Ghosts of Christmas Past: A Spooky Holiday Walking Tour

It’s time to celebrate… the spooky way! We’re bringing back our annual Ghosts of Christmas Past tour this season. This is New York City’s original (since 2013!) and only Christmas Ghost Tour!

More About the Tour

Yuletide is the time when ghosts glide through old houses, a time for winter tales told by the fire. So we’re delving into the Victorian tradition of “a ghost story for Christmas” in this unique 90-minute walking tour.

Ghosts of Christmas Past combines some of our favorite local ghost stories with a focus on the connections between Christmas traditions and New York City history. The “spirited” stroll, which begins in the East Village, celebrates the season’s roots in New Amsterdam, and traditions brought over by 19th century German immigrants, from Krampus to Frau Perchta and a whole host of marvelous fantastic folklore.

Discover the Victorian-era ghost stories of former Washington Square residents Edith Wharton and Henry James. Find out why the Victorians loved to tell ghost stories at Christmastide. Learn how New Yorker Washington Irving influenced the tradition of Christmas ghosts.

Feel the dark magic of Yuletide as we regale you with tales of ghosts, goblins, trolls, and spirits, and discover the truly tumultuous history of Christmas on this enchantingly unconventional holiday tour.

Tour Dates & Details 

Tours run November 30, December 1, 7, 8, and 15 at 3pm and 5pm
90 minutes, 1 mile
(Note: tour takes place entirely outside, we recommend dressing warmly)

A quick note… this is a non-denominational tour intended for entertainment purposes only. No need to believe in any specific religious tradition to enjoy this historic, literary, and folklore-based tour.