Homepage » Experiences » Holidays
If you’re searching for holiday fun that actually feels magical, something the whole family will talk about long after the season ends, then it’s time to head above the city instead of through the same crowded streets. The holidays in New York are iconic, and seeing them from the sky with HeliNY transforms ordinary winter traditions into an unforgettable family adventure.
From sparkling lights to famous landmarks dressed in holiday charm, flying over New York City adds a sense of wonder and togetherness that’s impossible to capture from the ground. Whether you’re planning a fun day out with the kids, making memories with extended family visiting from out of town, or just trying to find meaningful Christmas things going on near me, this experience turns a regular holiday outing into something extraordinary.
There’s something about seeing New York from above during the holidays that feels like stepping into a movie. The skyline glows, the rivers shimmer, and familiar sights look entirely new. Even if your family has been to Times Square or the Statue of Liberty countless times, seeing them from a helicopter gives everyone that “wow” moment at once.
If you’ve been wondering how to elevate your usual list of Christmas things going on near me, this is it. A helicopter ride blends the excitement of an adventure with the warmth of a family tradition, the kind of shared experience that kids, grandparents, and everyone in between will treasure.
HeliNY offers a selection of tours perfect for families, whether you want a quick thrill or a longer, more immersive sky-high journey.
The New Yorker Tour
Ideal for younger kids or families short on time, this quick flight still packs in huge sights: the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, One World Trade Center, and the Brooklyn Bridge. It’s the perfect way to check off exciting holiday fun near me without committing to a full-day outing.
The Ultimate Tour
A little longer, a little more scenic, and a definite family favorite. This route adds Midtown highlights like Central Park and the Empire State Building, making it amazing for holiday photos you’ll want on your mantel.
The Deluxe Tour
For families who want the whole experience, the Deluxe Tour offers extended views, broader city coverage, and more uninterrupted time to soak in the skyline. If you’re choosing from a list of things happening near me, this is the premium option that delivers the most magic.
Personal Charters
Want something intimate and tailored to your family? HeliNY’s personal charter flights offer total flexibility on timing, route style, and vibe. This experience is an incredible choice for milestone celebrations, visiting relatives, or families who want to encounter New York their own way.
From liftoff to landing, kids, parents, and grandparents all feel that same rush of excitement. It’s not often you find an activity that works for every age group, but this one truly does.
The holidays are all about memories, and there’s nothing like a family photo taken from the sky with the city glowing below. Your holiday cards may never be the same again.
Instead of squeezing through packed Christmas markets or waiting in long lines, you get your own cozy cabin in the sky with floor-to-ceiling views. It’s peaceful, quiet, and wonderfully special.
When you want a local activity that’s easy to plan but feels like a big experience, a HeliNY tour checks every box.
When you’re flying with kids, or anyone, safety matters, HeliNY operates a state-of-the-art fleet of Bell 407 helicopters, known for exceptional stability, smooth rides, and advanced onboard systems like:
Beyond the aircraft itself, HeliNY recently earned the prestigious TOPS Certification for Excellence in Helicopter Tour Safety, the highest safety standard in the U.S. helicopter tour industry. This certification goes above and beyond FAA requirements, and very few operators achieve it.
That means your family is flying with a team that prioritizes:
Parents can relax knowing they’re in excellent hands, and that makes the whole experience better for everyone.
And customers agree. HeliNY consistently earns:
Families love the professionalism, friendly staff, and unforgettable flights — something that becomes obvious the moment you step onboard.
If your family is hard to shop for, or you want to give an experience instead of another toy or sweater, HeliNY offers gift cards that make holiday gifting incredibly easy. Your loved ones can choose the date, tour, and experience that fit their style.
It’s thoughtful, unique, and absolutely unforgettable. And as far as holiday fun goes, a gift card guarantees a magical experience any time of year.
If you’re sorting through lists of things going on near me and hoping to find something meaningful, exciting, and memorable for the whole family, a helicopter tour with HeliNY delivers all of that. From breathtaking skyline views to the warm feeling of sharing an adventure, this is the kind of holiday moment that becomes a cherished family story.
When you’re soaring above Manhattan, watching the city shimmer beneath you, you’ll realize the season feels different, and better, when you spend part of it in the sky.
First Name*
Last Name*
Email*
Phone*
Message*
Recognition from the Tour Operators Program of Safety underscores HeliNY's aviation safety and operational excellence leadership 1HeliNY - helicopter sightseeing, charter, and medical transport services NEW YORK, NY, UNITED STATES, November 5, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ -- HeliNY, New York City's premier provider of helicopter sightseeing, charter, and medical transport services, is proud to announce that it has been awarded certification from the Tour Operators Program of Safety (TOPS)—the nation's most respected safety accreditation program for helicopter tour operators. This distinction marks a significant milestone in HeliNY's commitment to safety, pilot training, and operational integrity. HeliNY is the sole helicopter operator in the New York metropolitan region holding this elite certification. TOPS is an independent nonprofit organization that sets the gold standard for air tour safety—surpassing even FAA requirements. Earning the designation requires compliance with a comprehensive set of safety benchmarks covering pilot qualifications, maintenance programs, risk management systems, and overall safety culture. Certified operators must also undergo annual third-party audits to ensure full compliance and continuous improvement. “We congratulate HeliNY for passing our stringent air tour certification process and becoming a member operator,” said Christopher Young, Executive Director at the Tour Operators Program of Safety (TOPS). “All of our member operators voluntarily hold themselves to a much higher safety standard than other industry operators, and we are thrilled to welcome HeliNY into this organization.” "Being recognized by TOPS is a tremendous honor," said Paul Blodgett, CEO of HeliNY. "It reinforces our belief that unforgettable experiences start with uncompromising safety. As the largest sightseeing helicopter operator in the New York metro area, maintaining the highest levels of safety training and oversight is not just our responsibility—it's our identity." Since 1994, HeliNY has served the New York City metro area with a state-of-the-art fleet of Bell helicopters, operating from two key departure points: the Downtown Manhattan Heliport and Linden Municipal Airport in New Jersey. With over 80,000 collective pilot hours and 78,000 passengers flown annually, HeliNY has earned a reputation as one of the most trusted names in urban air tourism. The achievement of TOPS Certification provides an additional layer of confidence for passengers who choose HeliNY for sightseeing tours, private charters, regional getaways, or medical transportation—knowing their experience meets the industry's highest safety and operational standards. Key Standards Required for TOPS Certification - Annual independent safety audits - Implementation of proactive Safety Management Systems (SMS) - Pilot training and maintenance programs that exceed federal regulations - Transparent reporting and continuous safety enhancement To learn more about the Tour Operators Program of Safety, visit topssafety.org. About HeliNY Founded in 1994, HeliNY (Helicopter Flight Services, Inc.) is the largest sightseeing helicopter operator in the New York metropolitan region. The company provides world-class sightseeing tours, private charters, and medical transport services from Manhattan and New Jersey. Known for its modern Bell 407 fleet, experienced pilots, and exceptional service, HeliNY delivers a range of unforgettable flight experiences—from scenic skyline tours to luxurious regional escapes. Learn more at heliny.com. About TOPS The Tour Operators Program of Safety (TOPS) is the leading independent safety certification for helicopter tour operators across the United States. Through rigorous standards, transparent audits, and a collaborative approach to risk management, TOPS ensures that participating operators maintain the highest levels of safety, maintenance, and operational excellence. Learn more at topssafety.org. Bert Solivan HeliNY (Helicopter Flight Services, Inc.) berts@heliny.com
Highlighting HeliNY’s Strong Safety Culture and Commitment to Exceptional Guest Experiences NEW YORK, Dec. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — HeliNY, a leading helicopter sightseeing, charter, and medical organ transport operator in the New York metro region, today announced it has achieved WYVERN Wingman certification, one of the aviation industry’s most respected safety designations. The certification was granted on December 2, 2025, following successful and ongoing collaboration in the Flight Leader Program, which validates HeliNY’s operational excellence, pilot training, maintenance programs, and Safety Management System. HeliNY is the first helicopter operator at the Downtown Manhattan Skyport (JRB) to meet the heliport’s newly enhanced safety standards, which took effect on September 1, 2025. Located at Pier 6 on the East River, JRB requires all operators to undergo an annual third-party safety audit, the results of which are provided to Downtown Manhattan Skyport. These results may also be shared with the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC). In its certification notice, WYVERN stated: “We congratulate HeliNY for demonstrating compliance with the WYVERN Wingman Standard. Their validated SMS and strong participation in the Flight Leader Program reflect a commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence.” Paul Blodgett, CEO of HeliNY, said: “We are deeply proud to achieve WYVERN Wingman certification, and we extend our sincere thanks to the WYVERN team for their partnership and the meticulous audit process. This recognition—coming just weeks after our TOPS certification—underscores our unwavering commitment to operating at the highest levels of safety and professionalism. As the first operator at the JRB to meet these enhanced safety standards, this achievement marks a major milestone for our company and offers every guest added confidence when they fly with us.” This milestone follows HeliNY’s November certification from the Tour Operators Program of Safety (TOPS), marking two significant safety achievements this quarter. About HeliNY Founded in 1994, HeliNY (Helicopter Flight Services, Inc.) is the largest sightseeing helicopter operator in the New York metropolitan region. The company provides world-class sightseeing tours, private charters, and medical transport services from Manhattan and New Jersey. Known for its modern Bell 407 fleet, experienced pilots, and exceptional service, HeliNY delivers a range of unforgettable flight experiences—from scenic skyline tours to luxurious regional escapes. Learn more at heliny.com. About WYVERN WYVERN is an ISO-9001-certified global leader in aerospace safety-risk management. Founded in 1991, the company delivers industry-leading audits, certifications, coaching, and safety-intelligence solutions that help organizations elevate performance and strengthen safety culture. WYVERN’s Wingman Standard and Flight Leader Program are trusted worldwide as benchmarks of aerospace excellence. To learn more about the WYVERN Wingman Certification, visit https://www.wyvernltd.com/wingman-and-certifications-2025/. Media Contact Bert Solivan, HeliNY (Helicopter Flight Services, Inc.), 1 201-679-2289, berts@heliny.com, https://heliny.com/ SOURCE HeliNY (Helicopter Flight Services, Inc.)
