Hi Everyone,
Will be in New York Nov 28- Dec 1st. Will be attending the lighting of the Tree in Rockefeller Center. I would appreciate any tips such as how early to arrive, what to expect and where is the closest bathroom
Thanks for any input.

You are crazy. I would rather have my hand nailed to a plank than attend the tree lighting ceremony. Don't get upset when you are CRUSHED against the windows of L'Occitane. It is a NIGHTMARE!!

Two near-by toilets: Dean/Deluca and Saks

Yes you would need to get there early and try and get as close to the rail overlooking the skating rink as possible because there will be music and skating and of course the tree is spectacular every year. If the crush of the crowds is a bit much, head back to your hotel and watch it on TV, you will actually get to see more, but it's alot of fun to be there!!!

I'm afraid I have to agree with marginal margiela. You will never get close enough to see anything. Watch it on tv.

By 3PM the police have usually put up barricades for crowd control, so if you're not inside by then, you are usually out of luck. To actually see the skating, you should probably get there by the morning.....which will make for a very long and possibly cold day. The very best viewing is from upstairs in one of the office buildings that surround the rink. Mnay companies have parties, but those are by invitation only.

All that being said, one year I was in the middle of the crowd, down one of the side streets. Couldn't see a thing. But it was a very friendly crowd with spontaneous singing of Christmas carols. When the switch was flipped, and the lights were lit for the first time, it was worth the minor jostling to see the beautiful tree if only from a distance. You're in NYC. Go down. Be in the moment. And you'll have those memories for a lifetime. You can always watch it on television some other year in the comfort of your home.

Forget finding any public bathrooms.

I third marginal's very funny opinion.

Ok... I work at 30 Rock. I make it a point of working at home (as do many of my colleagues) on the day of the tree lighting because it is such and insane nightmare! Much better (and more comfortable) to watch it on T.V.

Odd happenstance. I saw on the news yesterday that Charmin is opening up NYC public toliets in Times Square for the holidays. They are right around the Virgin MegaStore/ToysRUS and supposedly are open to the public and have attendants in them cleaning at all times. Rock Center would be a block or two away but just FYI as you'll most likely spend a lot of time in this area.

$hitters, sponsored by Charmin.

Sorry, Jody, but those toilets are way too far from the Rock Tree to be of any use. You would also have to fight your way through the crowd to get to them and fight your way back.

Saks is right across the street from the Rock Tree. Dean/Deluca is about 50 feet away (although there is only one bathroom). On 48th between 5/6 there are a few "delis." You could use their toilets if you bought something. There is also a Cafe Metro at 52nd between 5/6 that has toilets. This would also be closer than walking to Times Square.

The Men's Lounge at Saks is on the 6th floor.

To get to the front you need to be there by no later than 1pm. Once you're there you can get out but not back - even to use a potty - so be sure you don;t need to.

After the program you can go into Saks across the street for a free restroom. Or one of many restaurants - if you plan on eating.

But - you can really see it much better on TV.

YIKES!!! I have to agree with Marginal Margiela...If you're lucky, you'll steer clear of the very pointy and brightly lit angels.

But since you're in NY, why not. Just make sure you've used the facilities once you've made your way to your spot for the lighting in the morning.

Maybe we're just jaded NYers, but I hope you'll still love NY after that!

Hey IT'S CHRISTMAS, where's all that New York holiday for the tourists cheer? (lol). If you are going to be here, it really is worth all the trials and tribulations and we all promise both trials AND tribulations if you want to be there for the lighting.

If do have to say that I think New York really is at "our" best during the holidays. Seems to me that people are just a little nicer.

So dress warmly because it will be cold and have a great time.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

How about something a little different -- go see them inflate the balloons on Wednesday night:

http://www.nyctourist.com/macys_balnite1.htm

A way different perspective and fun too!

Hope this helps...
Debi

I was in New York on business several years ago and decided to go to the tree lighting. I probably started over way too late, but I was nearby. What I found when I got within about 2 blocks of Rockefeller Center was a crowd so dense that it was actually frightening, to say nothing of the fact that there was no way that I would have been able to get near enough to see anything at all. I turned around and went back to my hotel and watched it on TV. What other posters said is true, you would have to be there very early to get to a place where you could see and once in, don't expect to be able to be coming and going to use a restroom.

Sorry, I don't know what I was thinking....you were asking about tree lighting...not Macy's Tgiving Parade. That was a different thread.
Debi