PHOTO: Rockefeller Center's Christmas display (courtesy of New York City Vacation Packages)
No one does the holiday season like New York City. The brilliant lighting displays around the city give new meaning to window shopping.
This year, if you're trying to plan that Big Apple experience, we have the perfect insider information for you.
New York City Vacation Packages, the only major independent tour company to exclusively service New York City travel, is once again offering some fantastic deals in the Big Apple during the holiday season this year.
NYCVP ensures that clients experience all the wonder and magic that the great city has to offer, whether they are sipping martinis 20 stories up during the famous Ball Drop or leisurely strolling around during the company's walking tour.
Joel Cohen, vice president of New York City Vacation Packages, took time out from his busy season to share a few of his favorite packages with TravelPulse readers.
Let's take a look at some great offerings that travel agents can offer you through the company.
*All hotel-inclusive vacation packages come with free bonuses, including admission to top local attractions, 24-hour emergency travel assistance and a $25 discount for the client's next NYCVP vacation
The Insider's Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting Party (Dec. 4)
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony has been an embraced tradition in New York City for over 80 years, becoming a symbol of the city's holiday season in itself.
NYCVP offers agents quite the package for their clients. How about being a guest at an exclusive cocktail party at Brasserie Ruhlman in the Rockefeller Plaza while the tree is lit? Or, you know, you can hang out at the private patio.
The offer comes complete with a professional photographer to take your picture at the tree.
And you never know what magical things can happen. Cohen talked warmly about how a man proposed to his girlfriend in front of the tree last year. In fact, the photographer was part of the act, momentarily distracting the bride-to-be so that the young man could kneel down with the ring.
New Year's Eve Times Square Ball Drop Party
You could hear the excitement in Cohen's voice as he talked about the energy that surrounded the ball drop in Times Square on New Year's Eve.
"There's literally a million people; that's not an exaggeration," Cohen said. "For hours and hours people stand and watch for the ball to drop."
He also joked, "You know why people are so excited when the ball finally drops? Because then they can go to the bathroom."
Well, those who party with NYCVP on New Year's Eve won't have that problem.
NYCVP guests will be towering over everyone, 22 or 23 stories up from 7th and Broadway at the Convene Conference Center.
The exclusive party includes hors d'oeuvres, buffet stations, dessert stations, an open bar (ding ding), DJ music, a magician, a souvenir photo booth, flat screen TVs and, yes, nearby restrooms.
The vacation package includes a two-night stay at the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel, free admission to several prime NYC attractions and shopping discounts. Optional additions include Broadway tickets and sightseeing.
Holiday Lights Motorcoach Sightseeing Tour
Cohen talked fondly of the sights in New York City during the holiday season.
"It's just a wonderful time to be out," he said. "It's really special. The department store windows are all beautiful."
But getting to it all in the four square miles can be tough on foot, especially with the crowds.
Why not hop aboard NYCVP's climate-controlled motorcoach and enjoy a narrated tour of the history and traditions of NYC's holiday season, all the while stopping at the top attractions and window displays in the city?
The Sightseeing Tour runs from Nov. 28 to Dec. 30 from Wednesday through Saturday, as well as on Dec. 25.
Christmas Holiday Walking Tour
OK, so let's say you don't care about the crowds.
Maybe you want to get lost in the experience like a hardened traveler.
Well, if you want a walking tour, NYCVP has just the thing.
Well-known Christmas historian Sibyl McCormac Groff explains the concept of "Gothamtide" during this 75-minute tour, speaking on the time-honored holiday traditions and sites prevalent in the Big Apple.
Plus, you get to "people watch," which Cohen noted is one of his favorite things to do during the holiday season.
Christmas in New York City
If you want the walking tour, plus a whole lot more, check out the "Christmas in New York City" package.
Not only do clients receive the walking tour, they also get to join Santa Claus for breakfast in Times Square.
Optional tours such as the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree or the Christmas Eve Dinner Cruise are also available. NYCVP will even hook you up with tickets to the Radio City Christmas Spectacular.
The Dinner Cruise is a three-hour breeze aboard the Infinity that shows clients the epic NYC skyline on the water, then gets thing rolling with DJ entertainment later at night.
Independent Fam Trips (for Travel Agents)
From Jan. 2 to Feb. 27, 2014, if agents book a day departure for at least two nights, they get to stay at The Milford Hotel, receive free public transportation and get a complimentary WTC Memorial Tour.
They also receive discounts on other tours, museums, shopping and restaurants. They can even get a bargain at Ripley's Believe It or Not! Times Square.
Room rates at The Milford are about $166 per night double occupancy.
This gives agents a chance to explore the city for themselves so they can be extra knowledgable for their clients.
Yep, clients won't have to search for the "spirit of the city" with New York City Vacation Packages, as Cohen put it.
The spirit of the city will come to them.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
