-
March 2024 by Lisa J.
I finally made it to Rockefeller Center this trip to NYC. It's as I've always seen it on television. Lots of spots to take pics. Lots of shops and places to eat.
-
March 2024 by Travis T.
This is one my favorite places to visit during the holiday season when I am in New York City. I love seeing all of the Christmas lights on display and of course the big Christmas Tree. They say there is nothing like Christmas in New York and this is a great place to enjoy it. Rockefeller Center is home to 19 commercial and entertainment buildings within a 22 acre space. It is most famous for being home to NBC Studios, the ice skating rink, the Radio City Rockettes and the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. The annual lighting of the Christmas Tree is one of the most popular events in Manhattan during the holiday season. 30 Rockefeller Plaza, the "XYZ Buildings", International Building and Radio City Music Hall are some of the iconic buildings within Rockefeller Center. The Center was named after and financed by the Rockefeller family. 30 Rockefeller Plaza is a 66-story, 850 foot-tall Art Deco style building that is home to NBC Studios is at the center of Rockefeller Center. Shows like "Saturday Night Live" and "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon" film here. If you want to attend a live NBC taping, you can get tickets on their website. You can also get Top of the Rock tickets or book a guided tour. There are a lot of food options here at Rockefeller Center from fine dining to fast casual restaurants. Even though I am a big foodie and have visited here many times, I haven't had the opportunity to explore the food scene a whole lot. I have been to Magnolia Bakery a few times for a late night dessert snack.
-
March 2024 by Denise A.
This architectural marvel, built in the 1930s, is worth visiting anytime of the year. The interior is absolutely stunning and filled with art and history. While we have visited the tree and skated on the iconic outside rink, this visit was to soak it all in! We enjoyed watching the ice skaters and all the visitors from all over the world while sampling some good eats at the various establishments . There is certainly lots to do ( eat, shop, admire artwork, take a guided tour, go to Top of the Rock, visit the Rainbow Room) or just people watch. The area is clean and there are so many great eateries and shops inside and in the surrounding area. A hub of activity!
-
February 2024 by Dosha B.
Looking for something to do during the holiday season? Must add the Rockefeller center to your bucket list. The Christmas tree and holiday decor is definitely a breath taking sight. You can also ice skate and enjoy the beautiful weather and ambiance with family and friends. Would recommend taking public transportation to get there.
-
January 2024 by Viv N.
Ice skating under the Christmas tree!! Sure there is Bryant park to skate but this experience is worth it!! Definitely enough ice skating time and very magical. Plan to reserve several months ahead of Christmas.. this is worth it!!
-
January 2024 by Holden C.
I am really bad at ice skating...but its perfect for a date. Although pretty busy, I had a fun time hanging onto the walls of the rink until I could skate without holding on. The rental skates were terrible, they folded onto each other when skating and were really broken into. Although the skates were flimsy and I wasn't a good skater, my date and I still had a great time making memories during the holidays. Up until the point we got tired and had a bite to eat at a nearby shop.
-
January 2024 by Robert R.
I hate crowds.. but I had to do it for Kevin (Home Alone reference). We went during the weekday so it was not too crazy. Still busy, but manageable and everyone with the common goal of getting the perfect picture with the tree. Everyone took turn and no one was shoving which is nice. The area is very clean and decorated nicely. We really enjoyed coming here during the day and at night. Anything free in this city is a must do! Note: If you are coming during the evening on a weekend.. be prepared for crazy crowds. Watch your purses and pockets.
-
January 2024 by Hannah H.
You can't miss it - the Rockefeller Center consists of commercial buildings as well as several points of interest, such as the Top of the Rock observation deck, the Christmas tree lighting, as well as the ice skating rink. We came here recently to check out the lit-up Christmas tree, and, as usual, it was super jampacked with both the locals and tourists alike. Easy to get to by public transportation. +Christmas tree
-
January 2024 by Amos S.
Rockefeller Center is about as iconic as is gets. Can you think of a movie that features it? A TV show? Both? Multiple? We already know you answered yes to all of the above. ICE SKATING (reviews might vary based on time of year) My beloved and I took an opportunity to head up to Rock when there was a bit of nice weather. Partly cloudy, 55 degrees. Perfect for a light jacket and pants! And perfect for Ice Skating! Sure, there are a lot of things you can do or perhaps buy or see at Rockefeller Center - after all, it's not just a singular business ... but the ice rick is iconic and the Christmas tree is as well, so we had a great time skating and making memories during this recent holidays. You have to purchase tickets in advance via the website, and are then given digital tickets to scan. You select your day and time (prices vary based on time), and other options like professional photos with the tree etc. Once you're done making your selections (I don't need to tell yall how to online shop - if you're on Yelp you can figure it out lol), purchase and it's booked. Sure up about 30 minutes prior to make sure you can get through the crowds. There's a ton of people NOT there for skating, but instead just to look at the rink, the tree, and the skaters and take selfies... you'll have to plow through these crowds to get down to the rink. Bring your own skates, if you have them. If not? Add skates rental to your cart when purchasing tickets. They are nothing fancy. No laces even. Just two buckles and loosely fitting - heavily used. But that's fine, you're just going to put around the rink anyways and do your best to stay in the middle because everyone is literally parked in front of the tree. So if you're not good at skating or more importantly, stopping/turning, just stay away from the tree. Which means you get about half the rink. Again, this ain't hockey tryouts and Nancy Kerrigan ain't out there hosting auditions, so just putt around and enjoy the moment / memory! I sure did! Bucket list item for sure: Ice Skating during Christmas Season at Rockefeller while the Tree is up with my lady! Checked blocks for us both! Fun times! SERVICE: NA SELECTION: NA VALUE: NA
-
January 2024 by Mari H.
This was not my first time to Rockefeller Center, but it was the first time during the holiday season. We travel for our birthdays vs. giving gifts. Mine just happens to be Dec 22nd, and seeing the city all sparkly and magical was what I wanted this year. Naturally, first thoughts went straight to Rockefeller Center. Not one to super plan out all the details, I did scroll through lots of different NYC insta pages and got some great tips for visiting and still missed a ton that I am now seeing on my feed after I am home. Best tip, get your ass up super early to enjoy these wonderful spots, views, and photo ops. It will still be dark and the tree is lit up just the same at 6:30am as it is at 8:30pm but without the insane amounts of people that you have to be a NFL running back to get through! We accidently found ourselves in the area at night while trying to get to our dinner spot, and it just wasn't worth it. The insanity of so many people trying to see decorations and lights all at the same time, pushing strangers around at night, literally sucked out my holiday cheer and diverted all the magic from the area. There is nothing fun about being pushed and shoved. So don't! At 6:30 a.m., I still found myself alongside a fair amount of people, but it was different. People willing to be up and out at that hour are there because they want to enjoy everything this is meant to be about. I saw families dressed up, full hair and makeup done, ready to get their pictures professionally taken with the tree and all the other amazing decorations around the area. You could watch and see others' excitement and love during these family or romantic moments. My alone time in the city at these early hours continues to make me smile now. Christmas in NYC is magical, and memories one gets to cherish forever... even if you didn't get all the photos you wanted. Not everything needs to be on insta but it has provided me with plenty of must see ideas for my next NYC trip.
-
December 2023 by Bob R.
Rockefeller Center is always amazing. Winter or Summer, there is plenty to see and to do. We've been there many dozens of times and always enjoy it - especially when the ice skaters are out. We were there right after Christmas and the tree was still up. The skaters were out and we watched for a few minutes, but only a few. There were thousands of people crammed into the large space - people were all up against each other and it was uncomfortable. If you like being in crowds like that, you will have a ball, but I couldn't breathe. We had a difficult time getting out of the crowds. People were all jamming in to get close looks, and didn't seem to care about letting people by lest they get in front of them. Or, maybe they didn't notice. The tree was beautiful, and Rockefeller Center is a maginificent building and space. So, I can't sell it short, This visit, though, was painful due to the crowds. At any other time of the year I would rate this five stars, but need to remove one for the lack of crowd control. We'll be back next year and I'm sure I will update this review then.
-
December 2023 by Marie S.
We did the Rockefeller Center walking tour (about 1 hr 15 minutes). Our guide was a little hard to hear because of the static on her microphone, but she was very knowledgeable nonetheless. The tour covered the tree, history, architecture and more surrounding the square. Best part of the tour was getting to go behind the barriers and get an unobstructed picture with the Rockefeller tree. 2023 #122
-
December 2023 by ben d.
Been coming for years to see the tree and relish the holiday atmosphere. As I approached the rink the barrier was lifted and landed on my food bruising it. Little did I expect that action was coming from the so called security guard who when I helped he snickered and said guess you should not have been that close.
-
December 2023 by Jennifer B.
Pretty sweet tree but every Hallmark movie who ever said Christmas in New York is . It was not magical it was a claustrophobic nightmare.
-
October 2023 by Charlie
Rockefeller Center, an iconic symbol of New York City, stands as a testament to art, commerce, and innovation. This historic complex, spanning 22 acres in Midtown Manhattan, is a vibrant hub of entertainment, shopping, and culture. Home to the renowned Radio City Music Hall, it hosts the legendary Radio City Christmas Spectacular, captivating audiences with its dazzling performances. The Top of the Rock Observation Deck offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city skyline, while the Rockefeller Plaza, adorned with the famous Prometheus statue, buzzes with activity, especially during the winter when it transforms into a magical ice-skating rink. With its art deco architecture and a rich history, Rockefeller Center remains a must-visit destination, embodying the spirit and energy of New York City.
