Rockefeller Center is a complex of Art Deco buildings in Midtown Manhattan between Fifth and Sixth Avenues and 48th and 51st Streets, built in the 1930s. Walking through the plaza, the Channel Gardens and past the Atlas statue is free. The paid highlights are the Top of the Rock observation deck, the ice rink in winter, the Rockefeller Center Tour and the NBC Studio Tour, with Radio City Music Hall on the Sixth Avenue side. In 2026 the Christmas tree arrives on 7 November and is lit on 2 December.
Rockefeller Center: the tree, The Rink, Top of the Rock and tours
Rockefeller Center tours and tickets compared
Four well-reviewed ways to see Rockefeller Center, from the official tour to a VIP pass, all with free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Prices checked on 27 October 2026; live prices in your currency are shown on each card.
Where available, you can reserve now and pay later. Payment dates and eligibility depend on the experience and the options shown at checkout.
Finding experiences…
Top of the Rock observation deck
From $46Timed entry to the three levels of the observation deck at the top of 30 Rockefeller Plaza, 70 floors up, with views south to the Empire State Building and north over Central Park.
The official Rockefeller Center Tour
From $29A guided walk through the Art Deco buildings, their art and their history, with a family ‘Junior’ option; Top of the Rock and the NBC Studio Tour are not included. Starts at the red-carpet entrance on 50th Street, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues.
Top of the Rock ticket plus Rockefeller Center walking tour
From $74A 90-minute walking tour of Rockefeller Center with a professional guide, plus entry to all three levels of Top of the Rock. Meets by the Atlas statue in front of the International Building on Fifth Avenue.
VIP Rockefeller Center pass
From $245Priority entry and elevator access to Top of the Rock with a guided tour, a private Beam experience, a tour of a hidden rooftop garden, a photo pass and a champagne toast for ages 21 and over.
What to do at Rockefeller Center
The Christmas tree
The tree arrives on 7 November 2026 and is lit at the ceremony on 2 December; it is free to see once lit. Expect large crowds in the evening and at weekends, and come early in the morning or late at night for a calmer look.
The Rink
The Rink is open for the 2026–27 season daily from 9am to midnight, in 60-minute sessions. General Skate starts at $22 and VIP packages from $131; every guest on the ice needs a ticket, and tickets are non-refundable, so book only when you are sure of your plans.
Top of the Rock
Top of the Rock opens from 8am to midnight, with last entry at 11:10pm, and tickets start at $42 on the official site. Its view takes in the Empire State Building to the south and Central Park to the north, which is why many people choose it over the Empire State Building’s own deck.
Tours, NBC and Radio City
The 75-minute Rockefeller Center Tour runs from 10am to 7pm from $27, entering on 50th Street. The NBC Studio Tour costs $48 for adults and $42 for ages 8 to 17, does not admit children under 8, lasts 75 to 90 minutes and does not allow photography. Radio City Music Hall’s Christmas Spectacular opens on 4 November 2026.
Map of Rockefeller Center
Rockefeller Center fills the blocks between Fifth and Sixth Avenues from 48th to 51st Street. Times are approximate walking times from the rink.
Getting to Rockefeller Center
- Subway: B, D, F or M to 47–50 Sts–Rockefeller Center.
- From Times Square, walk about 10 minutes east.
- The Rockefeller Center Tour enters on 50th Street, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues.
- Radio City Music Hall is at 1260 Sixth Avenue, at 50th Street.
Rockefeller Center on the map
1The Rink and the Christmas tree
startThe sunken plaza at the centre of the complex.
2Top of the Rock, 30 Rockefeller Plaza
about 2 minObservation deck entrance on 50th Street.
3Atlas statue
about 2 minIn front of the International Building on Fifth Avenue.
4Radio City Music Hall
about 4 min1260 Sixth Avenue.
5St Patrick’s Cathedral
about 3 minAcross Fifth Avenue; free to enter.
6Times Square
about 10 minBroadway and Seventh Avenue.
Read our guide
Holiday season tips
November and December are the busiest months at Rockefeller Center.
- Expect crowd barriers and queues to see the tree.
- Book skating and Top of the Rock in advance for evenings and weekends.
- Combine the tree with the Fifth Avenue window displays nearby.
Mistakes to avoid
The most common mistake is booking non-refundable rink tickets before your plans are fixed.
- Bringing children under 8 to the NBC Studio Tour.
- Going on the evening of the lighting ceremony expecting an easy view.
- Assuming the Rockefeller Center Tour includes Top of the Rock.
Rockefeller Center FAQ
When is the Rockefeller Center tree lighting in 2026?
On 2 December 2026; the tree arrives on 7 November.
How much is ice skating at Rockefeller Center?
General Skate starts at $22 for a 60-minute session; tickets are non-refundable.
Is Top of the Rock better than the Empire State Building?
Many people prefer Top of the Rock because its view includes the Empire State Building and Central Park.
How long is the Rockefeller Center Tour?
About 75 minutes; tours run from 10am to 7pm.
Is it free to visit Rockefeller Center?
Yes, the plaza, the Channel Gardens and the tree are free; Top of the Rock, the rink and tours are paid.
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Spotted something out of date? Tell usSources
We checked the facts on this page against these sources on October 27, 2026. Prices and times can change, so confirm them when you book.
- Rockefeller Center: holidays (rockefellercenter.com)
- Rockefeller Center: Christmas tree (rockefellercenter.com)
- Rockefeller Center: The Rink (rockefellercenter.com)
- Rockefeller Center: Top of the Rock (rockefellercenter.com)
- Rockefeller Center: Rockefeller Center Tour (rockefellercenter.com)
- Rockefeller Center: Radio City Music Hall at the holidays (rockefellercenter.com)
- Rockefeller Center: map and directions (rockefellercenter.com)
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From prices are indicative. Choose your date and confirm availability, cancellation terms and the final total on the booking page. * Ratings and reviews are collected by Viator and Tripadvisor.
* “What travellers say” summarises recent reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor, covering every star rating (October 2026).