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The first phase of Italian immigrants in Lower Manhattan began in the early 1800s, including political and religious refugees. Many settled in the downtown area of the Lower East Side, which still goes by the name of Little Italy. Your professional guide will tell you about the tumultuous history of the Five Points area on the Christmas Tour of Little Italy & Dinner.
In the 1820s, many Italian immigrants arrived in New York City from Naples. They settled along Mulberry Street in Little Italy and celebrated San Gennaro, the Patron Saint of Naples, Italy.
The first San Gennaro Festival was held as a 1 day event in 1926. In September, 2024, the San Gennaro Festival lasted 11 days and was attended by more than one million people.
You’ll see the Church of San Gennaro and your knowledgeable guide will tell you about its history and the history of the festival.
Every year, Little Italy goes all out with the Christmas decorations. This section of New York City is transformed into a Christmas Wonderland. Festive decorations and holiday lights are joined by strolling carolers and free entertainment on weekend afternoons. Street vendors line the boulevards, selling holiday gifts and merchandise from brightly decorated tents.
Explore with your guide the picturesque streets of Little Italy, decorated for the season. Your guide can tell you about the neighborhood’s Italian American heritage and traditions.
Mulberry Street is the main north/south street running through Little Italy. Dozens of fine Italian restaurants line Mulberry Street. Your tour includes a festive Christmas dinner at one of these restaurants, Il Cortile.
Il Cortile is an award winning Italian restaurant that has been in the heart of Little Italy since 1975.
A classic Italian Christmas dinner includes antipasti, pasta, an entree and dessert. During dinner, you can enjoy Christmas music. You may even have live entertainment, lids an accordion player or a jazz trio. You’ll receive a small holiday gift and discounts on future dinners at Il Cortile. The restaurant has a beautifully decorated backdrop and you can get a holiday photo taken in front of it.
Coupon
If you’d like to save money on this tour, book your ticket here and you can save $9.50 on each ticket. The saving will be automatic.
You can check for availability here:
More About Little Italy
If you’d like to read more about Little Italy, try these books. And you can use our links to see how you can save money on the books
- Little Italy by Emetie Aleandre
- Frommer’s New York City 2025 by Pauline Frommer
- The Feast of San Gennaro Little Italy, New York by Alan Pakaln
- Little Italy Cookbook by David Ruggerio and Melanie Acevedo
