‘Tis the season of lots of lights and even more tourists. And, no place is more festive this time of year than Rockefeller Center. Though I am sad to say I missed the tree lighting ceremony a couple nights ago, I went to see the tree this weekend and went to the Top of the Rock.
The tree is amazing and incredibly large with a walkway of angels playing trumpets leading you down the walkway to the rink where the tree is displayed above. It is a battle against the tourists just to get down the walkway to see the tree (getting a picture without someone walking in front of it is a Christmas miracle). If you don’t like large crowds and pushy tourists I would suggest going after Christmas (or maybe not going to New York City).
Just across the street is the famous Saks Fifth Avenue. On the side of their building they have created a light show that goes to Christmas music. It is an incredible show of thousands of lights dancing to make you feel the magic of Christmas (and also to cause the largest human traffic jam ever).
After all of the magic down below in Rockefeller Center, we decided to go to the Top of the Rock to get some of the best views of the city on top of this iconic building. The Top of the Rock is just $32 and for an extra $5 you can get your picture taken as if you’re one of the original workers in the iconic photo of them sitting on the beam (yet to be sent to my email btw Rockefeller). Of course, the experience during the day and during the night will be different as the view is different. This time we were there at night, but I’m hoping to go back during the day.
The best thing about the view from Rockefeller that makes it different than the other famous rooftops, is the view of Central Park. You also see the Empire State Building, Chrysler Building and many others (with the extra $5 for the picture you also get a map that points out all the buildings you can see during both day and night).
The Rockefeller Center is the best place to be in the city during the holidays. The shops, the lights, the tree, and of course the top are great things for all families to do in New York during the holiday season.
