New York City 18-Day Trip Itinerary

Arrive in NYC

Arrive at JFK (or Newark/LaGuardia) Airport, clear customs, and take a taxi or pre-booked transfer to your hotel in Manhattan.

Allow ample time for transit.

Hotel Check-in

Check into your hotel and settle in after your long flight from Brisbane.

Explore Times Square

Experience the dazzling lights and vibrant energy of Times Square.

A classic first impression of New York City.

Be prepared for crowds, especially during the holiday season. Enjoy the street performers and massive billboards.

Dinner in Midtown

Enjoy a casual dinner in the bustling Midtown area, close to Times Square.

Options range from classic American diners to international cuisine.

9/11 Memorial & Museum

Visit The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum to pay respects and learn about the events of September 11, 2001.

Book tickets in advance. This is a very moving experience. Allow enough time for reflection.

One World Trade Center

Admire the impressive architecture of One World Trade Center, the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, from the ground level.

Consider going up to the One World Observatory for panoramic views (book separately if interested).

Lunch in Financial District

Grab lunch in the Financial District.

Many options available from quick bites to more formal settings.

Walk the Brooklyn Bridge

Walk across the iconic Brooklyn Bridge for stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and the East River.

You can walk part way and return or walk across to Brooklyn Bridge Park.

Wear comfortable shoes. The pedestrian walkway is elevated above the traffic. Best views at sunset, but also beautiful during the day.

Relax at The Battery

Enjoy a leisurely stroll or relax at The Battery, a historic park at the southern tip of Manhattan with views of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

Dinner in Tribeca

Dine in the trendy Tribeca neighborhood, known for its excellent restaurants and charming atmosphere.

Fifth Avenue Holiday Windows

Stroll along Fifth Avenue to admire the elaborate and festive holiday window displays at iconic department stores like Saks, Macy's, and Bergdorf Goodman.

Expect large crowds, but the festive atmosphere is worth it! Dress warmly.

Rockefeller Center & Christmas Tree

Visit Rockefeller Center to see the famous Christmas tree and the ice skaters.

Soak in the quintessential New York Christmas spirit.

The area is exceptionally busy on Christmas Eve. Photos by the tree are a must.

Lunch in Midtown East

Enjoy lunch near Rockefeller Center or Grand Central Terminal, offering a variety of dining options.

Central Park Winter Stroll

Take a leisurely walk through Central Park, enjoying the winter scenery.

You could visit Bethesda Terrace, Strawberry Fields, or even rent ice skates at Wollman Rink.

Wollman Rink is very popular during the holidays; check opening times and book tickets if you plan to skate.

Christmas Eve Dinner

Enjoy a special Christmas Eve dinner.

Many restaurants offer festive menus. Consider booking well in advance.

Reservations are essential for Christmas Eve. Dress up for the occasion!

Leisurely Christmas Morning

Enjoy a relaxing Christmas morning at your hotel.

Many hotels offer special Christmas breakfast or brunch options.

Take advantage of your hotel's amenities and the festive atmosphere. Streets will be quieter this morning.

Christmas Lunch Celebration

Indulge in a traditional Christmas lunch.

Many upscale restaurants and hotels offer multi-course menus for the holiday. This is a highlight of your New York Christmas!

Post-Lunch Festive Walk

Take a post-lunch walk through a festive neighborhood, perhaps Greenwich Village or a quieter part of Manhattan.

Enjoy the holiday decorations and calmer streets.

Evening Relaxation / Show

Depending on availability and your energy levels, you could catch a Christmas-themed Broadway show (some theaters are open) or simply relax at the hotel with a festive drink.

Broadway tickets for Christmas Day are highly sought after; book immediately if interested.

Metropolitan Museum of Art

Explore the vast collections of The Met, one of the world's largest and finest art museums.

Choose a few key sections to focus on.

Plan your visit by looking at the museum map beforehand to prioritize what you want to see. Consider a donation for entry. Check holiday hours.

Lunch on Upper East Side

Enjoy lunch in the elegant Upper East Side neighborhood near The Met.

Boxing Day Shopping

Take advantage of Boxing Day sales!

Head to Herald Square for Macy's or explore boutiques in SoHo/Greenwich Village.

Stores will be busy, but sales can be great. Macy's is a classic New York department store experience.

Rooftop Bar Experience

Enjoy cocktails at a rooftop bar with spectacular city views.

Options include 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar or The Skylark.

Dress code may apply. Reservations recommended for popular spots, especially on a Saturday night.

Dinner in Theatre District

Dine in the vibrant Theatre District, perfect before or after a Broadway show (if you decide to catch one).

Rockefeller Center & Top of the Rock

Visit the iconic Rockefeller Center, admire the Christmas tree (if still up, which it usually is until early January), and enjoy panoramic views of the city from the Top of the Rock observation deck.

Book Top of the Rock tickets in advance online for your preferred time slot to avoid queues. The views are especially stunning in the morning light.

St. Patrick's Cathedral

Explore the stunning Neo-Gothic architecture of St.

Patrick's Cathedral, a prominent landmark in Midtown Manhattan.

Admission is free, but donations are welcome. Dress respectfully.

Lunch in Midtown

Enjoy a casual lunch at a eatery in Midtown, offering various cuisines.

Fifth Avenue Exploration

Stroll along Fifth Avenue, renowned for its luxury boutiques and department stores.

Enjoy window shopping and soak in the festive atmosphere.

Stores like Saks Fifth Avenue often have impressive window displays, especially during the holiday season.

Bryant Park Winter Village

Visit the enchanting Winter Village at Bryant Park, featuring a free ice-skating rink, holiday shops, and festive food stalls.

Ice skate rental is available for a fee. It's a great spot for people-watching and enjoying the winter ambiance.

Broadway Show

Experience the magic of a Broadway performance.

Choose from a variety of award-winning musicals or plays.

Book tickets several months in advance for popular shows, especially during the holiday season. Consider purchasing tickets from official vendors to ensure authenticity.

Post-Show Dinner

Enjoy a late dinner near the theater district to discuss the show and unwind.

Leisurely NYC Breakfast

Enjoy a final New York City breakfast at your hotel or a local cafe.

Hotel Checkout

Check out from your New York City accommodation and prepare for your transfer.

Private Transfer to Hunter Mountain

Enjoy a comfortable private transfer from New York City directly to Hunter Mountain in the Catskills.

Hunter Mountain Accommodation Check-in

Arrive at Hunter Mountain and check into your chosen accommodation.

Settle in and unpack.

Explore Hunter Mountain Base Area

Take a relaxed stroll around the Hunter Mountain base area to get acquainted with the resort, shops, and restaurants.

Dinner at Hunter Mountain

Enjoy your first dinner at Hunter Mountain, perhaps at one of the resort's restaurants or a local eatery.

Breakfast at the Resort

Start your day with a hearty breakfast to fuel your first day of skiing.

Ski Rentals & Optional Lesson

Collect your ski or snowboard rentals.

If you're a beginner or want to brush up on skills, consider a morning lesson.

Book lessons and rentals in advance, especially during peak season. Hunter Mountain has terrain for all skill levels.

Morning Ski Session

Hit the slopes for your first ski session at Hunter Mountain.

Start on easier trails to warm up.

Lunch on the Mountain

Grab a quick and convenient lunch at one of the on-mountain lodges or cafes.

Afternoon Skiing & Exploration

Continue skiing, exploring more of Hunter Mountain's diverse terrain.

Take breaks as needed.

Apres-Ski Drinks

Enjoy a well-deserved apres-ski drink at a bar at the base of the mountain.

Resort Dinner

Have dinner at one of the resort's dining options or a nearby restaurant in Hunter.

Breakfast and Gear Up

Enjoy breakfast and get ready for another exciting day on the slopes.

Morning Skiing & Terrain Exploration

Spend the morning exploring different trails at Hunter Mountain, trying out more challenging runs if you feel ready.

Lunch Break

Refuel with lunch at a mountain lodge, taking a break from the slopes.

Afternoon Skiing & Snow Tubing

Continue skiing or try out the Hunter Mountain Snow Tubing Park for a different kind of winter fun.

This is a great alternative if your legs are tired from skiing.

Snow tubing is a popular activity, especially fun in groups. Tickets usually need to be purchased separately and in advance.

Relaxation and Downtime

Head back to your accommodation for some relaxation, perhaps a hot shower or a dip in a hot tub if available.

Dinner at a Local Eatery

Explore a local restaurant in the charming town of Hunter for dinner.

Breakfast to Fuel Your Day

Enjoy breakfast before a festive day of skiing.

New Year's Eve Morning Skiing

Enjoy a morning on the slopes, taking advantage of the fresh snow and festive atmosphere.

Many resorts have special events throughout the day.

Festive Lunch

Have lunch on the mountain, perhaps at a spot with a good view of the slopes.

Last Runs of the Year

Enjoy your final ski runs of 2026, soaking in the winter scenery.

New Year's Eve Preparations

Head back to your accommodation to get ready for the New Year's Eve celebrations.

Relax and refresh.

New Year's Eve Celebration

Ring in the New Year at Hunter Mountain!

The resort typically hosts various celebrations, including special dinners, live music, and fireworks displays at midnight.

Check Hunter Mountain's official website for their specific New Year's Eve event schedule and make reservations for dinner or any ticketed events in advance, as these sell out quickly.

Morning Skiing

Start the New Year with a refreshing morning on the slopes of Hunter Mountain.

Enjoy the fresh air and beautiful winter scenery.

Lift tickets and equipment rental can be purchased directly at the resort. New Year's Day might be busy.

Lunch at Resort

Grab a casual lunch at one of the many eateries located on Hunter Mountain.

Relax & Resort Amenities

After a morning on the slopes, enjoy some downtime.

Relax at your accommodation or explore the resort's amenities like a hot tub or sauna.

Check with your accommodation for available spa or wellness facilities.

New Year's Dinner

Enjoy a celebratory New Year's dinner at a local restaurant in Hunter village or within the resort area.

Reservations highly recommended for New Year's Day.

Morning Skiing

Hit the slopes early to enjoy the best conditions at Hunter Mountain.

Explore a variety of trails suited for your skill level.

Check the daily snow report and trail conditions.

Lunch at Resort

Refuel with lunch at one of the mountain lodges or a quick bite at the base.

Afternoon Skiing/Snowboarding

Continue to enjoy the diverse terrain of Hunter Mountain in the afternoon.

Consider trying a new area of the mountain.

Après-Ski Drinks

Wind down with some well-deserved après-ski drinks at a bar near the base of the mountain.

Dinner at Resort

Enjoy a comfortable dinner at a restaurant within the Hunter Mountain resort area.

Hunter Mountain Snow Tubing

Experience the thrill of snow tubing at Hunter Mountain, a fun activity for all ages and a great break from skiing.

Enjoy speeding down dedicated tubing lanes.

Book tubing sessions in advance, especially on weekends.

Resort Lunch

Enjoy a convenient lunch at one of the on-mountain or base lodge restaurants.

Afternoon Skiing

Return to the ski slopes for some afternoon runs.

Focus on perfecting your technique or exploring some intermediate trails.

Casual Dinner

Have a relaxed and casual dinner at a local eatery in the Hunter area.

Challenging Ski Runs

Take advantage of a potentially less crowded weekday to tackle some of Hunter Mountain's more advanced trails.

Consider a private lesson to improve technique.

Lessons can be booked through Hunter Mountain's ski school.

Lunch in Hunter Village

Head into Hunter village for lunch at a local restaurant, enjoying the charming small-town atmosphere.

Explore Hunter Village

Spend the afternoon browsing the shops in Hunter village, looking for souvenirs or local crafts.

Visit local art galleries or specialty stores.

Dinner at Local Eatery

Enjoy dinner at another one of Hunter's local restaurants, sampling different cuisines.

Last Runs on Hunter Mountain

Enjoy your final morning of skiing or snowboarding at Hunter Mountain.

Take in the views and make the most of the last moments on the slopes.

Farewell Lunch

Have a final lunch at your favorite spot on the mountain or in the base area.

Relax and Pack

Head back to your accommodation to relax, pack your belongings, and prepare for your departure from Hunter Mountain in the next segment.

Ensure all ski equipment is returned if rented.

Skiing at Hunter Mountain

Enjoy the slopes of Hunter Mountain, a premier winter destination in the Catskills with varied terrain.

Make the most of your penultimate day on the snow!

Check snow conditions and lift operating hours in advance. Ski rentals and lessons are available on-site.

Lunch at the Lodge

Grab a casual lunch at one of the on-mountain eateries or the main lodge at Hunter Mountain.

Hunter Mountain Snow Tubing

Experience the thrill of snow tubing at Hunter Mountain, a fun activity for all ages.

Sessions are typically 2-hour blocks. Book tickets in advance, especially during peak season.

Dinner in Hunter

Enjoy a relaxed dinner at a local restaurant in the Hunter area, perhaps reminiscing about your ski adventures.

Final Skiing Session

Hit the slopes for your last few runs at Hunter Mountain, soaking in the winter scenery and enjoying the fresh air.

Farewell Mountain Lunch

Enjoy a final lunch at the ski resort before winding down your mountain adventure.

Resort Leisure & Packing

Spend a relaxed afternoon at your resort, perhaps unwinding in a hot tub, enjoying the resort amenities, or simply beginning to pack for your journey back to the city.

Dinner at the Resort

Enjoy a final evening dinner within the comfort of your Hunter Mountain resort.

Breakfast & Checkout

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your Hunter Mountain accommodation before completing your checkout procedures.

Private Transfer to NYC

A comfortable private transfer will take you from Hunter Mountain back to New York City.

Journey time may vary depending on weather and traffic conditions. Your driver will drop you directly at your chosen hotel.

Hotel Check-in & Lunch

Upon arrival in New York City, check into your hotel in Chelsea.

Afterwards, find a nearby spot for a well-deserved lunch.

Afternoon Leisure & Shopping

Spend your final afternoon in New York City at your leisure.

You might opt for some last-minute souvenir shopping or simply relax at your hotel.

Farewell Dinner in NYC

Enjoy a farewell dinner in New York City, celebrating your incredible Christmas and ski adventure.