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Update: Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting, December 2, 2009


Christmas at Rockefeller Center 12/02/2009

UPDATE NOVEMBER 19, 2009 WITH 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

DATE, TIME, HOST AND SPECIAL GUESTS

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

Host - (Confirmed):  Jane Krakowski ("30 Rock") and Zachary Levi ("Chuck") To Co-Host

Special Guests (Confirmed):

Radio City Rockettes
Michael Buble
Aretha Franklin
Alicia Keys
Barry Manilow
The Roots
Shakira
Taylor Schilling (NBC'S "MERCY")
James Tupper (NBC'S "MERCY")
Brian Williams ("NBC NIGHTLY NEWS")

 

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


Update November 11, 2009

The announcement of the tree origin and arrival at Rockefeller Center has been announced.  For more information visit: http://www.examiner.com/x-21128-Newark-Luxury-Travel-Examiner~y2009m11d11-Christmas-at-Rockefeller-Center-2009-Updated-Tree-information


For those anticipating the 2009 Christmas tree lighting at Rockefeller Center, I am pleased to offer this updated information.  The tree will be officially lit on Wednesday, December 2, 2009 and will remain up until January 7, 2010.  I will update this information one more time before the actual tree lighting ceremony on December 2, 2009.

If you are seeking the original article from September 3, 2009 click here.

TREE HOURS AFTER THE LIGHTING CEREMONY ON DECEMBER 2, 2009
The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree will be lit daily from 5:30 a.m. until 11:30 p.m. daily, except on Christmas and New Year's Eve. On Christmas, the tree is lit for 24 continuous hours and on New Year's Eve the lights are turned off at 9:00 p.m in anticipation of the New Year's celebration in Times Square.

CHRISTMAS AT ROCKEFELLER CENTER 2009
Christmas at Rockefeller Center is the annual lighting celebration of the tree.  Hosts and guests stars are yet to be announced and information will be updated once this information has been confirmed.  Below is all the information you will need to enjoy the 2009 Christmas at Rockefeller Center live tree lighting celebration.

DATE, TIME, HOST AND SPECIAL GUESTS
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

Host: Al Roker (Tentative, unconfirmed)

Special Guests: Radio City Rockettes - others TBA

Tree Origin: TBA

DIRECTIONS

Directions by Subway:

  • 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
Directions by Bus:
  • From 5th Avenue: take the M1, M2, M3, M4 or M5 to 50th street. Buses run north and south
  • From Broadway: take the M6 or M7 and exit at 50th street. Walk east to Rockefeller Center. Buses run north and south
  • From 49th Street: take the M27 or M50 and exit anywhere between Fifth and Seventh Avenues. Buses run east and west.
Mass Transit from NJ
From Penn Station
  • Take the 1 or 9 subway line to 50th Street and Broadway and walk east to Fifth Avenue to Rockefeller Center
From Grand Central Station
  • Take the 6 to 51st Street and Lexington Avenue. Walk west to Fifth Avenue to Rockefeller Center
From Times Square
  • Walk north on 7th Avenue towards 50th Street. Turn right onto 50th and proceed to Fifth Avenue to Rockefeller Center.
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.
  • If rain or snow is predicted, come prepared with umbrellas and waterproof coats, hats and gloves.
  • Do NOT drive.  Take mass transit to Rockefeller Center.
  • Expect a huge crowd
Rockefeller Center Area Parking Garages:
Rockefeller Center Area Restaurants
  • Sbarro 574 5th Ave - (Pizza and Italian food, take out)
  • TGI Fridays 604 5th Avenue - (Burger, Bar Food, American fare)
  • Heartland Brewery - 1285 Avenue of the Americas (6th Avenue) - (Beer, Bar Food, Burgers, Salads, Comfort Food)
  • McDonald's 1271 Avenue of the Americas (6th Avenue) - (Fast food, burgers, french fries, salads, take out)
  • Burger King 1251 Avenue of the Americas (6th Avenue) - (Fast food, burgers, french fries, salads, take out)
  • Bar American 152 West 52nd (between 6th and 7th) - (Traditional American fare, expensive)
  • Planet Hollywood - 1540 Broadway (theme restaurant, American fare)
  • Ellen's Stardust Diner 1650 Broadway (at 51st) - (Diner with singing wait-staff)
Need more ideas? Check out Menupages.com: http://www.menupages.com

Rockefeller Center Area Hotels
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

Need more choices? Go to Kayak.com: http://www.kayak.com


For more information
on the 2009 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting visit: http://www.rockefellercenter.com/index.php/section/5#/5/-1/-1/86/

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By

Newark Luxury Travel Examiner

Jackie Thresten began her career as a flight attendant after graduating college with a BS in English. After a number of years with the airlines,...

Comments

  • Bill 2 years ago
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    Thanks for the update! Your information is terrific!!

  • Pauline 2 years ago
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    It really does get crowded. One time we gave up and went home to watch on TV, then saw our in-person tree lighting at the Lincoln Center. It was much more low key, but had a rather home-town feeling to it. There was a small crowd, but it was so cold that night that only those of us who were a bit nuts were out standing around.

  • Adam 2 years ago
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    It's very much worth attending! I go every year!!

  • Linda from NYC 2 years ago
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    Your info is GREAT Jackie! Good thinking about listing area restaurants for those coming from out of town. I'd like to suggest to have dinner AFTER the tree lighting or you'll lose your space. Also try to get there by 4:30/5 PM and don't worry about being bored. Everyone is in such a great mood the time just flies by.

  • George 2 years ago
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    As stated in the article this will be updated one more time and hopefully when that is released you'll find out who is performing. Regardless, it's a great experience for locals and visitors alike!

  • NaciaxD1 2 years ago
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    Oco tu chodzi???

  • Lee 2 years ago
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    Thanks.

  • Jasper from MN 2 years ago
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    Wish I could see it live just once, those of you going enjoy yourselves you lucky dogs!

  • radek 2 years ago
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    cool Thanks for the update! Your information is terrific!!

  • lala_vl_98 2 years ago
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    me parece fenomenal

  • Heather 2 years ago
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    Cool beans. Thx for the info, couldn't get it anywhere, you're great!

  • mehad 2 years ago
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    gift to me plz

  • Lisa 2 years ago
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    cool :)

  • rabi 2 years ago
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    hello how are u doing today

  • Julianna 2 years ago
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    do you know when about you will have the special guests!?

  • Jackie Thresten 2 years ago
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    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.

  • leblanc 2 years ago
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    It's very much worth attending! I go every year!!

  • MPD 2 years ago
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    Thank you very much for your valuable information. I am planning my trip according to your site and it's much easier to have everything in one location. Thank You!!

    Merry Christmas.

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