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

October 12, 6:01 PMNewark Luxury Travel ExaminerJacqueline Thresten

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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

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.

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

• 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.

• NJ Transit trains and buses (http://www.njtranist.com)

• Take the 1 or 9 subway line to 50th Street and Broadway and walk east to Fifth Avenue to Rockefeller Center

• Take the 6 to 51st Street and Lexington Avenue. Walk west to Fifth Avenue to Rockefeller Center

• Walk north on 7th Avenue towards 50th Street. Turn right onto 50th and proceed to Fifth Avenue to Rockefeller Center.

• 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

• Park Fast (http://www.parkfast.pth4.com/)
  • 50 W 44th St btw 6th & 5th Ave
  • 307 W 44th St btw 8th & 9th Ave
• Central Parking (http://www.centralparking.com) - Be sure to check out the on-line coupon
  • 10 W 48th St
  • 25 W 48th St
  • 155 W 48th St
  • 257 W 47th St
  • 271 W 47th St
  • 38 W 46th St
  • 100 W 44th St
  • 332 W 44th
    
  • St252 W 40th St
  • 304 W 49th St

• 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)

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