Keep the holiday spirit alive with this after-Christmas getaway to New York City! We’ll make meal stops along the way before arriving in Elkton, Maryland, for an overnight stay. Settle in and relax—tomorrow we step into the holiday festivities of New York City.

After breakfast we continue into Manhattan, where the magic of the season comes alive. Our first stop is Little Italy, a neighborhood filled with old-world charm and the aromas of fresh pasta and warm bread. Enjoy an authentic Italian lunch while soaking up the cheerful holiday decorations that line the narrow streets. Next we visit the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, a moving tribute to the lives lost and the courage shown on September 11, 2001. Reflect beside the serene twin reflecting pools and explore the powerful exhibits that tell the story of that day and its lasting impact. We walk and step inside The Oculus, the soaring, wing-shaped transportation hub and shopping center that symbolizes New York’s resilience and rebirth. We arrive at the celebrated Chelsea Market, where food halls brim with artisan treats, international flavors, and unique holiday finds—perfect for a casual dinner on your own. Our day continues as we settle into our seats at the world-famous Radio City Music Hall for the Christmas Spectacular, where the legendary Rockettes bring high-kicking precision and heartwarming holiday magic to the stage. We make sure to see the dazzling Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, glowing with thousands of sparkling lights and standing tall above the skating rink, before traveling to our New Jersey hotel, for a two night stay. (L)

We begin our day with a guided tour of New York City revealing the best of Manhattan, from the iconic skyline to storied neighborhoods. See landmarks like Central Park, Times Square, and the Financial District while our local guide shares history, architecture, and holiday traditions. After lunch, we head to Bryant Park’s Winter Village, a European-style market sparkling with holiday lights. Browse artisan stalls, sip hot chocolate, and watch skaters glide across the rink. This evening we gather for an included dinner at John’s Pizzeria on Times Square. On our evening drive, we admire the whimsical Macy’s Christmas window displays, a beloved tradition for generations. Lastly we drive through Dyker Heights in Brooklyn, where residents transform their homes into breathtaking showcases of holiday lights and decorations. (D)

Our final morning in the city features a leisurely walking tour with your tour director of Midtown Manhattan, highlighting the best of New York’s at Christmas. Marvel at the towering Rockefeller Center tree one more time, the glittering Saks Fifth Avenue windows, and the grandeur of St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Pass the elegant Plaza Hotel and take in the peaceful southern edge of Central Park, where horse-drawn carriages and snow-dusted trees capture classic New York charm. We end our walk at the magnificent Grand Central Terminal, with its celestial ceiling mural and bustling food concourse — an ideal spot for an included farewell lunch. We bid New York City farewell and travel south to Elkton, Maryland, for our final overnight stay. (L)

We depart for home with lasting memories, arriving with hearts full of festive memories and the sparkle of New York’s holiday season.