Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting December 2 2009
Upated November 19, 2009 including hosts and special guests
A complete guide to Christmas at Rockefeller Center 2009 - includes hosts, guests, directions, area restaurants and more: http://www.examiner.com/x-21128-Newark-Luxury-Travel-Examiner~y2009m11d16-A-complete-guide-to-Christmas-at-Rockefeller-Center-2009
Where: Rockefeller Center, Rockefeller Plaza, From West 48th Street to West 51st Street between 5th and 6th Avenues
Host - (Confirmed): Jane Krakowski ("30 Rock") and Zachary Levi ("Chuck") To Co-Host
Special Guests (Confirmed):
Tree Origin: Easton, Connecticut
Tickets/Cost: The tree lighting ceremony is free and no tickets are needed. However it is advised you arrive early to secure a prime viewing spot for the 2 hour lighting ceremony. The ceremony begins at 7pm and will last through 9pm and the tree will be lit at 8:55 PM Eastern time. Many people will begin arriving as early as 3pm to secure their viewing spot. Plan accordingly.
Weather: The average high in December in New York City is 44 degree Fahrenheit (6.66 Celsius) and average low is 32 degree Fahrenheit (0 Celsius). The average precipitation is 3.56 inches. Rain or snow can happen anytime in December in New York City. Dress accordingly. For weather conditions during your visit to New York City visit :http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USNY0996
UPDATED NOVEMBER 11, 2009
The 2009 Rockefeller Center tree has been announced and it is making it's way to NYC on November 11, 2009. For more information visit: http://www.examiner.com/x-21128-Newark-Luxury-Travel-Examiner~y2009m11d11-Christmas-at-Rockefeller-Center-2009-Updated-Tree-information
UPDATED!! To get the latest information updated on October 12, 2009 click the following link:
It is one of the most anticipated events of the Holiday season in New York City, the annual lighting of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. The live celebration of the 77th tree lighting will take place on Wednesday, December 2, 2009. Special guests are to be announced.
When: Wednesday, December 2, 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
If You Are Attending The Live Tree Lighting Ceremony:
- Arrive early (no later than 6pm but many people arrive as early as 3pm) the ceremony runs from 7 PM to 9 PM. The tree is lit at 8:55 PM
- Dress WARM. December in New York City is cold. Heavy coats, hats and gloves are a must for standing in the cold.
- Do NOT drive. Take mass transit to Rockefeller Center.
Hotels Around Rockefeller Center
This is a random sampling of hotels within close proximity to Rockefeller Center based on two people sharing one room for one night (Check In: Wednesday, December 2, 2009 and Check-out: Thursday, December 3, 2009):
Holiday Inn Express (http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/ex/1/en/hotel/nycff)
15 West 45th Street
.10 mile to Rockefeller Center
Price: From $491.19 for 1 night including taxes
Omni Berkshire (http://www.omnihotels.com/FindAHotel/NewYorkOmniBerkshire.aspx)
21 E 52nd Street
.20 mile to Rockefeller Center
Price: From $549.65 for 1 night including taxes
New York Palace (http://www.newyorkpalace.com/)
455 Madison Avenue
.20 mile to Rockefeller Center
Price: From $680.52 for 1 night including taxes
For more information call Rockefeller Center at 212-588-8601 or visit: http://www.thetreenyc.com/
Comments
Been looking for this info for weeks! Thanks!
Do you need to purchase tickets for the tree lighting and concert?
The tree lighting and concerts/music/performances are free and no tickets are necessary. Just get there early to get a good spot!
Keep us updated with who will be performing for 2009, I go every year and always consider it my "official" kick off to the season.
Christmas at Rockefeller Center 2009! CANNOT WAIT! My first trip to NYC!
Feliz Navidad
going to be in nyc for my b'day and will be seeing the tree light live!
Where is the BEST location for viewing? Anyone know?
Please update this article when you learn who is going to be at the lighting. I plan on attending and have this page bookmarked.
Trust me the best place to see the tree lighting is in front of your TV with a nice warm drink. Unlees you want to camp out in the cold for hours you will be lucky to hear the music let alone hear it.
I have to agree, it's much better to watch it on TV. If you went back 15 or 20 years when it was still a "local" event, it was better. You could get close to the tree and ice ring. Now you're lucky to get a spot a block back. I miss the old days.
For those of us who don't live in the area it is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Personally I will be there for the live lighting and I don't care if it's pouring rain. I can watch it on TV next year!
I agree with those who say it's a once in a lifetime experience. I will be there as well and that is regardless of crowds or weather. It's the idea of the comradery of the event and time of year.
For those who have gone, would you recommend bringing children? We would really like our children to experience this, but they are 5 and 6.
Yay! Have been trying to find out when it will be this year. Taking my 10 yr old to NYC for the first time and plan to see. Wondering where to eat close by?
You go Jackie girl! It's official the date of December 2, 2009 is now on the Rockefeller Center website. You rock girl, I don't know how or where you get your information, but, I hope you update us when they announce guest stars!
Marsha - there is a TGI Friday's on 5th Avenue. Only a block or two away from Rockefeller Center. There is a McDonald's on 6th and 48th and also another one on 47th between 5th and Madison. All very close to Rockefeller Center.
LM - the entire tree lighting ceremony is 2 hours and factor in your should get there no later than 5pm, you're looking at standing in the cold for 4 hours. I'm not sure a 5 and 6 year old have that much patience. However, if you're able to entertain them - more power to you.
TGI Friday's will do fine...thanks Linda!
Thank god u put all this information... I wax looking for this since last year can u believe me... OMG =0
Don't listen to the neigh sayers! It's an INCREDIBLE experience and I look forward to one day returning to New York to be able to see it in person again. I love every minute of it when I was there in 2006!
Does anyone know how long the lights stay on? Just trying to plan a trip to NY, but I would like to come in January and am hoping the lights will still be up.
Courtney - the tree will be lit on December 2, 2009 (this is now officially confirmed) and will remain up until January 7, 2010. I will be updating the information on the tree lighting story as soon as I get confirmation about guests and other information needed for those attending.
Jackie Thresten
I'm going and I can't wait! First time to NYC and I'm not missing the tree lighting in person for anything or anyone! Looking forward to your update Jacqueline! Your column has been extremely helpful and I enjoy reading it.
If you have the chance to get there and experience the tree lighting live and in person, DON'T, I say DON'T miss it. I and four of my friends (50's and 60's) have been going for the past three years. Get there early, park in a garage nearby, eat in a close by restaurant and have a ball. You meet people of all ages,races,nationalities,locals,other states and overseas and everyone is so nice to each other. Thanks for the 2009 date, I will start my planning tomorrow and my friends will be thrilled.
I may never be in New York again, especially during the holidays. I plan on attending this very special occasion.
Very anxiously awaiting updates!
My mom surprised me for my 16th birthday present! NYC is my favorite place in the world! Im so excited to go my cousin is comign with us and we are dying to know who is performing! When someone finds out can they let me know please! CANT WAIT!
my mail is gareyes@gas.pemex.com, i don´t speak english very good sorry, I´m in Mexico, but go in NY in lighting tree ceremony, someone know how artist stay their day? tanks
In this economy, what could be better than the Christmas tree lighting in Rockefeller Center--and it's gratuit.
When is the tree actually set up and decorating started?
If you scroll up to the top, you will see a link for more updated information. I am currently collecting information for the last update on the 2009 Rockefeller Center Tree lighting information. It will be the most comprehensive guide available online to the tree lighting ceremony, and, I will post the article as soon as I have all necessary information.
Last year the tree was cut down in New Jersey on Nov. 13 and erected the next day or so. It will be then be surrounded by scaffolding for about 10 days or so while they prep it. They are very secretive about the details (which tree they have chosen, where it is from, etc.) until it is actually time to cut it down. In the past there has been a great live webcam on nbcnewyork.com that comes on line around Nov. 20 ~ 25. I have watched the workers on the scaffolding the last couple of years on that webcam. I think the tree may also be lit some before the actual grand tree lighting ceremony. However, the tree cam gets turned off during the lighting ceremony show. NBC Today show usually has a big to-do when the tree arrives by truck.
Kladad, do you know who will be the artist guest at the ceremony 2009?
Last year the tree was cut down in New Jersey on Nov. 13 and erected the next day or so. It will be then be surrounded by scaffolding for about 10 days or so while they prep it. They are very secretive about the details (which tree they have chosen, where it is from, etc.) until it is actually time to cut it down. In the past there has been a great live webcam on nbcnewyork.com that comes on line around Nov. 20 ~ 25. I have watched the workers on the scaffolding the last couple of years on that webcam. I think the tree may also be lit some before the actual grand tree lighting ceremony. However, the tree cam gets turned off during the lighting ceremony show. NBC Today show usually has a big to-do when the tree arrives by truck.
No idea who is performing at tree lighting ceremony. nyctourist.com offers a phone number 212-632-3975 for up to date information. It's almost fun to speculate who it may be. Might be worth noting that Taylor Swift is in NYC this week for SNL. (Sorry about the accidental repost)
No problem kladad - all helpful and informative posts are welcome on my column. I should have the performers list either this week or by the end of next week. I'll also post tree arrival information as soon as I have that as well. Stay tuned!
I have seen the tree several times after the lighting celebration when visiting but, I have never been there for the official lighting. This year I am flying in and am so excited to be there for the event! I can't wait!
Be sure to scroll up and click the link for the November 11, 2009 update for the latest information about the Rockefeller Center tree 2009!
do people usually bring chairs or just stand?
I want to take my daughter to the lighting ceremony in 2012 as part of her h.s. graduation present. She has mentioned this several times & also wants to do the whole ice skating experience too. what recommendations does anyone have to get me started in saving & preparing for this event? Any feedback would be very helpful!!! :)
TheTreeNYC.org is the site to use as the .com is no longer being used.
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