Beyond Times Square

The Ultimate Luxury Holiday Experiences In NYC

Looking to spend the holidays in New York City in 2024? We don’t blame you. There’s no better time than the end of the year. Why? Because during the holidays the Big Apple takes on a dazzling new persona!

It’s as if Santa instructed his elves to create a gift that has something for everyone, then wrapped it up and left it for each person to open and choose the experiences that make them smile the most.

And it’s never too early to start planning! Now, we realize it can be overwhelming to decide what you want to experience when you visit NYC at this particular time of year, so Beyond Times Square is here to help you "unwrap" it. Grab a cup of cocoa, sit back and relax while we introduce you to our holiday experiences guaranteed to make your holiday getaway to New York City extra festive!

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December Through New Year’s Day - NYC Holiday Tours

We have plenty of festive options during the holidays - here’s a quick overview of our most popular experiences!

Home Alone 2: Christmas in New York Private Tour: This experience lets you follow in Kevin McCallister's footsteps – minus the bumbling burglars and in a luxury vehicle along with an expert guide who’ll share fun facts about each location you visit. As a bonus, you’ll end the day with a visit to an observation deck for a view of NYC's skyline all dressed up in its holiday best.

Manhattan Holiday Lights Private Tour: Take in those festive window displays – and in some cases entire buildings all decked out, along with the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, the world’s largest Menorah and more - without having to brave the elements or deal with crowds. Instead, sit back and relax in the comfort of a luxury vehicle while your guide captivates you with tales and tidbits.

Crazy Christmas Lights of Brooklyn Private Tour: If you think Manhattan has the monopoly on holiday decorations in NYC then you haven’t been to Brooklyn! On this tour, you'll travel via luxury vehicle with a private guide to the infamous Dyker Heights neighborhood where holiday decorations on steroids is an understatement. From over-the-top light displays to extravagant inflatable characters – it’s sure to get even the grinchiest of grinches in the holiday mood!

Holiday Train Show at New York Botanical Gardens: Get the VIP treatment thanks to a Botanical Garden Escort who'll not only take you on a walking tour of the grounds, they’ll also give you a tour of the must-see-to-believe Holiday Train Show® via golf cart. (If you aren't familiar, the train show consists of a world of miniature NYC landmarks crafted from natural materials like acorns, pinecones and more!)

Festive Delights: Cocoa, Caroling Cruise & Holiday Markets: This land and sea adventure starts with a holiday-themed harbor cruise complete with cocoa, cookies and caroling and ends with a visit to several of the city’s vibrant holiday markets for your shopping pleasure.

Holiday Trifecta: This one offers three quintessential NYC holiday experiences – ice skating at Wollman Rink in Central Park, a whimsical horse-drawn carriage ride through Central Park or the spectacularly illuminated 5th Avenue plus your choice of one of our holiday lights tours.

Winter Wonderland Holiday Experience: This one includes a VIP pass to Rockefeller Plaza’s iconic rink, a private walking tour of Manhattan’s spectacular holiday lights and tickets to the Christmas Spectacular starring the legendary Rockettes at the iconic Radio City Music Hall.

NYC Christmas Magic Holiday Experience: This multi-day experience includes round-trip luxury airport transfers, accommodations at the stunning 5-star Pierre Hotel plus dinner reservations and premium seating at a Broadway show - both of your choice. It also includes some of our most popular holiday tours!

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New Year’s Eve

How about a bucket list adventure to start the new year? For New Year’s Eve 2023, we are thrilled to announce our New Year's Eve Gala Experience at M Social Hotel.*

It’s all happening seven stories above the crowds at the oh-so-stylish Beast and Butterflies restaurant. Here you'll find floor-to-ceiling windows PLUS a wrap-around terrace, guaranteeing all guests ball-drop views. In addition to the panoramic views of Times Square and that iconic ball, this upscale celebration also features passed hors d'oeuvres, chef-curated picks, premium open bar including unlimited champagne, world-class entertainers and of course plenty of dancing thanks to a live DJ! One important thing to note – admission to the gala is not sold separately. Instead, we are offering it as part of a complete holiday experience all personalized based on your interests. (*Venue and inclusions may change for 2024.)

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As you can see, Beyond Times Square has you covered with plenty of joyful experiences for your 2024 holiday getaway to New York City – and if you happen to be reading this in December – we still have availability for 2023. Contact our Experience Designers today for details and let us elevate your holidays from mere events to timeless memories!

9 Golden Reasons to Visit New Zealand

Experience the magic of autumn in New Zealand as landscapes transform into a vibrant canvas of rich colors. With crisp clear days throughout March, April and May, the changing leaves paint picturesque scenes with trees in stunning hues of oranges, reds, and yellows that will take your breath away.  

Here are nine golden reasons why your clients should travel to New Zealand during the autumn months.

Golden reason #1: 
Time for a toast. The vines are turning red and gold, and Aotearoa has some seriously golden drops to taste. May is the month of sauvignon blanc, chardonnay and pinot gris. Home to 90% of New Zealand's sauvignon blanc plantings, the Marlborough region is known as the sauvignon blanc capital. 

Find the best wineries, cellar doors and wine events in Marlborough.

Golden reason #2:
Pure gold. Stunning scenery and varied local attractions will compete for your attention as you explore New Zealand's diverse cycle trails and mountain biking tracks. Get on a bike and follow the old trails where fortunes were once made on the goldfields of the wild West Coast. The sunsets are something else. 

Find out more about the best cycling trails in New Zealand.

Golden reason #3: 
Autumn is a colorful season for touring. Visit the historic little towns of Central Otago and catch Arrowtown fall colors ignite as deciduous trees prepare for winter. The Akarua Arrowtown Autumn Festival is held in the last week of April to celebrate the town's seasonal beauty and glittering history. Don’t miss out on this enchanting celebration. 

Golden reason #4:
Check out the golden dome above Whangarei’s startling new Hundertwasser Art Centre with Wairau Māori Art Gallery that celebrates the art and architecture of Friedensreich Hundertwasser and contemporary Māori artists. Visitors will enjoy the unique architecture, exhibitions, theatre, afforested roof and MuseumShop. Experience art and architecture in harmony with nature and individual creativity.

Golden reason #5:
Paddle a golden kayak across dark green waters into the narrow canyons around Lake Karapiro. New Zealand's premier rowing venue, Lake Karapiro, is an artificial lake on the Waikato River just six kilometers south-east of Cambridge. A number of water sports events are held at the lake including yachting, powerboating, canoeing and water skiing. The center of the action is Lake Karapiro Domain where camping and lodge facilities are available. 

Lake Tekapo

Golden reason #6:
Picturesque by day and dazzling by night, Lake Tekapo / Takapō is part of a UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve, making it the perfect spot for stargazing. Stay a night or two and look out for golden sunsets, clear dark skies and a myriad of galaxies. 

Golden reason #7:
Mix up the greens and the blues with golden opportunities for wildlife spotting on the rugged Otago Peninsula, renowned for hosting the world's only mainland breeding colony of northern royal albatross and various other unique species. 

Hump Ridge Track

Golden reason #8:
It’s time to book next season’s luxury hiking adventure on the Hump Ridge Track.

New Zealand’s latest Great Walk is the inspiring story of how a community came together to achieve something great. Winding across some of New Zealand's wildest landscape, hike through Fiordland National Park, ancient and regenerating forest, across Māori land and along deserted coastline. 

Golden reason #9:
Or simply go for a full green immersion. Fiordland, on New Zealand's South Island, is home to the spectacular Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound. Stay in Te Anua or Manapouri to explore the breathtaking treasures of Fiordland by water, air or hiking. Experience pristine rainforests for a cure that soothes the soul and inspires the being. 

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Autumn is a great time to visit New Zealand and make the most of the good weather before winter sets in. Because it’s no longer high season, you won’t encounter the busy crowds of summer. 

And now you can experience the magic of autumn in Aotearoa for yourself through our Explore Plus Self-famil Program. A travel industry discount program that allows you (and your travel companion) to curate your own Aotearoa New Zealand itinerary through discounts. You choose when to travel on your time and at your own pace! 

Learn more: https://traveltrade.newzealand.com/us/training-and-inspiration/explore-nz-discount-program/

Photo information:
Banner photo: Arrowtown Central Otago
Top photo 1: Wanaka Otago
Top photo 2: Hundertwasser Art Centre Whangarei

Recently Opened Hotels in Paris to Keep on Your Radar

By Jessica Montevago

Synonymous with chic, Paris offers the best of everything—from historic landmarks and museums to stylish boutiques and renowned cuisine. For clients who can’t resist a visit to the City of Light, here’s a handful of recently opened upscale properties to consider for their itinerary.

SO/ Paris
Five stars and fashionable, the SO/ Paris Hotel is perfect for the stylish traveler. The new hotel centers itself around the worlds of fashion, architecture, and art. The hotel boasts an impressive 122 works of contemporary and experiential art, including a sculptural piece by French multimedia artist Neil Beloufa and a digital installation by Judith Darmont. SO/ Paris is located on the right bank (or Rive Droite) in the 4th arrondissement, between Bastille and the Marais. Most of the hotel’s 162 rooms and suites offer striking views over the Parisian skyline, from the Seine to the capital’s landmarks. The largest room, the Panoramic Suite on the 14th floor, has over 900 square feet of space, offering a king bed, a formal dining room, and two terraces. Stylish rooms are outfitted in natural furnishings, with parquet flooring, leather armchairs, and wooden walls. Toiletries are by CODAGE Paris, an upscale French skin care company, which also operates the hotel spa, where guests can indulge in Travel-Detox and Morning Booster massages, a 100-foot indoor pool, and hammam.

Canopy by Hilton Paris Trocadero
The 123-room Canopy by Hilton Paris Trocadero features period architecture and touches of modern Parisian elegance. Situated in the city's 16th arrondissement, it’s close to several galleries and attractions. It’s about 10 minutes from iconic landmarks including the Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Elysees, and Bois de Boulogne. Guests can enjoy a cocktail as they overlook the Eiffel Tower at the hotel’s rooftop terrace and bar. Lite bites and coffees are served at the bar lounge, while L'Esprit Nouveau conveniently serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Champs-Elysees

Kimpton St Honoré Paris
The elegant, art deco-inspired Kimpton St Honoré Paris is nestled in the heart of the Opera district. Located in the former department store Samaritaine de Luxe, a registered Historic Monument, the property’s Art Nouveau facades dates to 1917. The luxury boutique hotel revived heritage features of the building, including the grand staircase and old school lift. The hotel’s wellness facilities feature a spa, indoor pool, and gym. The restaurant, meanwhile, looks to California for menu inspiration. It’s built around a patio planted with a ‘green’ wall which can be seen through large bay windows. If it’s the city skyline guests want to see, then the Sequonia rooftop bar is the place to be. Other thoughtful hotel amenities include a children’s program, pet facilities, yoga mats, and bicycles.

Hôtel Dame Des Arts
Hôtel Dame des Arts is in the Left Bank’s Latin Quarter, famously known for its artsy vibe. The area is home to boutiques, art galleries, and bookshops, while being a short walk from Notre Dame Cathedral and the River Seine. The hotel’s mid-century motif spans from the lobby into the hotel’s 109 guestrooms, with natural design elements and original artwork. There’s also a 1950s-style cinema room with lush lounge seating, hosting a roster of events as well as regular film screenings. The standout fitness center features a curved wooden ceiling, encasing wooden manual-powered machines. From its perch high atop the hotel, the rooftop bar provides the City of Light as the backdrop for drinks. The hotel’s main restaurant serves dishes that blend Mexican, French, and Japanese cuisines using the freshest of seasonal ingredients. Guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner in-house or in the hotel’s beautiful garden courtyard for al fresco dining.

Eiffel Tower in background of Christmas Trees

Hôtel Madame Rêve
In a city as old as Paris, it’s no wonder many of these hotels are housed in historic buildings. Hôtel Madame Rêve is in the iconic Grande Poste de Paris building, once Paris’s only 24-hour post office, dating back to 1888. The hotel pays homage to its history with thoughtful design touches, including mail-inspired artwork, rugs that look like vintage telegrams, and notecard kits in rooms. Like the hotel’s entrance, its 82 rooms and suites are outfitted in a palette of warm woods, coppers, and golds. Forty of the inner courtyard rooms have outdoor terraces. Suites, meanwhile, boast views of the Eiffel tower or the Saint-Eustache cathedral. The hotel has two restaurants: Kitchen, contemporary French cuisine from two-star chef Stéphanie Le Quellec, and French-Japanese hybrid La Plume. A sprawling 10,000-square-foot rooftop terrace serves signature cocktails and finger foods with an exceptional view.

Book these hotels, and more, using the TSA rate code in the GDS. Non-GDS users can book these hotels using tripXpress.

Banner photo: Louvre Museum | Pawel Pajor - stock.adobe.com

4 Ways to Celebrate the Holidays in San Antonio

This south-central Texas city brims with yuletide attractions and activities.

By Patricia Harrison

San Antonio, a Texas city known for its rich history, Tex-Mex cuisine and thriving arts scene, sparkles from late November through early January (literally). That’s when famous attractions such as the River Walk are blanketed in twinkling lights and the events calendar is packed with holiday celebrations. If you’re visiting the Alamo City during the festive season, consider adding these activities to your agenda.

Hit the parks.
During the holiday season, San Antonio’s most popular theme parks transform into winter wonderlands—without the cold and snow. At the SeaWorld Christmas Celebration, you can see what’s celebrated as the “largest lighting display in Texas” and mingle with characters such as Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and the crew from “Sesame Street” at parades and shows (November 10, 2023–January 2, 2024). Or get tickets to Holiday in The Park at Six Flags Fiesta Texas, which includes a musical Nativity show, yuletide train ride, and tons of mouthwatering seasonal treats such as tres leches funnel cake, warm cinnamon bread, and hot chocolate (November 18–December 31, 2023).

San Antonio River Walk with Holiday Lights

Enjoy the festivities on the River Walk.
From November 24, 2023­–January 7, 2024, the cypress trees that line San Antonio’s iconic River Walk are illuminated with more than 2,000 strings of light. If you visit on certain weekends in December, you can also catch the Ford Fiesta de las Luminarias, when the banks of the San Antonio River are lined with candlelit luminarias (lanterns made with brown paper bags weighted down with sand).  See them from the water on a river shuttle, which are also dressed in their holiday best. Or better yet, opt for a boat caroling experience, which includes songbooks and music to sing along to while you float down the waterway with your crew.

Pick up some tamales.
San Antonio has many tasty food staples, including puffy tacos, chilaquiles—and tamales, which are in particularly high demand over the holidays. Tamales, masa steamed in a corn husk with shredded meats, beans and cheese or other fillings, are sold by many family-owned purveyors, many of whom specialize in the dish. Get a dozen from Adelita Tamales & Tortilla Factory, which has been in business for nearly 80 years and offers renditions stuffed with pork, chicken and bean and jalapeño. Or head to SA Tamale Boy, a takeout-only business that makes more than a dozen flavors of the specialty, including classic pork and barbecue brisket. Note: Tamales are very popular in San Antonio during the holiday season, so be sure to order them as far in advance as you can.

Stairway to La Villita

Go holiday shopping.
The city has no shortage of places to pick up gifts for all your favorite people. Look for handcrafts, jewelry, housewares, and other goods at La Villita, an artisan village on the banks of the San Antonio River with more than 25 boutiques and galleries. Or go by Historic Market Square, where you can stroll dozens of shops stocked with products celebrating the culture of Mexico and the Southwest, from leather goods to treats and candies (don’t miss the pecan pralines at Mi Tierra Cafe and Bakery). If you’re seeking brand-name items, venture to San Marcos Premium Outlets, located about 47 miles north of San Antonio. The shopping destination has over 145 stores, including Prada, Coach Outlet and Lululemon.

San Antonio River Walk Hotels

Aiden by Best Western @ San Antonio Riverwalk
The spacious rooms at this contemporary all-suite hotel in St. Paul’s Square are decked out with coveted amenities, including rain head showers, refrigerator-freezer combos and workstations with ergonomic desk chairs that cater to business and leisure travelers enjoying a multi-day stay in San Antonio.

Canopy by Hilton San Antonio Riverwalk
Four-legged travelers are welcome at the pet-friendly Canopy by Hilton, which is located a half mile away from The Alamo and La Villita Historic Arts Village. Dine alfresco at the hotel’s restaurant, Domingo, which serves South Texas–inspired cuisine and tequila-infused cocktails on the River Walk.

Element San Antonio Riverwalk
Guests rave about the complimentary buffet breakfast and fitness center with Peloton bikes at the Element, whose rooms are designed to be more like residences than guestrooms (they have full kitchens). Revel in views of downtown at the on-site rooftop bar, 1 Watson, while you sip cocktails such as the fruity, vodka-forward Pretty As Peach.

Book these hotels, and more, using the TSA rate code in the GDS. Non-GDS users can book these hotels using tripXpress.

Banner photo: San Antonio River Walk with Holiday Lights