I am getting tickets for the Christmas Spectacular for my family which includes my granddaughter who will be 9. We will be taking the train from Hamilton Station N.J. We did this last summer 2013. As I recall getting a cab could prove to be a lengthy ordeal. At that time we walked. My question is I am debating whether to get tickets for 10 a.m. performance. We would arrive about 9 or so. How far is the station from the Radio city? Is it walkable? If not would I be safer getting tickets for the 1 p.m. performance? The 10 was less expensive. We would be staying all day. Thanks.

The rush hours during the week are the hardest times to get cabs, especially if it is raining.

The simplest way is to walk one long block to the subway station on Sixth Ave and 33/34 and take the B,D,F two stops to Rock Center.

I would play it safe and get tickets for the 1:00 show. There are often delays on the trains so you never know.

The walk from Penn Station to Radio City is short and easy - less than a mile - and you can walk straight up 6th Ave (one block east from front of the station).

However, I have colleagues who take the trains in from Jersey and they are often late. Do not count on getting a cab - esp if the weather is bad the line for cabs can easily be 20 minutes or longer. If you want a 10 am show I would get a train that arrives no later than 8:30. Taking the subway is also an option - esp if the wether is bad.

But you must leave plenty of time for potential train delays.

Radio City is at 50 and 6th Ave while Penn Station is at 34 and 7th Ave. assume a leisurely 25 minute walk through a very busy area. Or you could take the subway. I wouldn't even bother with a taxi at that time of the day. It would probably take more time than walking. I'd go for the 10 am show. You have time if you arrive at 9 and go straight there.

I ended up with a 1 p.m. performance I just don't like the stress of worrying and getting 4 other people breakfast, showers and out the door at a very early time. I got my tickets and we are going on Monday December 22. We will be spending the day there seeing displays etc. I would also like to do a carriage ride with granddaughter in Central Park. We did "cabbie" ride last June 2013. She said can we do the horse next time Grandma? So that is on the list. Of course June will not be like December temp wise. To this day she talks about her full day in New York City.

What a great grandmother!