The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is a world-wide symbol of the holidays in New York City. It has been a tradition since 1931. If you’re going to be in the area, make sure and visit. Or perhaps you want to be one of the thousands that line the street for the lighting of the tree in Rockefeller Center. This year’s ceremony is scheduled for December 4th, 2013 from 7 to 9 p.m. If you’ve never been to a Christmas in Rockefeller Center before, you should definitely try to go. The festive ceremonial lighting is truly a one-of-a-kind experience that’s well-worth checking out at least once in your lifetime. It takes over 30,000 (or 5 miles of) lights and a Swarovski star to light up the tree.
Performers for this year include Mary J Blige, Mariah Carey, Toni Braxton, Kally Clarkson, Kenny Edmonds (Babyface,) Goo Goo Dolls, Ariana Grande and Jewel.
If you are planning to go to the Rockefeller Christmas Tree lighting, there are a few things that you should know before you go.
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Dress Appropriately. Winter in New York City is cold. Very cold. You’ll want to make sure that you’re dressed in clothing that can keep you warm for the long haul. Dress in layers, and bring or wear a warm coat, a scarf, gloves, and a hat, along with anything else that you need to keep you warm. Wear comfortable shoes, because you’re liable to be standing for a long time. And if you see signs of inclement weather or you know that the weather reports are indicating rain or snow, be sure to bring umbrellas and other rain gear as well.
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Come Early. The ceremony begins at 7:00PM, but you need to arrive long before that if you’re going to get a good spot. Plan your route carefully, and don’t plan on driving. The streets surrounding Rockefeller Center are often closed before, during and after the lighting ceremony, so you’re not going to get very close by car. A better option is taking mass transit to get to the lighting ceremony. The Rockefeller Center is accessible by bus and subway, but the nearest subway stop is likely to be congested and further slowed down by high security. You’re better off getting off at an earlier stop and walking.
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Prepare for a Crowd. The tree lighting ceremony is both fantastic and free, and that means that just about everybody who can come, will. Be prepared to stand shoulder to shoulder with a lot of people during the time leading up to the ceremony and during the ceremony. Once you’re in position to watch the ceremony, it’s going to be difficult to leave, and if you do leave you aren’t going to get your spot back. Bring water bottles, any snacks that you need, and anything else that will help you stay comfortable during the hours that you’ll be standing at the Rockefeller Center. Also, hit a restroom beforehand, particularly if you have small children!
Last, but certainly not least, don’t forget to enjoy yourself! If you want to avoid the crowds, but still want to see the tree, it will remain lit until January 7th, 2014.
