Hey there, friends! I’m back with the final episode of my Christmas in New York City series, and I couldn’t think of a more iconic place to wrap things up than Rockefeller Center with its magnificent Christmas tree. In this post, I’ll be sharing all my insider tips about visiting this magical holiday destination, including how to avoid the worst crowds, where to eat nearby, and some hidden gems you won’t want to miss.
The Magic of Rockefeller Center
Rockefeller Center is truly the epicenter of Manhattan during the holiday season, located between 48th and 51st Streets and Fifth and Sixth Avenues. Built in the 1930s, this historic landmark has evolved over the decades but remains as iconic as ever nearly 100 years later.
What makes it so special? Well, there’s the famous Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, the beloved ice skating rink, the towering Rockefeller Center building (which inspired a TV show!), and it’s where Jimmy Fallon films his TV show. Plus, it’s been the backdrop for countless movies and TV shows over the years.
Navigating the Holiday Crowds
Let’s address the elephant in the room: YES, Rockefeller Center gets absolutely packed during the holiday season! And honestly, that’s to be expected. This is the place to be in NYC during December, drawing both tourists and locals who make it a yearly tradition to visit the tree and take photos.
But don’t worry—I’ve got some tips to help you avoid the worst of the crowds:
- Avoid weekends if possible. Weekdays are significantly less crowded.
- Come early in the day. I filmed this video between 12-3pm and was pleasantly surprised by how manageable the crowds were. You can actually walk around without bumping into people! This is a huge difference from my visit last year when I came between 3-6pm and could barely move.
- Or come late at night. If you want to see the tree all lit up (which I totally understand!), try coming around 10-11pm. The lights stay on until midnight, and the crowds thin out considerably after dinner hours.
My Top Rockefeller Center Recommendations
While you’re in the area, here are some experiences I highly recommend:
1. Radio City Music Hall
This iconic concert venue hosts the famous Rockettes during the holiday season. While I personally haven’t been to their Christmas Spectacular recently (I have some reservations about their use of live animals in the show), it’s definitely a beloved holiday tradition for many visitors.
2. The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon
This is such a unique New York experience! Unlike some other TV shows that require booking tickets a year in advance, you can typically secure tickets for Jimmy Fallon’s show about a month and a half ahead of time. The tapings usually happen around 4-5pm on weekdays, and the best part? The tickets are FREE! I’ve been lucky enough to attend a few times, and getting to see actors and musicians in this intimate setting is something special.
3. Top of the Rock Observatory
This is one of New York’s oldest observatories, predating One World Trade Center, Summit One Vanderbilt, and The Edge. What makes it my favorite? You can see the Empire State Building (my favorite NYC building) in your photos, catch glimpses of Central Park to the north, and view downtown Manhattan to the south. They’ve added some new attractions recently, including a beam feature and a rotating platform that I’m dying to check out!
Ice Skating at the Rockefeller Center Rink
One of the most quintessential New York holiday experiences is ice skating at the Rockefeller Center rink. I did this back in December 2019, and there’s something magical about gliding across the ice with the enormous Christmas tree and that iconic gold Prometheus statue watching over you.
But I’ll be honest—it’s expensive. Like, really expensive. It’s definitely the priciest ice skating venue in NYC, and it’s not even the largest rink. If it’s been on your bucket list forever or it’s a special trip, go for it! But if you’re just looking to try ice skating, there are more affordable options elsewhere in the city.
A word of caution: check the weather forecast carefully before booking. The rink operates rain or shine, and they don’t offer refunds for bad weather. My friend Chantal once booked tickets for her family, and it poured rain the entire time—yet they still had to skate (and pay) or forfeit their money!
Planning Your Visit
If there’s one piece of advice I can give you about visiting NYC during the holidays, it’s to plan ahead. Make reservations for meals, book tickets for shows and attractions, and try to hit the most touristy spots early in the day.
When the crowds become overwhelming in the afternoon, consider retreating to your hotel for a break or visiting less congested areas like the West Village, Upper East Side, Upper West Side, or Central Park.
Yes, holiday season in New York requires more planning and patience, but the magic you’ll experience makes it all worthwhile. The city truly transforms into something special during December!
Until Next Time…
As we wrap up 2024, I want to take a moment to thank you all for following along with my New York adventures this year. Whether you joined my channel through my apartment tour, my museum visits, or my summer in NYC series, I’m grateful you’re here!
I’ll be taking a little break between Christmas and my birthday (January 7th) but will be back with new content in mid-January. While I’m not sure exactly how much I’ll be posting in 2025 due to some exciting new projects on the horizon, I promise to keep creating meaningful content that helps you discover new aspects of this incredible city.
I’d love to know which videos you enjoyed most this year and what you’d like to see in 2025! Drop me a comment below with your thoughts and maybe a 🎄 emoji so I know you made it all the way through this post!
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year, and I’ll see you in 2025!
xo, Flor.
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