3 Tips For Visiting Rockefeller Center During the Holidays

No other place in New York City can compare to Rockefeller Center during the holidays. With the brightest lights, the biggest Christmas tree, and possibly the most popular ice skating rink in Manhattan, a visit to Rockefeller Center will fill you with holiday spirit. 

Unless you don’t like crowds, which can be massive this time of year. Once the tree goes up at the beginning of December, an estimated 750,000 people visit each day, most just to see the 100-foot-tall Norway spruce covered with over 50,000 LED lights. 

The massive crowd size is one of the biggest deterrents for visiting Rockefeller Center during the holiday season. It’s a hassle waiting in long lines, being shoved by strangers, and dealing with all the extra commotion. But it would be a shame to miss out on seeing the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree just to avoid all the people. 

Lucky for you, we’ve got three tips (plus a special bonus tip) to help you deal with massive crowds at Rockefeller Center this holiday season. Whether you’re visiting the city for vacation and enjoying some local NYC tours or just swinging by for family or a quick quick business trip, Rockefeller Center is a must if you’re in New York for the holidays. Here’s how to do it right. 

1. Reserve your spot on The Rink

Ice skating on The Rink at Rockefeller center is a classic tradition depicted in every Christmas movie set in New York City. But what the movies don’t show are the outrageously long lines and waiting times. 

Fortunately, it’s easy to reserve tickets for a skating session online, so you can show up at your scheduled time and get right on the ice. The Rink offers three ticket reservation options:

• The General Skate ticket is the most affordable option and includes a 60-minute skate session.
• If you don’t mind spending a little extra money, the Premium Skate ticket lets you enjoy 90 minutes on the ice with a complimentary skate rental and 20% discount at the gift shop. 
• Planning to spend the winter in NYC? Then a Season Pass that gives you unlimited access to The Rink is the best way to experience ice skating at Rockefeller Center.

So no crowds at the skate rental counter, no fighting to get a locker, and, more importantly, no waiting to get on the ice. Whichever ticket option you choose, reserving your spot ahead of time will save you a lot of time and stress.

After your skate

Warm up with hot chocolate, an alcoholic beverage, and light bites at the Après Skate Chalets, which you can book for a private 40-minute reservation of up to six people. While walk-ins are welcome, booking these faux ski lounges ahead is advised due to limited availability.

2. Avoid weekend afternoons and evenings

The best way to save money and avoid large crowds is to visit Rockefeller Center during non-peak hours. Unfortunately, this window is pretty small during the holidays, but it’s still there! 

Our first tip is to avoid weekends, since that’s when everyone has time to visit Rockefeller Center. We recommend going during the week, Monday through Friday, when fewer people are likely to be around.

Tip: Book a Rockefeller Center Walking Tour to learn about this city within a city and navigate the crowds with a local guide. You’ll even get access to the Top of the Rock.

A city within a city — and 850 ft. above the city

Rockefeller Center Walking Tour With Top of the Rock

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Weekday mornings and afternoons or late at night also work well. Afternoons tend to be warmest, and you’ll miss the lunchtime crowds if you go after 2 p.m. 

Of course, the lights are best at night. If your goal is getting pictures of the lights without the crowds, plan to visit around 10 p.m. when the crowds start to thin out. You’ll have to stay up late, which might be hard after a long day in the city, but seeing the tree all lit up without a crowd around makes it worth it.

3. Use the Concourse to get around

If you want to avoid slowly weaving through clusters of people, then we suggest using the Concourse under 30 Rock to get around. It won’t be barren down there, but it’s a lot easier and less stressful than trying to push through the crowds above ground. 

The Concourse at Rockefeller Center is an underground shopping and dining center with pathways that connect the many buildings of Rockefeller Center. There are several entrances, but the easiest way to enter is at 30 Rockefeller Center (right behind the Christmas tree) and going one level down. Don’t worry about getting lost — there are plenty of signs to help you find your way. It’s a great shortcut to the main square, and it’s especially handy for cold, rainy, and snowy days. 

Bonus tip: See the best of Rockefeller Center with a local guide

Sometimes the best way to get around the crowds is to have a knowledgeable tour guide show you the way. On our walking tour of Rockefeller Center, you’ll discover the history, symbolism, art, and architecture of this iconic complex. 

From the famous Atlas statue to stunning views from the Top of the Rock, you’ll get a special insider experience of Rockefeller Center that lets you cut through the crowds. You’ll also make stops at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, FAO Schwarz, and Radio City Music Hall, giving you a great blend of old and new New York. 

This holiday season, don’t let the large crowds keep you away from Rockefeller Center. With these tips, you’re on your way to a stress-free visit to NYC.