Day trip to NYC Nov. 25
 

We're planning to take the kids to NYC the 25 of Nov. to see the Christmas tree in Times Square. We are bringing family and will drive a 15 seater passenger van, should we commute in or is there a place we can park a rig this long? We are coming from southern Vermont so we need to think of cost and time, any suggestions will be welcome.Also is this a good time to come?
Thanks

I am not sure which tree you are refering to in Times Square. The tree in Rockefeller Center which is the most famous will not be lit until Nov 28.

There is a lot of other cool stuff to see though. PLEASE, however, preserve your sanity and do not try to drive that big van in the city. Even if you survive driving in Manhattan, and I never recommend it to anyone who doesn't do it regularly, there will probably be absolutely nowhere to park, as I would bet it's too long for metered spots (assuming you could find one, which is an extremely big if), and most lots will not take it either. If you find a lot that will take it, the price will make your head spin (could be a $100 or even a little more, depending on the size of the van). Probably your best bet is to find a commuter lot in Westchester, leave the van, and take MetroNorth in. And no, that won't be cheap either, but likely less of a headache than dealing with the van in Manhattan. Or, your cheapest option, if you have a driver who doesn't mind not being part of the main expedition, is to swing around the city to North Jersey, take the George Washington Bridge across to Manhattan, and either drop your passengers at the bus terminal and have them take the subway downtown (only if you have some experience with the subway, the neighborhood is a little marginal), or go down the West Side and take them into midtown and leave them there, then drive back out again to Jersey, where there will be somewhere to park the van, and let the now hysterical driver catch their breath and get a cup of coffee. Then do it in reverse. Unfortunately there are not a lot of good automotive options for Manhattan.

Questions:
1. Why would you think of coming on the Sunday of Thanksgiving weekend?
2. Are you driving down from Vermont just for the day?
3. Do you realize how much traffic you will hit on your return home that evening?

If you really feel that have to drive in on that day, and I would not recommend it - I parked a van that size in an indoor lot on 58th street accross from the back of Carnegie Hall. There are also some lots scattered aroung the far west side that will take you. I think I paid around $50 but do not recall for sure. Do you mean the tree in Rockefeller Center? In my book just coming in to see the tree from that distance and on that day falls under the category "the juice aint worth the squeeze."

An alternative is to locate a lot and park way uptown e.g. Washington Heights and come downtown on the subway.

There is no tree in Times Square. You're too early for the tree at Rock Center. Most garages cannot take that big a van - since they have very low roofs. Those that can take it will charge a premium since you're taking the place of 2 cars.

Suggest you check iconparking.com - to see if they can accommodate you. I would expect at least $50 for the day - but that's still way less the train fare from alost anywhere.

If you really want to see the tree come a week later.

nytraveler is correct, you are too early for the tree at Rockefeller Center and there is no tree in Times Square. This year the The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is earlier than usual and is scheduled for November 28, 2007 from 7:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m. Call 212-632-3975 for up to date information. http://www.nyctourist.com/xmas_rockcenter1.htm