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I went on a Christmas-themed ghost tour of New York City and definitely felt a chill down my spine

Talia LakritzDec 15, 2021, 00:40 IST

I visited some historic sites that are said to be haunted on a Christmas-themed ghost tour.Talia Lakritz/Insider

I went on a Christmas-themed ghost tour of New York City's East Village led by Boroughs of the Dead.
The tour included the history of holiday traditions and New York City, in addition to ghost stories.

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I booked a Ghosts of Christmas Past walking tour of the East Village through the macabre-focused tour company Boroughs of the Dead.

My ticket.Talia Lakritz/Insider

The tour began outside St. Mark's Church-in-the-Bowery, which is said to be haunted by the ghost of Peter Stuyvesant (the namesake of Stuyvesant Street).

St. Mark's Church-in-the-Bowery.Talia Lakritz/Insider

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Stuyvesant's ghost is also said to have rung the bells in the belfry after the sexton locked them up for the night.

The bell tower of St. Mark's Church-in-the-Bowery.Talia Lakritz/Insider

The church was closed to the public, but we were able to see the bust of Stuyvesant through the gate.

A bust of Peter Stuyvesant.Talia Lakritz/Insider

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We proceeded to the Ottendorfer Library, a landmark dating back to the 1850s when the East Village was known as Little Germany.

The Ottendorfer Library in Manhattan.Talia Lakritz/Insider

The library was completed in 1884 as a gift from newspaper owners and journalists Anna and Oswald Ottendorfer.

A sign explaining the history of the Ottendorfer Library.Talia Lakritz/Insider

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Janes explained how Christmas traditions like decorating trees originate from Germany, and she regaled us with tales of the German Christmas devil Krampus.

Boroughs of the Dead founder and owner Andrea Janes.Talia Lakritz/Insider

We turned the corner onto East 7th Street and arrived at McSorley's Old Ale House to discuss the history of Christmas revelry.

McSorley's Old Ale House.Talia Lakritz/Insider

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Next we visited the Public Theater, formerly the Astor Library frequented by "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" and "Rip Van Winkle" author Washington Irving.

The Public Theater, formerly the Astor Library.Talia Lakritz/Insider

Janes also pointed out other surrounding historical landmarks, like LeGrange Terrace, a row of marble townhouses once owned by John Jacob Astor.

LeGrange Terrace, across the street from the Public Theater.Talia Lakritz/Insider

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Our last stop was the Merchant's House Museum on East 4th Street, which is said to be haunted by the ghosts of its former residents.

The Merchant's House is said to be haunted.Talia Lakritz/Insider

Since it opened to the public, the museum's tour guides and visitors have reported unusual sights and sounds.

The Merchant's House.Talia Lakritz/Insider

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While I didn't see any ghosts, I enjoyed learning lots of history in addition to hearing some spooky stories.

I enjoyed the tour.Talia Lakritz/Insider

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