Lights, Liberty and the Magic of Midtown: New York Winter Wonderland
You asked for a short but spectacular US escape over the festive period, with Broadway, the Statue of Liberty and the electric buzz of Times Square firmly on the agenda. With three nights in hand and all your interests pointing squarely at New York City, we have kept this itinerary beautifully focused: one iconic base, zero wasted travel time, and every day packed with the kind of experiences that make Manhattan at the turn of the year genuinely unforgettable. Your combined budget of £3,000 for two gives us plenty to work with for a mid-range stay with a few well-chosen splurges.
ESTA required: UK citizens must apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation before departure. Apply at least 72 hours in advance at esta.cbp.dhs.gov. Cost is approximately £17 per person.
New Year's Eve in Times Square: if you plan to watch the ball drop on 31 Dec, note that your return is 30 Dec so this does not apply, but Times Square will still be extremely busy on the evenings of 27-29 Dec. Keep valuables secure and allow extra time for any journeys through Midtown.
Travel insurance: the USA has no reciprocal healthcare agreement with the UK. Comprehensive travel insurance including medical cover is strongly recommended.
+New York City, Manhattan
4 days
Cost summary
Total flights£1788
Total accommodation£864
Total suggested activities£395.17
Total transfers£94.42
Overall total£3141.59
Total per person£1570.80
Similar packages from other operators
- • Love Holidays - Check flight providers Link here
- • Virgin Atlantic Holidays: New York festive short breaks departing from multiple UK airports Link here
- • Lastminute.com breaks Link here
Good to know before you go
- • The subway is your best friend in Manhattan: a 7-day unlimited MetroCard costs around £30 per person and covers every journey you are likely to make during the trip. Tap-to-pay with a contactless UK card also now works on the subway if you prefer.
- • Book Broadway shows as early as possible, especially for the period between Christmas and New Year. This is one of the busiest stretches of the theatre calendar and popular shows sell out fast. The TKTS booth is a good backup for last-minute deals but selection is unpredictable. A Broadway show does not fit into your current budget.
- • The Statue of Liberty ferry tickets, especially pedestal access, must be booked well in advance through the official Statue Cruises website. This is not an activity to leave to the day.
- • Tipping culture in New York is important to budget for: restaurants expect 18-22% on top of the bill, bars around £1 per drink, and hotel housekeeping around £2-3 per night. Factor this into your daily spending money.
- • Late December in New York is cold, typically 1-7 degrees Celsius, with a real chance of wind chill making it feel colder. Pack proper winter layers, a warm waterproof coat, and comfortable walking shoes with grip for any icy pavements.
- • Depending on what you want to do, you might be better off buying a city pass for your attractions Link here
Quick reference: all links
Flights
Outbound: £1788 for 2 adults, subject to change
Return: Inc. in outbound flight
New York City, Manhattan: Accommodation
New York City, Manhattan: Excursions
Taxi from airport: £60
Subway costs: $10pp
Subway cost to Greenwich return: $5pp