Christmas at Rockefeller Center
Rockefeller Center
- March 20, 2008
- Rated 4 of 5 by
Travelny2 from New York, New York
A must see at Christmastime. The holiday ambiance created by the giant tree, ice rink, decorations and crowds of people is really a crazy sight to see. I think that they light the tree on the day before Thanksgiving in order to have it up in time for the beginning of the holiday shopping rush so if you are in the area for Thanksgiving I would highly consider a trip to Rockefeller for the tree lighting ceremony. If you want to skip the massive line there usually is for the ice rink you can sign up for a "skating lesson" It's not even that much more expensive then the regular fee so I'd say it's worth it if you want to do this. A lot of stores have also moved into the ground level floors of the surrounding office buildings. The shopping has creeped off of adjacent 5th Ave over the years and chain stores now abound on many areas in between the Avenues. Like Times Square, be prepared to fight through the crowds to get a glimpse of this landmark but it is well worth the time and effort to see.
From journal New York
Editor Pick
A Rockefeller Christmas
- November 8, 2006
- Rated 5 of 5 by
Jose Kevo from Middle-of-Nowhere, Missouri
Want to play Santa to yourself with a present to remember for all time? Make plans to see the Christmas Spectacular, starring the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall! Nothing enchants the holiday spirit of "Christmas in New York..." better. Of my nine seasons in the city, six included this must-see production.
Secular and spiritual themes are portrayed through theatrics, music, and dance, culminating with a live nativity cliffhanger; the reason for the season gripping audiences.
But for all the performances, including four yuletide choruslines by the high-kickin' Rockettes, it's the show's mechanics that always blew me away. Sets frequently convert as effortlessly as when an ice skating rink or the orchestra suddenly pop-out of nowhere.
Floor-level is too close to the stage for actually seeing transformations compared to cheaper 2nd and 3rd-tier balconies seats, where everything seems to magically appear.
Discounted dress rehearsals are held the week before Thanksgiving, and the show runs through the New Year. Make plans to arrive early. The prelude, given from a monster pipe organ, vibrates to the core of one's being as well as the entire concert hall.
Rockefeller Center's holiday courtyard is located behind Radio City as a perfect beginning or ending to compliment this Christmas highlight. New Yorkers herald the mid-November arrival of the tree which, aside from the crowning star, isn't decorated until after Thanksgiving.
An official Lighting Ceremony is one of those main events you'll need to arrive hours early for if hoping to see anything. Otherwise, enjoy the event on regional television and return another day, like everyone else.
If there was ever hope for, 'Peace on Earth; Good Will towards Men', the essence of Rockefeller Center seems to pull it off. In the spirit of tradition, coming to see the giant Christmas tree is like a pilgrimage that defines the holidays for people of all economic and cultural backgrounds. One of the biggest common bonds, enjoyed by all ages, is Santa!
A glass-building is located on one of the shorter side streets; often hard to detect dwarfed by the towering tree and skyscrapers. The line is quite long, but worth the wait just to get a peek inside. While kids sit on Santa's lap, (young-at-heart ladies welcomed, too), take a jaw-dropping gander at the 5th Ave. festoon of decorations.
I rather dread the melee which drives the season anymore, but if the Christmas Spectacular and Rockefeller Center don't ignite some holiday spirit, then the Grinch has stolen more than just Christmas!
- The area stays crowded day and night throughout the holiday season, but weekend foot-traffic brings movement to a standstill. Parents should definitely latch onto their children. It doesn't take much for getting separated, and swept-away in the masses.
- Midtown is by far the most celebrated and decorated in the entire city. Other highlights of the surrounding area are listed in this journal's Holiday Favorites Walking Tours.
From journal Big Apple Holidays; an Orchard of Celebrations
Rockefeller Center Skating Rink & Holiday Windows
- June 19, 2006
- Rated 4 of 5 by
Juicee from Vass, North Carolina
It was very cold that day, so we did not get to see all that I wanted them to see. They did get to see FAO Schwartz the large toy store, the skaters at Rockefeller Center in front of the large Christmas tree. I wanted to take them to 34th street to see how the department stores decorate their windows for the holidays. My daughter was amazed at all the limos going down 5th avenue. She was trying to look inside them as they passed by. My was impressed with the Plaza Hotel he had only seen it in movies. I promised to give them a grand tour in the summer when the weather is more manageable.
From journal Winter In NYC
Ice Skating at Rockefeller Center
- March 7, 2006
- Rated 4 of 5 by
CUL8R from Carlsbad, California
The rink is small and the crowds are large. But this is something everyone should do at least once. This is a piece of history.
From journal Long weekend in New York City
Rockefeller Center & The Christmas Tree
- December 23, 2005
- Rated 4 of 5 by
Whiterabbit79 from Merritt Island, Florida
You cannot go to New York City during the holiday season and NOT see the Christmas tree. We, of course, decided to go and see the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree and all the holiday decorations that come along with it. We walked up to find a mass of people huddled around the tree. Everyone was taking pictures, crowding the ice-skating rink to get a sight of the skaters. The tree was standing so tall. The lights reflecting off the windows of the surrounding buildings. It was absolutely grand. If this doesn't get you in the holiday mood, I do not know what will.
From journal New York City ... Winter Wonderland