13 Fun Things to Do in Rockefeller Center Besides the Christmas Tree

Rockefeller Center is undoubtedly the most crowded place in New York City this time of year, everyone, whether they live in town or are just visiting, goes to see “The Tree.”  But then what?  There is actually quite a lot do in the 22 acre complex besides gaping at the twinkling evergreen and battling the tourists. It is a great holiday destination with shopping, eating, skating and culture.  Try to squeeze it in as part of a Holiday Windows Walk, have a little fun while you wait for the Rockettes to start kicking, or grab a bite after (we've got great suggestions for Family Friendly Restaurants Near Rockefeller Center).

Read on for 13 fun things to do at Rockefeller Center this winter. And for other fun holiday suggestions, check out our Holiday Guide.

It gets crowded here – but there are still a few days before it gets scary crowded.  Insanely crowded.  For the smallest crowds visit on a weekday, the earlier or later the better.  I was recently there at 10:00 am on a Friday and practically had the place to myself.  Don’t even try to go during the holiday break, unless you are really, really brave.

1. Take a twirl on the most famous ice rink in the city. It is a must do.  If you want to try in the next few weeks go as soon as they open to avoid the lines. Or, as soon as the tree is down you can do a quick lunch time skate for an hour at a bargain price.  Click here for Holiday rates and session times.

2. Look at the giant replica of the Swarovski star that graces the top of the Christmas tree located on the north side of the plaza.  The real star weighs 600 lbs and sports 25,000 crystals but you can get a miniature ornament sized one here for your own tree.

3. Have a pro take your photo in front of the tree for a fee.  Across Sixth Avenue on 49th and 50th streets you can pose the posse in front of enormous Christmas lights or ornaments for a stunning d-i-y holiday card.  

4. Learn about fire safety at the FDNY Fire Zone located on the north side of the center on 51st Street. Admission is free to the state of the art fire safety center where kids can play at interactive exhibits while learning about what to do in an emergency as well as meet a real fireman.  For a fee you can visit the multi media Fire-Simulator on site.  The simulator is usually reserved for school groups in the morning so call before you head out if you want to see it.

5. Top of the Rock – head up to the 67th through 70th floors of the 30 Rock Skyscraper for what some people consider to be the best views in NYC.  Click here for prices and times.

6. Hit the interactive and exciting NBC Experience Store to show your allegiance to your favorite show or head up stairs to the msnbc.com café for a bite and some news.  You can also pose for a green screen photo of yourself in some of your favorite TV shows or NYC locales.

7. Visit the Lego store for a little playtime and be sure to check out the mini version of Rockefeller Center made entirely out of legos.  Read our review of the cool new lego store, here.

8. Go behind the scenes at your favorite TV shows at an NBC Studio tour.  I did this a long time ago and got to see the sets for some soap opera’s and the Letterman show (I said it was a long time ago.) Or take a one hour tour of the legendary Radio City Music Hall – tours run every day even during the holidays!

9. There is so much art in Rockefeller Center that you probably never realized it. The buildings themselves are art deco masterpieces of sculpted glass and carved stone.  Inside the lobby of the main building, 30 Rockefeller Center, right behind the tree, there are a lot of deco murals by famous artists.  You can pick up a map at the front desk and wander around yourself or take a guided tour with a historian.

10. I love to visit Rock Center via the subway so I can bring my son through the massive underground labyrinth also known as the concourse.  It is fun to surprise him as we walk through the buildings and then exit into the well known plaza to see the tree.  The concourse itself is really cool, you can watch the skaters from one of the two fine restaurants or for a less expensive option (especially with kids) grab something at one of the many quick serve places where you can eat at the windowed seating area. 

There is also an ATM, a post office, UPS and even clean bathrooms down there along with the city’s most crowded Starbucks.

11. Hit the stores for some retail therapy or holiday shopping. I love the beautiful imported duds for infants and toddlers at Hippopotamus – but there are over 100 more shops – selling everything from toothpaste to Tumi carry ons here. Some best bets for holiday gifts are: An American Craftsman, Lego, FDNY Fire Zone and Rain. And in the Nintendo Store, one of our favorite places, you can play wii and DS for free.

12. Where better to have breakfast with Santa then underneath the most famous Christmas Tree in the country?  Break bread with Santa at the Rock Center Café and then go for a twirl at the rink.  Seats are going fast!  Or try some of the other great food here. Get a cupcake to go at Magnolia Bakery or take a seat in the tiny chocolate salon at Maison Du Chocolate.

13. On your way out  check out the festive holiday windows and light show at Saks and don't miss the singing Salvation Army Bell Ringers. 

There is a lot more fun in the Mommy Poppins Holiday Activity Guide and find great gift ideas in our NYC Shopping Local Gift Guide.