Silver Bells, Silver Bells, It’s Christmas Time in New York City!

featuring Merry Markets, Dazzling Rockettes and the Lights of the Heights

Thursday, December 3 – Sunday, December 6, 2020

4 Days / 3 Nights

‘Twas early December in New York City,And the elves were all scampering to make it look pretty

From tinsel and glitter to the tallest Yule trees,To brightly strung lights that danced in the breeze

When what to their wondering eyes did appear?But a big metal sleigh without a single reindeer!

“There are two bright lights and word that reads B-U-S,And the people inside are all grinning at us”

For these friendly folks had come to see the city’s best holiday sights:The Rockettes, the markets, and the lights of the Heights

From a Brooklyn bakery to Fifth Avenue frock,To a world famous choir and the Grand Central clock

“How merry they’ll be, these elves from away,while delights of the city tempt them to stay!”

With a warm cup of cocoa and a Big Apple bite,Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night

Day One, Thursday, December 3:

Arrive in New York City by 2:00 pm and meet your local guide who will welcome your merry band of elves to the Big Apple. Together you’ll explore one of Manhattan’s premiere Christmas Markets—the

Bryant Park Winter Village! Located in the heart of Midtown, Bryant Park’s Winter Village is the city’s answer to the picture-perfect Old World Christmas Markets of Europe, but with a chic New York spin. Featuring delicious eats and exquisite gifts, this open-air market features local and international artisanshousing their offerings and wares in custom-designed, “jewel box” kiosks. Warm up with a hot beverage and make your way through the market as you begin to check everyone off your list.

Next, board your coach and transfer to your full-service New York City hotel where you will check in about 4:00 pm. There will be time to refresh before dinner.

Dinner is served at a retro 1950s diner. Entertainment abounds as the talented singing waitstaff of Broadway hopefuls delivers your meal while belting out holiday favorites and popular hits from the Great White Way. Singing along is encouraged and you can’t help but join in the fun! Make sure to notice the retro-themed memorabilia such as photos of many past “Miss Subways,” an indoor train, a 1956 Predicta television and a “drive-in theater” screen that showcases performances from the 1950s.

After dinner, return to the hotel. With “kerchief and cap,” settle in for a long winter’s nap before tomorrow’s exciting day, or the merriest of elves may enjoy a nightcap in the lounge. As this is the “City That Never Sleeps,” you may also choose to explore the nearby sites and shops independently.

Day Two, Friday, December 4:

Wake up to a hearty breakfast at the hotel, then board your coach and travel to Herald Square for your very own “Miracle on 34th Street” at Macy’s flagship department store! Meet a Macy’s guide and embark on a fascinating Historic Store Tour. Learn about the magic of Macy’s and how Rowland Hussey Macy turned his 1858 dry goods shop into the landmark store it is today—one of the largest in the world. Of course, there will be time to visit the annual Santaland installation and shop after your tour. Have lunch on your own at one of the store’s eateries. Try Au Bon Pain, Chef Street, the Herald Square Café and others.

Following your Macy’s morning, board the coach and travel the short distance to Radio City Music Hall where you’ll take your seats for a matinee performance of the “Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes.” Between the classic dance numbers (“Parade of the Wooden Soldiers,” anyone?) and ice skaters swirling across the stage to Santa spreading Christmas cheer, it’s the best of the season in one spectacular experience. This annual tradition is full of rich history and has been beloved worldwide for generations—after all, it’s been more than 85 years since the show’s inception.

After the show, meet your local guide outside Radio City Music Hall and embark on a walking tour of the neighboring Rockefeller Center complex. Your knowledgable guide will explain the fascinating history of John D. Rockefeller’s original vision for the site and the allegorical Art Deco reliefs and embellishments that adorn the buildings. Of course you’ll also get up close and personal with the most famous Christmas tree in the world and the famous statue of Prometheus that stands at the foot of the Rockefeller Center ice skating rink.

Just across the street from Rockefeller Center stands St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Built of brick clad in marble, this Neo-Gothic cathedral is a New York landmark for good reason—it takes up a whole city block and can accommodate 3,000 people! Pop in for a quiet moment of reflection and take in this awe-inspiring, sacred setting before reconvening on the massive stone staircase for a memorable group photo.

Board your coach and travel to nearby Grand Central Station, a masterpiece of Beaux-Art style architecture. From the instantly recognizable gold and opal-faced clock to the glorious zodiac mural that covers the ceiling of the Main Hall, your guide will show you the many examples of how the Vanderbilt family spared no expense in making Grand Central the most beautiful transportation hub in the world! After your introductory tour, there will be time to explore the Grand Central Terminal Holiday Fair, one of the finest and longest-running indoor holiday fairs in New York City. The vendors’crafts focus on American-made and handmade products, with locally-sourced materials or a socially-conscious business model.

From Grand Central, it’s just a short walk to tonight’s dinner destination—a traditional German bierhaus bedecked in holiday flair! Dine on German fare, including warm Bavarian Soft Pretzels and rich Black Forest Cake, and raise a toast with an included Glass of Hofbrau Beer or Wine of your choosing.

After dinner, board your coach and travel to the Morgan Library and Museum, your final visit of the day. Dating back to 1906, this lavishly outfitted institution was once the private library of American financier, John Pierpont Morgan and has long been hailed as a masterpiece of American interior design.Each holiday season, the Morgan proudly displays one of the highlights of its collection—Charles Dickens's original handwritten manuscript of A Christmas Carol from 1843. This heavily revised sixty-six-page draft—the only manuscript of the story—was sent to the printer in order for the book to be published just in time for Christmas and then bound in beautiful red leather upon its return to Dickens after it had been typeset for mass publication. You will also have time to browse the wonderful offerings of the award-winning Morgan gift shop during your visit before you say goodbye to your guide and return to the hotel for the evening.

Day Three, Saturday, December 5:

Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel, then board your coach and travel uptown for this morning’s guided tour of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine. With a length of two football fields, this epic, Gothic Revival Cathedral holds the distinction of being the world’s largest. Yet despite construction beginning in 1892, it remains unfinished even to this day! In a structure of this magnitude, there is more than meets the eye and your knowledgeable Cathedral docent will illuminate you with fascinatinghistory and secrets! At the end of your tour, you will have time to peruse the annual “Crafts at the Cathedral” show. Harkening back to the medieval artisan guild markets which took place in cathedrals, the event offers visitors a chance to find handmade treasures in an utterly unique setting as the sunlight dances through the colorful stained glass windows.

Board the coach and travel to the New York Botanical Garden for a visit to its beloved annual Holiday Train Show! You’ll no doubt feel like a kid again as you marvel at enchanting model trains, ferries and trolleys zipping through a display of more than 175 New York landmarks, each painstakingly re-createdfrom natural flora. Another highlight of the Garden is the Haupt Conservatory, a Victorian wrought ironand glass masterpiece inspired by London’s Crystal Palace. During your visit, have lunch on your own at one of the on-site eateries and browse the lovely garden shop for a dazzling cornucopia of green thumb gifts.

Next, meet your local guide at the largest art museum in the United States—the Metropolitan Museum of Art. From Impressionist masterworks to a fully reconstructed Ancient Egyptian temple, there is truly something for everyone at The Met! Of course no holiday visit to the Met would be complete without

paying a visit to its 20-foot blue spruce Christmas tree which looms over a vivid eighteenth-century Neapolitan Nativity scene with an abundant array of lifelike figures. Depart the museum, board your coach and embark on a windshield tour of Manhattan as you make your way to Brooklyn for the evening. Along the way, your guide will point out the many landmarks and distinct neighborhoods and the decadent holiday window displays of the fine department stores along Fifth Avenue which include Bergdorf Goodman, Saks and Tiffany’s. These exquisite holiday windows are an attraction unto themselves and must be seen to be believed! To sweeten the ride, your guide will offer a sampling of international holiday cookies.

For tonight’s dinner, enjoy a taste of Brooklyn history served at a renowned restaurant and bakery that is famous for its decadent desserts. After you finish a heaping slice of their signature cheesecake, boardthe coach and travel to Brooklyn’s Dyker Heights neighborhood for a windshield and walking tour of New York’s most famous display of Christmas lights. Using a “more is more” approach to seasonal decorating, the residents of Dyker Heights enjoy a bit of neighborly competition each year and vie for the brightest house on the block. The results are truly over the top and these dazzling displays have rightfully put Dyker Heights on the map as a “must-see destination” during the holiday season. Although this is a nighttime visit, you may just want to bring your sunglasses!

Along the drive back to your Manhattan hotel, you will be treated to a warm cup of Hot Chocolate and a classic New York Black-and-White Cookie. Say goodnight to your guide upon arrival at the hotel.

Day Four, Sunday, December 6:

After breakfast, check out of your rooms. Your local guide will meet you in the hotel lobby and join you as you travel on your coach to Downtown Brooklyn for a performance by the beloved Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. Located in a beautifully restored former vaudeville theater, the Brooklyn Tabernacle is a multicultural, non-denominational church whose sanctuary seats over 3,000 visitors. The inspiring 270-voice Brooklyn Tabernacle choir has won six Grammy awards and has performed in prestigious venues including Carnegie Hall, Radio City Music Hall, Central Park and the 2012 Presidential Inauguration.

At the conclusion of this morning’s musical service, say goodbye to your local guide. Board the coach and begin your travels home. Along the way, every traveler will receive a souvenir gift to remember their time in New York City!

Your Package Includes:

3 Nights accommodations 3 Breakfasts 3 Dinners Hot Chocolate and Cookie Snack Visit to the Bryant Park Winter Village Holiday Market Guided Historic Tour at Macy’s Herald Square Time for shopping at Macy’s Ticket to the Radio City Christmas Spectacular Guided walking tour of Rockefeller Center Visit to St. Patrick’s Cathedral

Guided walking tour of Grand Central Station Time to browse the Grand Central Holiday Market Visit to the Morgan Library to view Dickens's original Christmas Carol manuscript Guided tour of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine Admission to the “Crafts at the Cathedral” show at St. John the Divine Admission to the New York Botanical Garden and Holiday Train Show Admission to the Metropolitan Museum of Art Guided windshield tour of New York City with international holiday cookie sampling Guided windshield and walking tour of the Dyker Heights holiday lights Sunday morning musical service at the Brooklyn Tabernacle Services of a local guide as noted in the itinerary Souvenir gift Baggage handling for one piece of luggage per traveler Accommodations in New Jersey and breakfast each morning for the coach driver Taxes and gratuities (NOTE: Gratuities for the coach driver and local guide are not included and

are at your discretion based on service)

Pricing Information:

Call for custom pricing.

824 West Lakeshore Drive, Suite 3, Colchester, VT 05446 802-881-0661Copyright2019NotchAboveTours, Inc.