Rockefeller Center

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.

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.

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

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!

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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.

As stated in other reviews I freakin love Rockefeller Center durning Christmas time. The tree is absolutely gorgeous and gives me that positive vibe of the Christmas Season.

Everyone have a Merry Christmas with much blessings and love !!!!

I believe I have yet to witness the extent of the city that is truly majestic. It a very profound scene with many flowers. I was easily taken by the skating rink that's not free of charge. Good luck on a beautiful day finding a lavatory. It is such a nice community.

It's iconic. Great photo ops and everyone is in the Christmas spirit in December. Love that. It wasn't too crowded since I went in the morning, but it definitely gets packed later in the day. I tried to go the first night I landed but Christmas lights were shut off after 1 a.m.

That being said, once you've been that is enough. I snapped my photo and went about my business in New York City.

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!

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.