Visit Rockefeller Center to Ring in the Christmas Cheer!
Visit Rockefeller Center to Ring in the Christmas Cheer!
Visiting Rockefeller Center is an absolute must when celebrating the holidays in New York City. Follow me as I take a trip to the North Pole of the Big Apple.
For the holidays, Rockefeller Center has it all: the world famous Rockefeller Christmas Tree, brightly glowing Christmas lights draped all over the streets, visitors from all over the world in town for the season, and enough Christmas cheer to last you all year. I took the train up to Rockefeller Center to ring in the holiday season the New York City way.
The Famous Rockefeller Christmas Tree
If you’ve watched the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lighting on TV, then you probably have an idea of just how magical this New York City tradition is — this is the Christmas tree of all Christmas trees. It may look impressive from the comfort of your living room at home, but trust me when I say that it’s an even more awe-inspiring sight up close.
I stood beneath its beautiful green branches to try to take the whole thing in, from the bottom to the perfectly placed star on top. All you have to do is make your way to Rockefeller Plaza and you can actually walk up to the base of the tree (from behind security gates, of course).
You can also watch the ice skaters gliding along the ice on the famous rink right beneath the tree itself. Before you leave, make sure to get a selfie with the tree in the background, for an iconic New York City Christmas shot!
Christmas Galore!
After you’ve had your fill of gazing at the Christmas greenery, make sure to walk around a bit to check out the tons of other seasonal decorations scattered around the plaza. The Channel Gardens showcases glorious Christmas displays that run down the center of the plaza.
The decor is changed regularly and utilizes millions of dollars in budgeting, so it’s safe to say that you won’t be disappointed! You can’t miss other Rockefeller highlights while you’re there, like the Atlas Statue and Saint Patrick’s Cathedral across the street.
Radio City Rockettes
It wouldn’t be Christmas in New York without the world famous Radio City Rockettes Christmas Spectacular. You can even snag a cool deal on tickets to see the show through alternative ticket vendors like Goldstar or TodayTix and get in on the Christmas cheer without putting too much of a holiday hole in your wallet.
The show has a little bit of everything — glorious singers, talented actors, and even live animals that appear on stage during the finale of the show — but it’s all about those iconic dancers. These ladies have been high-kicking on stage every Christmas season since 1932, so this Christmas tradition is not one to be missed.
Time to Warm Up With Some Hot Chocolate!
If you venture inside 30 Rockefeller Center, you will find yourself transported to a magical kingdom of restaurants, gift shops, and holiday themed displays. There are tons of places to explore inside, like the NBC Studios gift shop, the ice-skating rink side cafe, and the Top of the Rock observation deck. My heart soared at the sight of Jacques Torres Chocolate Shop, which boasts arguably the best cup of hot chocolate in the whole city.
They make it specially, with a recipe of pure fudge and a pinch of elven magic dust. So warm your heart with the Rockefeller Center Christmas experience, and bring on the holidays for the 2015 season. Ho ho ho!
Kick off your Christmas celebrations with the synchronized high-kicks of NYC’s signature Radio City Rockettes, a dancing display you won’t soon forget!
