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A magical Christmas in New York

New York

The Big Apple does Christmas better than anywhere else, and New Yorkers seize the opportunity to celebrate every moment of it. 

Start the silly season off by heading along to Rockefeller Centre to see the towering Christmas tree with the Swarovski Star and over 30,000 glittering lights. Marvel at the ice skaters zipping around Bryant Park, and be awestruck by the amazing decorations and store window displays along Fifth Avenue. Explore outdoor Christmas markets, making sure not to miss Macy’s Santaland, and check out FAO Schwarz, New York’s most famous toy store.

Christmas in New York is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Inspired for 2024? Now’s the time to be booking your magical Christmas in New York!

“Do as the locals do and enjoy a cocktail on a rooftop bar – 230 Fifth is as the name suggests located at 230 5th Ave. The views of the Empire State Building and out across Manhattan are incredible – and they have heaters and cosy rooftop igloos – very cool!”

Recommended by Katrina Cole , HOT Botany Junction

Katrina Cole

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Minji Park

Minji Park

House of Travel Christchurch City

Minji was born and raised in South Korea; and from an early age travel has been her biggest passion. This inspired Minji to study tourism management and become a tour guide in Japan and South East Asia. 

Minji has led tours all around Japan, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos; while also backpacking extensively throughout Europe, Australia and Canada while living in London, Vancouver and Sydney, spending at least a couple of years in each country. 

"I am so passionate about sharing my local knowledge and amazing travel experiences with people. Being a travel agent is the perfect job for me." 

Years in the industry: 14
No. of countries visited: 30+
Favourite place to visit: Japan
Next place on the list to visit: Safari in Africa

"Investment in travel is an investment in yourself" - Matthew Karsten


Why I love travel 

I love meeting new people, discovering new cultures, tasting new food and beers and having new experiences. Travel is the best way to tick all the boxes and be inspired. 

It is exciting and rewarding to help make my clients' holiday easier with better value and making it more memorable with my travel knowledge and organisation skills. I just love talking about travel, and hearing about their holiday when they return home is the best part of my job. It is very rewarding to hear what a great time they had. I am continuously learning about new travel destinations and new products and experiences so I never get bored. 


My top travel tips

  • Pack as light as you can (except for cruises). Heavy luggage can be tedious to manage and exhausting just getting on/off trains. 
  • Try to pre-book and pay in NZ dollars. If you pay locally, you will need to pay in local currency and the banks will apply their exchange rates plus international transaction fees. 
  • Don't assume flights and accommodation will have availability later. It is the best to book now!


My top destinations

  •  Japan – Japan is the country that I have travelled through the most and I can never tire of it.  Japan offers so much, from old historic shrines and temples to the most modern architecture and latest technology, fascinating culture, beautiful nature areas and incredible food. It is also a very safe and easy place to travel so I recommend it for all types of travellers.
  • Spain - I love the Andalusia region in particular, including Granada and Ronda. You feel like you are walking back in time, or perhaps through a movie set with the many sublime landscapes, spectacular vistas and famous historic sites. A warm evening drinking sangria with some delicious tapas over a view of Alhambra is a personal favourite. 
  • Vietnam - you can have an amazing experience within a very affordable budget. In one day, you will see more motorbikes than you have seen in your entire life. Interesting French Colonial architecture and indigenous castles and villages, beautiful beaches and rice paddies, the little art and culinary boutique town of Hoi An, unique and delicious food, UNESCO Heritage site Ha Long Bay and much more. 
  • Galapagos - If you are into wildlife, this is one of the ultimate places in the world to visit. I still say Galapagos was the best travel experience in my life. The everyday encounters with unique species of sea lions, turtles, tortoises, all different types of birds, penguins, sharks, rays, marine iguana are unforgettable. The best part for me was diving amongst schools of hammerhead sharks and eagle rays inside the crater of a submerged volcano.


What's in my suitcase

  • Foldable backpack - It is the best thing ever. I always put one in my bag, and it is perfect for a casual day out exploring.
  • Travel organiser bags - I have one for clothes, one for underwear/socks and one for toiletries. It will make your pack/unpack so much easier. 
  • Compact rain jacket and small collapsible umbrella - You will always have some rain during your holiday but unless you are expecting lots of it, you don't want these items to take too much space in your travel bag. 

Minji

Tanya Aitken

Tanya Aitken

House of Travel Papamoa

Travel fuels my soul, the experiences, the opportunities, the culture, the adventures, I have been lucky enough to have a career that is a labour of love. Planning holidays with a high degree of skill, attention and knowledge has become my trade mark.

I absolutely adore planning epic family trips, luxurious holidays alongside organizing a lot of corporate travel business as well. I also travel a lot, as often as I can so I have up to date first hand experience in so many areas. This has given me the skill and experience to share with my clients and ensure they also come away with travel experiences second to none. I work with a large referral business and I do require appointments to fully assess what is going to be right for you and start planning your holiday. 

Tanya

Megan Loughridge

Megan Loughridge

House of Travel High Street Lanes, Christchurch CBD

With over 20 countries visited and four group tours under my belt, I understand just how impactful a well-planned journey can be. Each trip has given me new insights—not only into different cultures and places—but also into what truly makes a travel experience memorable.

I genuinely enjoy the planning process: mapping out itineraries, uncovering hidden gems, and making sure every detail is just right. It’s this same thoughtfulness and enthusiasm I bring to every trip I help design. Whether it’s a relaxed escape, a cultural deep dive, or an adventure-filled group tour, my goal is to create travel experiences that are exciting, seamless, and tailored to you.

When I’m not travelling, you’ll usually find me being a proud (and slightly crazy) dog lady—spending time with my three dogs and competing in dog agility. My love of animals flows into my travel values too, and I’m a big believer in travelling ethically and responsibly, with care and respect for local communities, cultures, and wildlife.


Megan

Janine Taylor

Janine Taylor

House of Travel New Plymouth

I have a passion for travel and have visited a range countries.

I would love to share my experiences with you and help you plan your trip of a lifetime.

Janine

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A magical Christmas in New York