cartier, and Bergdorf Goodman create a visual feast. The guide will point out these displays and share interesting tidbits, making it more than just a sightseeing trip.

You’ll also stop at Bryant Park Winter Village, where the Christmas tree, holiday market, and ice rink create a cozy winter scene. While skating isn’t part of the tour, you’ll get a chance to admire the scene and take photos. The stop here is a highlight for many, as it captures the quintessential winter vibe.

Rockefeller Center and Other Must-Sees

The rockstar moment of the ride is getting close to the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, which towers above the skating rink and is lit with over 50,000 lights. This spot is especially popular among visitors, and your guide will ensure you have plenty of time to take photos of this iconic symbol of Christmas in NYC.

Throughout the ride, cheerful music and lively commentary make the experience fun and festive. It’s designed to bring the holiday spirit alive in a relaxed, outdoor setting, which many reviews praise as a refreshing way to see the city’s lights without feeling rushed.

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Additional Stops and Optional Activities

One bonus aspect is the stop at the Plaza Hotel to see its holiday decorations—an elegant, festive scene that’s perfect for photos. If you’re interested, there’s an option to add a horse-drawn carriage ride through Central Park. This isn’t included in the base price but can be a romantic addition if you want to extend your holiday outing.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour price of $160 per person covers the guided rickshaw ride with a driver/guide, who’ll share fun facts and stories along the way. Warm blankets are provided, which are a thoughtful touch for comfort outside in the winter air. You’ll also enjoy priority access through a separate entrance, avoiding long lines at main tourist spots.

Extras like the Central Park carriage ride, ice skating at Wollman Rink, and food or drinks are not included. These can be added on separately, but it’s good to note that they’ll increase your overall expenses.

The Experience Quality and Value

Rated 4.6 out of 5, this tour has garnered positive feedback for its stunning views and festive atmosphere. Reviewers mention that the guides are friendly and engaging, making the two hours feel lively and personalized. Some have pointed out that the ride can be chilly, so dressing warmly is essential, especially since the outdoor elements are unavoidable in winter.

Many guests appreciate how the lighting displays and city views are even more striking at night, and the cheerful music and commentary add to the holiday ambiance. The opportunity to capture photos at Rockefeller and Bryant Park makes it a favorite for those keen on holiday-themed pictures.

Given the price point of $160, the experience offers good value if you’re looking for an intimate, guided tour that combines sightseeing with holiday cheer. It’s a different way to see Midtown Manhattan’s Christmas sights without the crowds or stress of navigating on your own.

Practical Tips for Your Ride

• Dress warmly: Layers, hats, gloves, and scarves are a must.
• Comfortable shoes: You’ll be sitting in a moving vehicle but walking between stops or waiting in lines might be part of your day.
• Bring a camera: This tour offers plenty of photo opportunities.
• Arrive on time: Punctuality ensures you get the most out of the tour.
• Optional activities: If you want to include a horse-drawn carriage or ice skating, plan to do so outside of this tour, as they are not included.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience works well for couples, small groups of friends, or families with older children who enjoy the outdoors and festive sights. It’s especially suitable if you prefer a relaxed, guided approach rather than navigating busy streets on your own.

However, if you’re looking for a full day of indoor activities or want a more structured visit to specific attractions, you might want to consider other options or add on activities separately.

The Sum Up

The Santa’s Rickshaw Sleigh Ride is a cheerful, relaxed way to soak in New York’s holiday glow. It’s a fun alternative to walking tours or bus rides, offering a cozy, outdoor perspective on the city’s most famous Christmas landmarks. The guided commentary, beautiful lights, and iconic sights make it a memorable outing, especially if you’re visiting during peak winter nights.

For those who want to experience NYC’s festive spirit in a friendly, informal setting, this tour delivers a lot of holiday cheer in just two hours. The combination of stunning views, cheerful guides, and a real sense of holiday wonder makes it a solid choice for couples, friends, or small families wanting something special during the Christmas season.

If you’re after a laid-back, photo-friendly, and immersive holiday experience, this rickshaw ride might become one of your favorite memories of New York Christmas.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour is generally family-friendly, especially for older children who can enjoy riding comfortably in the rickshaw. However, it’s best to check if your kids are comfortable outdoors in winter weather, as the ride is outside and can be chilly.

How long is the tour?
It lasts about two hours, giving enough time to see major sights without feeling rushed.

Do I need to bring anything?
Yes, bring warm clothing, comfortable shoes, and a camera for capturing the colorful lights and landmarks.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.

Is it possible to add extra activities?
Optional extras like a horse-drawn carriage ride or ice skating are available but are not included in the base price.

What’s included in the price?
You get the guided rickshaw tour, a driver/guide, warm blankets, and a personalized experience with fun facts and stories.

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

What’s the best time to do this tour?
Evening or night gives the most spectacular light displays, but availability spans afternoon to night.

Are the sights crowded?
While popular spots like Rockefeller Center and Fifth Avenue can be busy, the guided nature and separate entrance help keep the experience enjoyable.

If you’re visiting New York during the holiday season and love festive lights and iconic sights, this Santa’s Rickshaw Sleigh Ride offers a playful, memorable way to celebrate. Just remember to bundle up and bring your holiday spirit!

You can check availability for your dates here: