Lucky for you, we\u2019ve got three tips (plus a special bonus tip) to help you deal with massive crowds at Rockefeller Center this holiday season. Whether you\u2019re visiting the city for vacation and enjoying some local NYC tours<\/a> or just swinging by for family or a quick quick business trip, Rockefeller Center is a must if you\u2019re in New York for the holidays. Here\u2019s how to do it right. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Ice skating on The Rink at Rockefeller center is a classic tradition depicted in every Christmas movie set in New York City. But what the movies don\u2019t show are the outrageously long lines and waiting times. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Fortunately, it\u2019s easy to reserve tickets for a skating session online, so you can show up at your scheduled time and get right on the ice. The Rink offers three ticket reservation options:<\/p>\n\n\n\n So no crowds at the skate rental counter, no fighting to get a locker, and, more importantly, no waiting to get on the ice. Whichever ticket option you choose, reserving your spot ahead of time will save you a lot of time and stress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Warm up with hot chocolate, an alcoholic beverage, and light bites at the Apr\u00e8s Skate Chalets, which you can book for a private 40-minute reservation of up to six people. While walk-ins are welcome, booking these faux ski lounges ahead is advised due to limited availability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The best way to save money and avoid large crowds is to visit Rockefeller Center during non-peak hours. Unfortunately, this window is pretty small during the holidays, but it\u2019s still there! <\/p>\n\n\n\n Our first tip is to avoid weekends, since that\u2019s when everyone has time to visit Rockefeller Center. We recommend going during the week, Monday through Friday, when fewer people are likely to be around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tip<\/strong>: Book a Rockefeller Center Walking Tour<\/a> to learn about this city within a city and navigate the crowds with a local guide. You\u2019ll even get access to the Top of the Rock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t1. Reserve your spot on The Rink<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"large](\"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2024\/11\/large-christmas-tree-in-Rockefeller-Plaza-1024x683.jpg\")
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After your skate<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
2. Avoid weekend afternoons and evenings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Christmas](\"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2024\/11\/Christmas-decorations-at-Rockefeller-Center-1000x660-1.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"View](\"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2018\/01\/View-of-Rockefeller-Plaza-in-daytime-in-New-York-City-1000x660-1-500x500.jpg\")
\n\t\t\t![\"Three](\"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2018\/01\/Three-women-posing-at-Top-of-the-Rock-in-New-York-250x250.jpg\")
\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
![\"Flags](\"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2024\/11\/Flags-at-Rockefeller-Center-in-New-York-1024x654.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Statue](\"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2024\/11\/Statue-of-Atlas-holding-the-world-on-Rockefeller-Center-NYC-tour-1000x660-1.jpg\")
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