judyjp52

I have a daughter who is turning 21 and would like to go to NYC to see the big Christmas tree and go shopping. She's in college and its hard to find dates that would work. How about the weekend before Thanksgivng and the first of the week for Thanksgiving? Is it too crowded too enjoy?

mcnyc

For the big Christmas tree, definitely the week AFTER Thanksgiving. Otherwise, your trip will be for naught as the tree won't be up yet. The tree lighting ceremony is usually the week (or 2) after Thanksgiving.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong. I don't usually pay attention to these matters until someone reminds me the day of.

LindaLa

The tree lighting ceremony is usually the first couple of days in December. The only reason I remember is that my son's birthday is Dec. 2nd and the lighting ceremony took place while I was in the hospital.

It will be crowded no matter when you go the weekends between Thanksgiving and Christmas. We have gone the day after Christmas and have had the city almost to ourselves.

judyjp52

Thanks for letting me know before Thanksgiving. I may be able to work it out the week after. Is it really not crowded then? If she has her heart set on it being with the tree before Christmas, how crowded will it be. I don't want to go at that time if it really isn't worth it because it is too crowded.

dmlove

Last year, the tree lighting was on November 29th - the week after Thanksgiving.

ellenem

The tree is usually lit midweek, the week after Thanksgiving, so it depends on where Thanksgiving falls each year.

The tree will already be in place before Thanksgiving, but workers will still be adding the lights. Since the tree has lights as the only decoration, it will just look like a big tree if you visit then.

I think it will be crowded either way. You will be visiting the one location that most visitors to NYC want to visit during that time period. If the tree is up, especially if it is lit, the area with a view of it is crowded.

travelbug44

went to NBC web site and could not find a date for the tree this year. Like others have said it is usually lite the first few days of December.

dmlove

I was in NY the first weekend in December last year. After the theatre on Saturday night, we walked back to my friend's apartment on the UWS. We purposely walked by Rock Ctr and the tree. I guess you could call it crowded - there were a lot of people around at 10 p.m. or so - but it was in no way annoying or impossible to see or anything like that. It was very festive in fact.

mclaurie

The weekend before Thanksgiving and the early part of the week leading into T'giving is ideal for hotel prices and less crowds, but all the decorations are not up yet and the big tree is not lit. The Rock. Ctr. tree is up by T'giving but the lighting ceremony is usually the Tues-Thurs. after T'giving and the first weekend the tree is lit (usually the first weekend in Dec. but this year will be the last weekend in Nov.) is mobbed and very very very expensive.

So your decision is, go when you intended, take advantage of good prices and fewer crowds or wait til the lights are all up and the madness begins. Right before Xmas (Dec. 18 and beyond) is also a good time.

Jayneann

A couple of years ago, we went to NYC the weekend before Thanksgiving and loved it. Not too crowded, short lines everywhere. However, we went see a show and spend some time in the city, not to see the Christmas decorations and the tree. People were gearing up for the parade though.

I have been there a few times right before Christmas, but the last time I went at that time, I honestly felt the anxiety setting in as I walked shoulder to shoulder with thousands of other tourists (and I'm a person who doesn't mind crowds typically). Restaurant and shopping lines were very long too!

But, having said that, I am glad I've had the opportunity to see NYC at Christmastime. So, if that's your goal, my advice would be to go, but expect the crowds. New York City is a magical place and millions of other people want to experience the magic too!

jodeenyc

Christmas Tree lighting is 11/28 this year.

Centralparkgirl

I live here and it's ALWAYS crowded (especially with the strength of the euro), but don't let that stop you from visiting when you want to. Just know that you may have to wait in certain places, plan well and you'll have a wonderful time!

travelbuff

The Christmas Tree info is on the www.rockefellercenter.com website and as mentioned earlier the lighting this year is on Nov. 28th.

Shopping this year should be VERY good as the retailers are according to the local news having to plan on extensive sales to help spur on the holiday season.

Have a great time while you are here.

leeskee

judy

At some point during the season the tree stays lit until early morning, I think until 6 am or so. There are no crowds, only people on their way to work. I've experienced it this way and it is quite magical.

Sarah

Judy not to be a party pooper but do you know how cold NY is that time of year? I can't imagine walking around the city that time of year. Plenty do but if you are from a warmer part of the country beware.