Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting

Date:

• Tentatively scheduled for November 28, 2012

• Please check back regularly for details

Time:

• 7:00 pm – Ceremony start

• 8:00 pm – Live NBC telecast begins

• 8:55 pm – Tree is illuminated

• 9:00 pm – Ceremony end

Location:

• Rockefeller Plaza is home to the world-famous Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree.

• 5^th & 6^th Avenues between West 48^th & West 51^st Streets

Viewing:

• Admission to the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony is free.  No tickets are necessary to pack the area surrounding Rockefeller Plaza.

• A star-studded bevy of celebrity performers entertain the crowd before the official lighting takes place.  Performances start at 7:00 pm and continue until 8:55 pm when the tree lights up.

• The performance stage is built upon the ice skating rink beneath the tree, just in front of the golden statue of Prometheus.

• You must arrive early to nab the spots closest to the stage. The area is already filling up fast by 2:00 pm.  Be advised that no one can stand on the rink itself.  The closest you’ll get to the stage are the Channel Gardens (5^th Avenue between 49^th and 50^th Streets).

• Streets become blocked off as the crowd grows.

The best public viewing areas are:

• The Channel Gardens:  By far the best view, this area is designated by the illuminated trumpeting angels and has a straight-on view of the tree and the golden Prometheus statue. It is located between 49^th and 50^th Streets off 5^th Avenue.  Be aware that portions of this area may be blocked for private viewing and will only be accessible if you arrive very early.

• Rockefeller Plaza at West 49^th Street: Beautiful view of the tree. Restaurants such as Dean & Deluca are close by for restroom use.

• Rockefeller Plaza at West 50^th Street:  Also a beautiful view of the tree. Shops are nearby for possible restroom use.

Public Transportation:

The Subway is the preferred way into the area since this is one of the New York City’s “Gridlock Alert” days. Subway service will run on a normal weekday schedule.

NYC Subway Information:

• Map
• Schedule
• Hotline: 718-330-1234

Subway stations close to Rockefeller Center include:

• B, D, F, or M trains to 47^th-50^th Streets / Rockefeller Center: Exit near the intersection of West 50^th Street and Avenue of the Americas (6^th Avenue). This is the best option since trains stop right underneath Rockefeller Center.

• N or R trains to 49^th Street: Head east on West 49^th Street to Rockefeller Plaza.

• E train to 5^th Avenue/ 53^rd Street: Exit near the intersection of West 53^rd Street.  Head south on 5^th Avenue to 51^st Street.  Turn right on West 51^st Street to Rockefeller Plaza.

• 6 train to 51^st Street: Exit near the intersection of East 50^th Street and Lexington Avenue.  Head west on East 50^th Street to Rockefeller Plaza.

• 1 train to 50^th Street / Broadway: Exit at 50^th Street.  Head east on West 50^th Street to Rockefeller Plaza.

Parking:

We highly suggest that you take public transportation since this is a considered a “Gridlock Alert” day.  Refer to our tips for public transportation. If you must drive, keep these things in mind…

• Street closures will be in effect for the area surrounding Radio City Music Hall and Rockefeller Center starting in mid-afternoon, around 3 pm.  These streets – which include 5th and 6th Avenues between 48th and 50th Streets – will remain closed until after 9 pm.

• If you are able to find legal and available street parking, be sure to check the number of hours that you can park there by referencing the top left hand corner of the green meter signs.

• Park at least 7 blocks from Rockefeller Center so that you may exit more easily.

• You will likely need to park in a garage or lot. Garages within the vicinity of Rockefeller Center and Radio City Music Hall may charge an Event Rate – usually around $50.  The event rate will be posted on the Rate Board at the entrance.

Note: Online coupons are often offered through garage websites but be sure that you refer to the “Special Event Coupon Rate, typically around $36.

• Consider arriving after 5:00 pm if you just want to experience the ceremony in person and aren’t interested in nabbing a prime viewing spot.  Garages several blocks away will often offer an Evening Rate of between $15-$30.

• Always double check parking costs with garage staff before parking, no matter what the posted Rate Board may advertise.

Accommodations:

• Hotels within steps of Rockefeller Center tend to book up early. Some start to get reservations as soon as the current holiday season is over!

• Some hotels have restrictions on how many guests can occupy a room or require a minimum night stay.  Be sure to call the hotel to inquire about restrictions.

There are several hotels within very easy walking distance to Rockefeller Center:

Food:

There are numerous options for food within steps of Rockefeller Plaza, such as

Lower Priced:

The concourse below Rockefeller Center has numerous food options to choose from.

Mid-Priced:

Higher Priced:

Restrooms:

• Use the restroom before you arrive and the limit your liquid intake thereafter because once you claim your spot, you will lose it if you leave. Even if you have a group with you “holding” the spot, you will have a hard time working your way back through the crowd.

• Try to arrive early and station yourself in front of Dean & Deluca (Rockefeller Plaza between 48^th & 49^th Streets) if you are concerned.   Keep in mind that there is only one restroom and it is for paying customers.

• Public restrooms are available inside Saks Fifth Avenue at 611 Fifth Avenue between 51^st /52^nd Streets and inside Banana Republic at 626 Fifth Avenue at West 50^th Street (ground floor, near the men’s section).  Depending on the size of the crowds, restrictions may be placed on usage.

• Forget about restaurant restrooms. They are always reserved for paying customers.

• Hotel restrooms can be a good option since they typically don’t have restrictions on use (i.e. for guests only).

• A great online resource for finding public toilets in a snap is SitOrSquat.com.  Just enter an address, zip code, city, or interesection in the search bar and you’ll be on your way to finding a convenient pit stop.

Clothing:

Winter in New York City can bring a number of weather conditions.  Most likely, it will be very cold. Check the weather forecast a day beforehand and dress accordingly.

• Dress in layers.  Did you know that silk traps heat?  Ladies, consider wearing a pair of silk stockings underneath your clothes.

• Bring a hat.  Keeping your head warm will keep your body warm.

• Wear a thick pair of winter socks and shoes with a thick sole.  You’ll be standing on cold pavement, so you’ll need a buffer between your feet and the ground.

• Scarf and gloves. This is where the heat seeps out!

• Rain poncho. If it rains or sleets, this will keep your hands free.

• Windbreaker. Winter winds can be brutal around tall buildings.  You’ll want something to protect you.

Supplies:

• The bag you should carry should be compact because larger bags have not been allowed in the past due to safety concerns.

• Camera, but no tripod since they are banned.

• Small cushion to sit on while waiting

• Newspaper to stand on while waiting.  You won’t believe what kind of difference it can make for your feet!

• Snacks

• If you have children, pack small items that will keep them entertained while waiting.

• If it’s raining, bring along extra plastic bags.  Putting your backpack in one will protect your belongings from the elements. We recommend this all the time!

Additional Fun:

Here are some other fun things to do while in NYC:

• Rockefeller Center Skating Rink

• Radio City Christmas Spectacular

• Disney on Broadway

• Top of the Rock™ Observation Deck at Rockefeller Center
  (Note: The observation deck does not have a view of the tree or skating rink.)

• Double Decker Bus Night Tour of Holiday Lights

• Saint Patrick’s Cathedral

• New York Explorer Pass (attraction pass to top sights)

• New York City Holiday Window Displays 

Rules:

• The use of tripods is not permitted at Rockefeller Center.

• In the past, large backpacks and other large bags were not allowed into the area due to safety concerns.  It is best to be cautious and leave these items at home. Try to carry everything compactly.

Everything Else:

• Rockefeller Center Information Hotline: 212-632-3975

• Set your TiVo or DVR to record the festivities. You’ll get an up-close view of the performances and hear interesting commentary that you’ll miss while being there in person.

• The list of celebrities performing at the ceremony hasn’t been announced yet.  To date, only the world-famous Radio City Rockettes have been confirmed. Check back with us for more info as the date approaches.

• The tree remains lit until the beginning of January from 5:30 am – 11:30 pm daily (9:00 pm on New Year’s Eve).  It stays lit for 24 hours on Christmas Day.

Fun Facts…

• 2012 will be the 80^th annual lighting of the famous tree.
• The tree is chosen months ahead of time and is typically a Norwegian Spruce.
• Approximately 30,000 environmentally friendly lights on five miles of wire adorn the tree.
• The tree is topped with a giant Swarovski crystal star.
• The tree is recycled after the holiday season and the trunk is donated to a U.S. Equestrian Team.
• Do you own a Norway Spruce that you think would make the perfect Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree?  Submit a photo of it to Rockefeller Center for future consideration.