# Rockefeller Center: the tree, The Rink, Top of the Rock and tours Canonical: https://ticketglide.com/new-york/rockefeller-center Language: en Publisher: TicketGlide Facts checked: 2026-10-27 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. - **Where:** Fifth to Sixth Avenue, 48th to 51st Street · plaza free to visit - **Christmas tree 2026:** Arrives 7 November · lighting ceremony 2 December - **The Rink:** Daily 9am–midnight · 60-minute sessions · General Skate from $22 · non-refundable - **Top of the Rock:** 8am–midnight, last entry 11:10pm · from $42 - **Rockefeller Center Tour:** 75 minutes · from $27 · tours 10am–7pm · enter on 50th Street - **NBC Studio Tour:** Adults $48, ages 8–17 $42 · no children under 8 ## 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. ### Top of the Rock observation deck 1 to 2 hours — Views of the Empire State Building and Central Park Timed 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. Editorial price context (checked 2026-10-27; confirm current price with provider): From $46 ### The official Rockefeller Center Tour 60 to 75 minutes — The art, architecture and history of the complex A 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. Editorial price context (checked 2026-10-27; confirm current price with provider): From $29 ### Top of the Rock ticket plus Rockefeller Center walking tour About 1.5 hours plus the deck — The deck and the stories behind it in one booking A 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. Editorial price context (checked 2026-10-27; confirm current price with provider): From $74 ### VIP Rockefeller Center pass About 2 hours — A special occasion, with priority access Priority 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. Editorial price context (checked 2026-10-27; confirm current price with provider): From $245 ## 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. ## 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. ## 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 on the map - **The Rink and the Christmas tree:** start. The sunken plaza at the centre of the complex. - **Top of the Rock, 30 Rockefeller Plaza:** about 2 min. Observation deck entrance on 50th Street. - **Atlas statue:** about 2 min. In front of the International Building on Fifth Avenue. - **Radio City Music Hall:** about 4 min. 1260 Sixth Avenue. - **St Patrick’s Cathedral:** about 3 min. Across Fifth Avenue; free to enter. - **Times Square:** about 10 min. Broadway and Seventh Avenue. ## 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. ## Sources - [Rockefeller Center: holidays](https://www.rockefellercenter.com/holidays/) - [Rockefeller Center: Christmas tree](https://www.rockefellercenter.com/holidays/rockefeller-center-christmas-tree) - [Rockefeller Center: The Rink](https://www.rockefellercenter.com/tickets/the-rink-at-rockefeller-center/) - [Rockefeller Center: Top of the Rock](https://www.rockefellercenter.com/tickets/top-of-the-rock-observation-deck/) - [Rockefeller Center: Rockefeller Center Tour](https://www.rockefellercenter.com/tickets/rockefeller-center-tour/) - [Rockefeller Center: Radio City Music Hall at the holidays](https://www.rockefellercenter.com/holidays/radio-city-music-hall/) - [Rockefeller Center: map and directions](https://www.rockefellercenter.com/map-directions) --- TicketGlide is an all-in-one travel comparison and tickets platform for attractions, tours, day trips and local experiences worldwide. 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