Traditionally, The Today Show’s Al Roker hosts a live telecast of the Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting Ceremony that features an impressive line-up of celebrity performances (Beyonce and Tony Bennett entertained at the 2008 event). Check back soon for details regarding the NBC telecast and celebrity guests.
If you don't want to brave the crowds for the tree lighting ceremony, you can also see the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree from 5:30AM to 11:30PM daily from December 2nd, 2009 through January 7th, 2010 (and all day long on Christmas Day).
2009 Tree Lighting Ceremony At Rockefeller Center
When: Wednesday, December 2nd, 2009 from 7PM-9PM (tree is lit at 8:55PM)
Where: Rockefeller Center, Rockefeller Plaza, From West 48th Street to West 51st Street between 5th and 6th Avenues
Directions:
- Take the B,D,F,V to Rockefeller Center/47-50th Street station
- Take the N,R,W to 49th Street and Seventh Avenue
- Take the E to Fifth Avenue and 53rd Street
Tips For Attending The Tree Lighting Ceremony At Rockefeller Center:
First and foremost, leave your car at home. The annual tree lighting ceremony at Rockefeller Center creates traffic mayhem every year and is one of the city's offical Gridlock Alert Days. If you plan to attend, take public transportation and allow plenty of time for navigating through the crowds.
If you must drive, keep in mind that there will be street closures and parking near the event will be a challenge. According to Gridlock Sam, streets between 48th and 52nd Streets between Fifth to Sixth Avenues will be closed from 3 PM until about 10 PM.
Margot Tohn of Park It! NYC says that most garages within five blocks of Rockefeller Center have an Evening Special rate between $14 and $26 that starts after 5 PM or 6 PM. Be sure to confirm the rate with the garage first, though, because some garages will decide to declare a higher ‘Event’ rate for the tree lighting. Here are some garages with Evening Rates near Rockefeller Center:
- $10 after 5 PM at E. 47 Parking, South side of E. 47th Street between 2nd and 3rd Avenues
- $14 after 5 PM at Central Parking, North side of E. 53rd Street between 2nd and 3rd Avenues
- $16 after 6 PM at 910 Garage, East side of 2nd Avenue between E. 48th and E. 49th Streets
- $26 after 6 PM at Parklex Garage, South side of E. 52nd Street between Park and Lexington Avenues
- See photos of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and the tree arriving at Rockefeller Center
- Rockefeller Center Holiday Photo Gallery
- History Of Rockefeller Center
- Ice Skating Rink At Rockefeller Center
- Christmas At Rockefeller Center
- Top Of The Rock At Rockefeller Center
Some Rockefeller Center Christmas Gift Ideas
The Art of Rockefeller Center -- by Christine Roussel. This full-color art guide provides an in-depth look at the art and architecture of Rockefeller Center. Also available in paperback.Compare Prices
Redbird at Rockefeller Center-- by Peter Maloney and Felicia Zekauskas. Kids will love this beautifully illustrated story about tiny Redbird, who wakes up in Rockefeller Center after the giant spruce he calls home is transported to New York for the holidays.
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The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree -- by Nancy Armstrong. Read all about the history and lore of the world's most famous Christmas tree.
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Rockefeller Center 1932 (Resting on a Girder) by Ebbets -- Display an art print of the iconic photograph by Ebbets that depicts 1932 construction workers napping on a girder dangling high above Rockefeller Center.
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