New York City owes much to the countless people from around the globe that have helped shape its character with their customs and traditions. A perfect example of this gift is on display every holiday season when the city becomes a truly magical destination.
Join this special holiday class and discover how New York City became a place where winter traditions from all over the world come together beautifully!
🎄 Learn how immigrants shaped the city’s holiday season by bringing Christmas, Hanukkah and other seasonal traditions from their native countries.
đź—˝ Explore famous places like Central Park, Times Square and Fifth Avenue, while visiting Christmas markets and beautifully decorated neighborhoods.
🎠Attend the Radio City Christmas Spectacular — a world-famous live show that has entertained New Yorkers of all backgrounds for nearly 100 years with its dancing Rockettes and holiday magic.
🌆 Visit The Summit at One Vanderbilt, with stunning views of the city’s diverse neighborhoods built by generations of immigrants.
🌍 Take part in cultural discussions, share your own traditions and connect with classmates from around the world.
This course offers real-world learning wrapped in holiday excitement — giving you a deeper appreciation of New York’s immigrant history and festive traditions, all while exploring the city at its most magical time of year!
This special holiday class includes tickets to Radio City and The Summit — two unforgettable New York City experiences! Because of limited ticket availability, we can only accept 27 students.
What’s the class schedule?
December 3 - December 17, 2025 course
Live online Zoom classes
— Wednesday, December 3, 2025: Class begins at 6:30 p.m. and ends at 9:30 p.m.
— Saturday, December 6, 2025: Class begins at 10 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m.
— Sunday, December 7, 2025: Class begins at 10 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m.
In-person city tour experience
— Monday, December 15, 2025: Class begins at 1 p.m. and ends at 8 p.m.
— Tuesday, December 16, 2025: Class begins at 9 a.m. and ends at 6 p.m.
— Wednesday, December 17, 2025: Class begins at 9 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m.
Please note: Times reflect Eastern Time
*Students will be able to store their luggage on Monday, December 15, at the meeting point and retrieve it at the conclusion of the day’s class. A fee applies.
Important: The online (Zoom) classes take place live with your participation - and your camera on - as well as that of your teacher and fellow students. Classes are not recorded for later playback. Classes require each student to take an active role in group discussions, activities, projects, etc. In other words, your full attention and participation are required.
Students will receive a pre-assignment as well as a post-assignment. The pre-assignment will be sent to students at least one week before the start of class.
WhatsApp chat group
Please also note that as the start of classes draws near, we will send each student a link to a WhatsApp group that will allow us to communicate with students and students to communicate with one another about their plans in regard to travel, accommodations and more.
What are the highlights of the city explorations?
The highlights of the city explorations include the following: Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall; SUMMIT One Vanderbilt; 9/11 Memorial; the Oculus; Chinatown; Little Italy; Central Park; and Times Square.
Please keep in mind that plans are subject to change in light of factors such as the weather, time constraints, road closures and events taking place in the city during the time of your visit.
What are the New York City meeting points?
To better plan your time in New York City, here are the start points of your in-person learning experience:
- Monday — 1 p.m. Zaza Diner
- Tuesday — 9 a.m. Grand Central Station
- Wednesday — 9 a.m. Grand Central Station
What should I know about accommodations?
A visit to the Hostelworld website will enable you to view various hostels in New York City. Among the well-rated hostels you may wish to consider is HI New York City Hostel (891 Amsterdam Avenue).
How much is tuition and what does it include?
The tuition price is $675 and includes the following:
— welcome lunch
— admission to the Christmas Spectacular starring the Radio City Rockettes
— admission to the SUMMIT One Vanderbilt skyscraper experience
— 7-day unlimited MetroCard transportation pass (good on subways and buses)
— all costs associated with the class (there are no additional material or activity fees!)
Please note that neither the cost of airfare to/from New York City nor overnight accommodations is included.
To make sure the course you’ve chosen is not already full, first sign up for the course and receive the enrollment confirmation we’ll email you. Once that’s done, you may then book your air travel and accommodations.
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The online (Zoom) classes take place live with your participation as well as that of your teacher and fellow students. Classes are not recorded for later playback. Classes require each student to take an active role in group discussions, activities, projects, etc. In other words, your full attention and participation are required.
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Since each Learning Across America course consists of a limited number of class sessions, Towson University requires you to attend – and actively participate in – each class and tour day from its start time to its end time. If you fail to do so, you will not be eligible to receive a certificate of completion. Towson University carefully monitors class attendance.
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Before you sign up for any course, double check class times (both online (Zoom) and in-person) as well as the time zone according to which the class will be taught. Make certain that the class times do not conflict with your work commitment to your host family. If the times conflict, this is not the course for you.
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Once you successfully complete this course, you’ll earn 72 hours of credit.
If you have additional questions regarding credit hours, please contact your au pair organization. -
Students will have 3 weeks to complete their post-assignment and submit it to their teacher.
Once you submit your post-assignment, you will receive your certificate of completion directly from Towson University within 10 days, assuming you have satisfactorily completed all course work. Feel free to turn your assignment in as soon as you complete it, as this will allow us to get your certificate to you sooner.
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If you cancel…
― 22 or more days before the start of the first class, you will receive a full refund.
― 21 to 11 days before the start of the first class, you will receive a full refund less a $50 cancellation fee.
― 10 to 6 days before the start of the first class, you will not receive a refund. You will instead receive a credit that can be applied toward the tuition price of any Learning Across America course. The credit will be in the amount of the tuition you paid, less a $75 cancellation fee. The credit is good for one year from the date of issue and is transferable.
― 5 or fewer days before the class begins, no refund or credit is available.
As an alternative, should you need to cancel we offer the ability to transfer your enrollment in the same course to another au pair without penalty, provided we receive notice at least 3 days before the start of the course.
Students who must cancel their course need to send an email to Learning Across America. The cancellation request must be sent directly by the student. Please make sure that the subject line of your email is Attention: Cancellation of Course. -
If you decide to transfer to another Learning Across America course…
― 22 or more days before the start of your original course, you may transfer without penalty.
― 21 to 11 days before the start of your original course, a $25 transfer fee will apply.
― 10 to 6 days before the start of your original course, a $50 transfer fee will apply.
― 5 or fewer days before the class begins, there is no transfer permitted.
