13 Things to Do Near Rockefeller Center During Christmas in New York City
There’s nothing quite like Christmas in New York City, especially around Rockefeller Center. Every street twinkles, store windows sparkle, and that famous tree glows brighter than ever. If you’ve been searching for the best things to do near Rockefeller Center during Christmas, you’re in the right place.
Rockefeller Center is one of my absolute favorite places to visit in New York City. It sits right in the heart of Midtown Manhattan between 5th and 6th Avenues, just a few blocks from Times Square. I could spend an entire day here, where every corner feels like it belongs on a postcard.
I’ve visited New York City many times, including three trips during Christmas, and somehow it never loses its magic.
This post is packed with my personal favorites and insider tips for couples and families planning a holiday trip to NYC.
You’ll find the best festive sights, shopping, snacks, and photo ops, all within a short walk of Rockefeller Center. If you are lucky enough to find yourself in New York City this year, first, I am very jealous, and secondly, I hope you enjoy it. 🎄
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1. See the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
The New York Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is the star of the show, literally. The Rockefeller Tree lights up the plaza every December and stays up into early January. It’s one of the many free things to do when you visit NYC at Christmas.
The tree is open 24/7, but the crowds can get intense. Just know this area gets packed, especially right after dark and on weekends.
I add visits to my New York City Christmas itinerary for early in the morning or later at night, around 10 PM, when the crowds thin out a bit.
Pro tip: Make sure you see the tree in the daytime and evening for a totally different view.
Don’t forget to check out the tree top, with a 900-pound, nine-foot Swarovski crystal star.
I actually saw this dazzler up close in 2018 when it was unveiled.
It was spectacular!
Absolutely, don’t leave Rockefeller Center without seeing the tree from the Channel Gardens. This beautifully decorated area is filled with lights, fountains, angels, and greenery.
The Channel Gardens area makes an excellent backdrop for professional holiday photos or a quick selfie under the twinkling lights.
It’s one of my favorite views of the Rockefeller tree.
2. Go Ice Skating at The Rink at Rockefeller Center
Few things are more iconic than skating under the Rockefeller Christmas tree. The Rink at Rockefeller Center has been open since 1936, and it’s still one of the best things to do near Rockefeller Center during Christmas.
If you’ve never visited in real life, I think you will be surprised by the size of the rink. To me, it looks much smaller than it does on TV. Nonetheless, it’s still magical.
You’ll need to book tickets ahead of time online, especially in December.
Early mornings are usually less crowded, and if you can manage a weekday visit, even better.
Sessions usually last about 60 minutes, but the rink is small, so that should be enough time.
If skating isn’t your thing, grab a hot chocolate from the Glace Truck in Center Plaza and watch from the sidelines. It’s just as fun and much warmer.
3. Book a Rockefeller Center Après Skate Chalet
One unique highlight of Rockefeller Center in December is the Après Skate Chalets, which pop up each year with cozy holiday décor.
The chalets give the plaza a European Christmas market vibe, perfect for warming up between sightseeing stops. Your dedicated and decorated spot in the middle of Manhattan exudes holiday fun!
Be ready to jump on these Après Skate Chalet reservations as soon as they open.
Despite the grand price tag, they do sell out.
This year, your chalet comes with four Top of the Rock tickets, a commemorative photo, and a private chalet for up to six people for 40 minutes.
Is the chalet worth the price? Well, just look at that view of the tree!
4. Visit Top of the Rock
The Top of the Rock is one of my favorite viewpoints in all of New York. The Observatory offers one of the best skyline views in New York City, especially at sunset. While this is just one of the many NYC observation decks, this one is special.
From the Top of the Rock, you’ll see the Empire State Building glowing in Christmas colors and Central Park dusted in snow, hopefully!
Book your tickets ahead of time online, ideally for golden hour (around 4 PM in December). The observation deck is often less crowded in the morning, but the city views at dusk are hard to beat.
5. Step Inside St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Directly across the street from Rockefeller Center is the stunning St. Patrick’s Cathedral. This free attraction is one of New York’s most beautiful landmarks and a peaceful break from the holiday bustle.
Step inside for a few quiet moments or light a candle. The cathedral’s Gothic architecture, marble altars, Nativity scene, and stained glass are breathtaking.
Make sure to check the church’s schedule for special holiday performances, which are often free to the public.
6. Shop at Flagship Stores
The area around Rockefeller Center is a toy lover’s paradise.
You must stop in FAO Schwarz, the iconic toy store where kids (and adults) can play on the giant piano made famous in the movie Big.
Just across the way, the LEGO Store features impressive NYC landmarks built entirely out of bricks. You can even design your own custom mini-figure to take home.
Finally, Nintendo New York, just steps away in Rockefeller Plaza, is another must-visit, packed with gaming memorabilia, playable consoles, and limited-edition merchandise.
These flagship stores are festive, colorful, and full of that holiday sparkle that makes you feel like a kid again.
7. Watch the Saks Fifth Avenue Light Show
After a brief hiatus, the beloved Saks Fifth Avenue light show has returned.
Every night during the holidays, beginning November 24, Saks Fifth Avenue (right across from Rockefeller Center) puts on a spectacular light show set to music.
The entire 10-story building lights up with colorful displays that sparkle in sync with holiday tunes.
It’s short, free, and absolutely mesmerizing.
Crowds gather along 5th Avenue, so grab a hot chocolate and enjoy the show.
Shows run every few minutes. You’ll definitely know when it begins; you can’t miss it.
Grab a spot across the street near the tree for the best view.
8. Catch a Show at Radio City Music Hall
The Radio City Christmas Spectacular featuring the Rockettes is one of my absolute favorite shows during the holidays. This iconic show combines precision dancing, Santa Claus, and classic New York glitz.
Book tickets early for the best seats. Try weekday matinees for fewer crowds and lower prices.
Radio City Music Hall is just a short walk from Rockefeller Center, so it’s easy to fit into your day.
9. Snap Photos with NYC’s Giant Christmas Decorations
The stretch along 6th Avenue between 48th and 50th Streets is lined with some of the most photographed holiday decorations in the city.
You’ll see the giant red Christmas bulbs, the oversized candy canes, and the famous Christmas ornaments sitting in fountains.
Visit early in the morning to get photos without the crowds, or go after dark when everything sparkles under the city lights.
10. The Atlas Statue
One spot I don’t want you to miss is the Atlas statue outside St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
The Atlas statue is impressive any time of year, but it’s especially striking framed by the Christmas decorations.
11. Visit the Lotte New York Palace Christmas Tree
Just a few blocks north of Rockefeller Center, the Lotte New York Palace Hotel sets up one of the prettiest Christmas trees in the city.
You might recognize the courtyard from the show, Gossip Girl.
The tree is open to the public, and it’s a lovely stop for couples or families wanting a quiet photo away from the crowds.
12. Spot Santa in Rockefeller Center
You can even meet Santa Claus right inside Rockefeller Center when you visit Top of the Rock. Add a Santa photo pass to your ticket, and the setup makes it look like you’re sitting high above the city on the iconic steel beam. Don’t worry, though, you’re safely on the ground.
It’s such a fun keepsake, especially for kids (and honestly, adults too).
While the popular Skate with Santa experience is no longer offered, you can still catch Santa elsewhere around the city.
Macy’s Santaland remains a classic New York holiday tradition, complete with an immersive North Pole setup.
Bryant Park’s Santa Corner is another fun stop if you’re out exploring Midtown.
Keep an eye out for pop-up appearances, too. Santa tends to make surprise stops all over the city in December.
13. Holiday Pop-Ups
One of the best parts of visiting New York City during the holidays is stumbling onto festive surprises you didn’t plan for.
Around Rockefeller Center, new holiday pop-ups and themed bars seem to appear overnight.
If you love staying on top of what’s new, follow Average Socialite for the latest pop-ups and limited-time holiday experiences. They’re an excellent source for those NYC holiday happenings.
Where to Eat Near Rockefeller Center
Holiday exploring works up an appetite, and there’s no shortage of good food nearby.
- 5 Acres – Chicago favorites in the heart of Manhattan- now open on the Rink Level of Rockefeller Center
- Del Frisco’s Grille – An upscale casual spot near Rockefeller Center. Ask for Happy Hour specials or the It Girl Dinner. For $25, you get salad, pasta, fries, and a cocktail.
- Bill’s Bar & Burger – Great for burgers and fries in a relaxed setting.
- Blue Bottle Coffee – A go-to for espresso and pastries.
- Magnolia Bakery – Grab a cupcake or banana pudding for dessert.
- The Capital Grille – For couples looking for a fancy holiday dinner without going far.
Tip: Make dinner reservations in advance, especially between 5:30 and 8 PM, when everyone else is finishing up their holiday sightseeing.
How to Get to Rockefeller Center
Rockefeller Center is in Midtown Manhattan between 48th and 51st Streets and 5th and 6th Avenues.
By subway: Take the B, D, F, or M train to the 47–50 Streets Rockefeller Center station. You can also take the E or M to 5th Ave/53rd Street or the 1 to 50th Street.
By taxi or rideshare: Ask to be dropped off near 49th Street and 6th Avenue; it’s the most convenient entry point.
Don’t bring a car. Traffic in this area during Christmas is downright chaotic. Streets are blocked off, cars barely move, and parking is outrageously expensive. You’re far better off taking the subway or walking once you arrive in Midtown. It’s faster, easier, and a lot less stressful.
Walking is the best way to explore this area once you arrive. Everything listed here is within a few blocks.
Recommended Christmas Tours Around Rockefeller Center
If you’d like to explore with a guide or see even more holiday sparkle, there are several holiday tours that start and end near Rockefeller Center. They’re great options for couples and families who want to learn a little history, snap photos, and see the city at its most festive.
My picks include:
- NYC: Radio City Christmas Show + Holiday Walking Tour
- New York City The Official Rockefeller Center Tour
- New York Holiday Lights and Sights Walking Tour
- Midtown Manhattan Art and Architecture Walking Tour
Spending Christmas near Rockefeller Center feels like stepping straight into a snow globe. Between the sparkling tree, ice skating, toy stores, and light shows, this corner of Manhattan captures the very best of the holiday season.
No matter how many times I visit, I always find something new to love, and I always leave wishing I had one more day.
If you’re planning a Christmas trip to New York City, save this list of things to do near Rockefeller Center during Christmas to make the most of your visit. It’s the perfect mix of festive fun, iconic sights, and cozy moments you’ll remember long after the lights come down.
