If you are looking for how to see the tree in Rockefeller Center, the best views of the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, or where to view the Christmas tree in New York City, here is the secret most visitors miss: the tree in Rockefeller Center is just as incredible during the day as it is at night. The tree lighting ceremony may be the most famous moment, but the tree itself is a season-long New York City Christmas experience.
From the time the tree goes up until the day it comes down, there is a rumored estimated one million viewers of the tree every single day. An estimated 1 million people view that tree every day — remarkable foot traffic, and a reminder of how truly special this one Christmas tree in Midtown Manhattan is. Whether you visit Rockefeller Center at Christmas in the morning, afternoon, or evening, expect energy, crowds, and one of the most photographed holiday views in the world.
Now for the secret vantage point. On the third floor of 45 Rockefeller Center there is a little-known hotspot: the Equinox Cafe, associated with Equinox. The Equinox Cafe offers one of the best views there is to offer of the tree in Rockefeller Center — an elevated view above the street-level crowds, in the warmth, with food and beverage in hand. They have wonderful banana bread and hot chocolate, and we highly recommend paying them a visit if you want to see the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree from a calmer, higher vantage point during the day or at night.
If you are interested in something a little more elegant, just below is Le Rock. Le Rock is really incredible — a fancier establishment and a fine dining restaurant at Rockefeller Center, with an exceptional view of the tree. Their burger is fantastic, and they also have a wonderful burger and hot toddy combination we might recommend for a Christmas dinner in New York City with a view. For an elegant way to see the tree in Rockefeller Center, Le Rock pairs fine dining with one of the best restaurant views of the Christmas tree.
So plan your Rockefeller Center Christmas tree visit both ways: see the tree sparkling at night, and see it in full detail during the day. Build in time for the crowds — with an estimated million viewers a day, patience is part of the experience — and build in a vantage point. Start with the secret third-floor view from the Equinox Cafe at 45 Rockefeller Center for banana bread and hot chocolate, step up to Le Rock just below for fine dining, a fantastic burger, and a hot toddy, and you will understand why seeing the tree in Rockefeller Center is one of the most special Christmas traditions in New York City.
And while you are in Rockefeller Center with your family, include FAO Schwarz in your Christmas in New York City plan. FAO Schwarz is always jam packed at the holidays, but it is a worthwhile visit — especially with young kids. Our own young kids have been there and experienced it, and the excitement in their eyes is worth all of the time spent waiting in that line. For families visiting Rockefeller Center to see the Christmas tree, FAO Schwarz is part of the memory: the tree, the lights, and that look on your children's faces.
