Christmas in New York for International Visitors:From JFK to Your Hotel
Millions of visitors fly into New York for the holidays. Here is what to expect when you land, how to get to your hotel, and how to plan the most famous Christmas in the world.
- 01Before you flyCheck your entry rules early. Travellers from visa waiver countries normally need an approved ESTA before boarding, and others need a visa.
- 02Landing at JFKAfter landing you pass immigration and customs, then collect your bags. In the holiday rush this can take an hour or more.
- 03Meeting your chauffeurWith meet and greet, your chauffeur waits in the arrivals hall with a name sign and helps with your luggage.
Before you fly
Check your entry rules early. Travellers from visa waiver countries normally need an approved ESTA before boarding, and others need a visa. Book hotels and flights early: the weeks around Christmas and New Year are among the busiest of the year at New York airports.
Landing at JFK
After landing you pass immigration and customs, then collect your bags. In the holiday rush this can take an hour or more. Booking a car in advance means you do not have to queue for a taxi after a long flight. Your chauffeur tracks your flight and adjusts for delays.
Meeting your chauffeur
With meet and greet, your chauffeur waits in the arrivals hall with a name sign and helps with your luggage. Share your flight number when you book and keep your phone on after landing. See our guide to what to expect at an airport chauffeur pickup.
JFK to Manhattan
The drive from JFK to Midtown usually takes 45 to 75 minutes, and longer in evening traffic. Large families and groups with ski bags or lots of luggage should book an SUV or a Sprinter. Our base in Valley Stream is right next to JFK, so we cover arrivals around the clock. See our JFK car service and JFK vs LaGuardia vs Newark guide.
The 2026 holiday calendar
Bryant Park Winter Village opens October 28. The Radio City Christmas Spectacular runs from November 4, 2026 to January 4, 2027. The 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is on November 26, and the Rockefeller Center tree is lit on December 2. New Year’s Eve in Times Square is the grand finale.
Getting around during your stay
The subway is fast but crowded in December, and taxis are hard to find in the rain or after shows. A private car by the hour is a comfortable way to see the lights, go shopping on Fifth Avenue or visit Dyker Heights in Brooklyn. See our Christmas lights tour and NYC tours.
Good to know
Tipping 15 to 20 percent is customary in New York restaurants. December days are cold, often near freezing, so pack warm layers. Most shops and restaurants close or have short hours on Christmas Day, so book dinner early.
Staying in Midtown? Our guide to NYC congestion pricing for car service riders explains the Manhattan toll zone.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take from JFK to Manhattan?
Usually 45 to 75 minutes, and longer in rush hour or bad weather.
Will the chauffeur wait if my flight is late?
Yes. We track your flight and adjust the pickup time.
Can you pick up from Newark or LaGuardia too?
Yes. We cover JFK, LaGuardia, Newark and private airports such as Teterboro.
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