New York City is pure magic during the wintertime, and it's also one of the best times to book a trip to the Big Apple (pro tip for newcomers, though - don't call it the Big Apple). There's something about freshly fallen snow blanketing Central park, the dazzling lights of 5th Avenue, and, of course, the big 'ol tree that sits in the center of it all at Rockefeller Center.

If it's not the ice skating that captivates a visitor's heart, then it will definitely be the massive tree that's trimmed and lit each December in anticipation of a New York City Christmas. Visiting the tree for the very first time can be overwhelming, though, so here are some insider tips on how to get the best views, photos, and all-around experience.

Things Everyone Should Know About The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

For starters, the tree is, indeed, just as impressive in person as it appears to be on TV. Many people will likely wonder if visiting this giant Norway Spruce is overrated and the answer is no - it's not, and it's worth doing at least once. Not only is the sheer presence of such a spruce humbling but it's a general atmosphere surrounding it that makes the experience all that it is. It's also important to know that visitors don't need to wait until the last minute to see the tree, as it usually goes up in late November.

Here are some fast facts to know about 2021's enormous Norway Spruce:

  • The tree came from Elkton, Maryland
  • It stands tall at a total height of 79 feet
  • Its diameter measures 46 feet around

Dates & Times

The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is traditionally lit on December 1st, which is always televised. While many people do show up for the official lighting, it's not worth it to combat the crowds and deal with the stress of the first night that it's lit - especially when there are 30+ days to choose from.

  • Pro Tip: Skip the in-person lighting, watch it on TV like everyone else and see it later in the month.

From December 1st through New Year's Eve, the tree is lit between 6 AM until midnight. Christmas Day is the only day when the tree is lit for a full 24 hours, and New Year's Eve marks the final dwindling hours of the tree, as it's only lit from 6 AM to 9 PM.

  • Address: 49th Street, which is in between 5th and 6th Avenues

Getting There

The great thing about New York City is that transportation is practically endless. Obviously, driving into the city just to see the Christmas tree would be a mistake as parking is a nightmare and so is driving its grid-locked streets. There's no reason to do this as Penn Station provides full access to the center of Manhattan, and the subway provides access to every other area of the city.

  • Walking: For those who don't mind a brisk city walk, it's about one city mile from Penn Station to Rockefeller Center. Walking there can take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes.
  • Train/Subway: Those who prefer the train can hop onto the B/D/F/M trains to 47th-50th Street (Rockefeller Center).
  • Taxi: A taxi is the quickest way to Rockefeller Center and is roughly a two-minute drive (or slightly more, depending on traffic). The ride costs anywhere between $9-$12.

Related: An Insider's Guide To Concert Tourism In New York City

Tips For Visiting The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

While there's not much to keep in mind when visiting the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, there are some things to be aware of, especially for newcomers.

Keep In Mind That It's Still A City Setting

Those who aren't familiar with the hustle and bustle of New York City or the sheer number of people who live there might find the trip to be overwhelming. It's important to remember that while the tree is technically a tourist attraction, there are many New Yorkers who pass it daily on their way to and from work, and the area will always be busy. Luckily, there are always places around the tree to stop off and take a 'break' from the crowds that gather around it for photos.

  • Pro Tip: Go on a weekday when it's likely to be less crowded - avoid weekends.

Dress Warmly

The best thing to do is to dress warmly when visiting the tree, especially for those who plan on walking to it. A hat of some sort that covers one's ears is an absolute must, and gloves will prevent one's fingers from being too cold to even operate their cameras or phones. A scarf, medium-weight coat, and thin layers are also a good idea. The breeze whipping around those city skyscrapers is something that many people underestimate.

Get That Photo Op!

Don't worry - literally everyone who's visiting the tree is trying to take the same photo. More often than not, visitors will be asked to take group or family photos, and it's okay to ask the same of someone else in return. While New Yorkers often get a reputation for being too busy for anything, those gathered around the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree are there to enjoy it - not run off to their next destination immediately.

  • Pro Tip: Use wide-angle mode or flip a phone while using panorama mode to get the entire tree in the photo, and don't stand too close to it.

Take Advantage Of The Area

Rockefeller Center is in the middle of some of the greatest Christmas-themed window and light displays in the entire city. Additionally, many restaurants and pubs will have their establishments festively decorated for the holidays. It's worth spending as much time in the city as possible to experience the holidays, as a whole, and not just Rockefeller Center.

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