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There’s no shortage of things to do in New York City, especially during the winter months. But between 48th and 51st Streets in Midtown Manhattan, there are 12 acres of festive fun. From famous retailers to iconic attractions and restaurants, Rockefeller Center offers a long list of one-of-a-kind experiences — all within walking distance of each other.
We’ve taken out the stress of planning a trip to the city by creating a detailed itinerary of things to do and see. Here’s how to spend the perfect December day at Rockefeller Center.
10:30 am: Grab a cup of coffee at The Tipsy Baker
Find it on the Rink Level of 30 Rockefeller Plaza
Start your day without a fresh cup of joe? Not when you have a full itinerary ahead. At The Tipsy Baker, you can pair your morning coffee with sweet and savory breakfast items to fuel your day. We recommend the almond croissant and Croque Monsieur Tartine.
Now that you’re caffeinated…
11 am: Pick out some presents at LEGO and FAO Schwarz
Stop by FAO Schwarz at 30 Rockefeller Plaza before heading to LEGO at 636 Fifth Avenue
You can check off several people on your Nice List by popping into FAO Schwarz and LEGO, two iconic NYC toy stores. Just a two-minute walk from The Tipsy Baker, FAO Schwarz is located right next to the Christmas Tree (don’t worry, you’ll spend more time here later). The store’s Jellycat Diner display features a menu of quick bites alongside exclusive merch — the perfect experience if you have little ones in tow.
Working up an appetite? We know just the place to grab lunch…
12 pm: Fill up with a midday meal at 5 Acres
Make your way back to the Rink Level
With gift shopping now complete, it’s time for lunch at Chef Greg Baxtrom’s Rockefeller Center restaurant, 5 Acres. The all-day menu includes hearty favorites for the whole family — like the 5A Burger, mac ‘n’ cheese, and eggplant parmesan. If you’re feeling something lighter, opt for the oysters or Caesar salad. For grab-and-go options, check out the Under 30 Rock offerings.
In case you want something sweet, too…
1:30 pm: Get your sugar fix at Glace
Take a short walk to Center Plaza, located between 5th and 6th Avenues and 49th and 50th Streets
It might be a little chilly, but Glace’s viral hot chocolate is a can’t-miss treat. Served from inside a little yellow truck, Glace also offers house-made soft serve, ice cream sandwiches, and sundaes piled high with toppings.
To make the most out of that energy boost…
2 pm: Go ice skating at The Rink at Rockefeller Center Presented by Chase Freedom
The Rink is located between 49th and 50th Streets, right in front of 30 Rock
There’s nothing like ice skating under the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree to get you into the holiday spirit; it’s a classic winter must-do. And if you need a place to warm up post-skating, the Après Skate Chalets Presented by Balsam Hill should do the trick — just make sure to reserve them here. Even if you’re not cozying up in a chalet, you can still enjoy on-the-go food and beverage service from Breads Bakery and Other Half Brewing.
Now, it’s time to meet someone special…
3:30 pm: Get a photo with Santa at Top of the Rock
Santa will be at Top of the Rock, located on 50th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues
This year, St. Nick is making Top of the Rock his New York City outpost. Found at the stationary Beam on the 67th floor, the Santa Photo Experience Presented by Balsam Hill gives your little ones a chance to share all of their holiday wishes. Bring the whole family to capture the joy of the holidays in a picture you’ll treasure forever (bonus: it makes for a great holiday souvenir). Add the Santa Photo Experience to your Top of the Rock tickets here.
Next up…
4:30 pm: Be one of the first to experience SKYLIFT at Top of the Rock
Head up to Top of the Rock’s 70th-floor Observation Deck
The sun is setting earlier and earlier, but that means you don’t have to stay out late to enjoy the best sights the city has to offer. Top of the Rock is the only place with sweeping, unobstructed views of New York City, and the experience just got even better with the brand-new SKYLIFT. As you rotate a full 360 degrees on a clear glass platform, you’ll soar 30 feet above Top of the Rock’s uppermost Observation Deck and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the city’s most famous landmarks. To experience SKYLIFT, be sure to add it to your Top of the Rock tickets.
To chase away the chill…
5:30 pm: Warm up with hot cocoa from Daily Provisions
Head to 30 Rockefeller Plaza’s Rink Level
Give back in the sweetest way this season with Daily Provision’s Candy Cane Cocoa, a festive peppermint hot chocolate topped with pillows of whipped cream and crushed candy canes. Available exclusively at Rockefeller Center for a limited time, $1 from every cup sold will be donated to Citymeals on Wheels, a nonprofit organization that provides meals and companionship to homebound older New Yorkers.
For one last meal…
6 pm: Delight in an amazing dinner at Jupiter
Head to 30 Rockefeller Plaza’s Rink Level
The owners of downtown’s King restaurant — Clare de Boer, Jess Shadbolt, and Annie Shi — have taken their talents to midtown with Jupiter. With Gaz Herbert, formerly of London’s River Cafe, at the helm as executive chef, Jupiter serves up delicious Italian fare that draws on inspiration from all regions of the country. Round out the delicious pasta and meat selections with some of Italy’s finest wines.
To top off the festivities…
7:30 pm: End your day by the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
You can’t miss it in front of 30 Rockefeller Plaza
Draped in 50,000 energy-efficient LED lights and topped with a sparkling Swarovski star, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is a New York holiday icon. The Christmas Tree is open to the public and the most picturesque place to end your day. You can commemorate the festivities with an Official Christmas Tree Photo, available starting on December 5. Book a timeslot here.
To inquire about private group or VIP experiences this holiday season, call 212.698.2000.
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