NEW RULES: VIEWING THE ROCKEFELLER CHRISTMAS TREE IN 2020

 

Note: Photos in this post are from my archives. 

If you've been wondering if you can visit
the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree this year,

while the pandemic continues to rear its ugly Covid- head,

the answer is YES.

 

But.......you'll have to know the *New Rules* before you go.

 

There will be no selfies in front of the tree 

with you and 25 of your Besties.......

 

And, no dilly-dallying trying to get the perfect Instagram-worthy picture.

That said, it will still be fun to go, if you can.

In fact, it might be a very good idea to see the tree this year, 

as city streets are likely to be less crowded than usual.

This year's tree is  a 75-footer dressed in 50,000 LED lights,

and topped with a 900-pound star made of three million Swarovski crystals.

It will hold its stately position in Rockefeller Center through early January, 

and will be lit from 6:00am to midnight every day.

Perhaps the most interesting.......and in fact, 

the very first ornament to decorate this tree 

was a tiny saw-whet owl  discovered nestled in the branches 

by a worker who was setting up the tree.

I imagine he said, "Hoooooo's that?" 

upon  spotting the scared, wide-eyed, feathered creature.

"Rocky" the owl, (short for "Rockefeller,"

the name given to the unwitting social media sensation),

was a stow-away on the 170-mile ride from Oneonta, NY to New York City. 

She was in pretty bad shape after that journey,

but thankfully, has been released back into the wild 

after receiving care at a rehabilitation center.

 

If you are planning a visit to the world's most iconic Christmas tree,  

be sure to read  the rules, below.

 

If you're not visiting, enjoy the photos (from prior years),

and hum a little Jingle Bells to help get you in the holiday spirit.  

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 THINGS TO KNOW WHEN VISITING 

THE ROCKEFELLER CHRISTMAS TREE  IN 2020

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Tree viewing entrances are located only on 49th and 50th Streets,  between 5th and 6th Avenues.

 
There will be no vehicular traffic permitted on these streets.

 
49th and 50th Streets between 5th and 6th Avenues are the only  dedicated viewing areas. 

 
Lines will be managed by virtual queuing.  Guests can scan a QR code to see wait time, and receive an SMS letting them know to return to the line.

 
Viewing time will be limited to 5 minutes. 

 
Masks are required and social distancing will be enforced.

 
Guests will be grouped in pods of four people. Groups with more than four people will be separated into two pods.

 
The plaza where the tree is actually located will be closed to the public, as will the Channel gardens. However, shops and restaurants will be open, and accessible from 49th and 50th Streets.

 
The skating rink can be accessed from 49th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues. 

 

 

 

 

That's it.........you're good to go, if you so choose.

 

 

Yes, it will be strange to not share the experience with throngs of other people,

but such are the ways of 2020.

On the bright side, no strangers will get in the way of your photos,

so there's that!

 

 

And........while you're in the neighborhood,

check out some of my recommendations for 

"10 MUST-SEE HOLIDAY SIGHTS IN MIDTOWN."

 

I can't be positive,

but I'm pretty sure most of the holiday sights on my list 

will be as they always are, albeit with some access restrictions. 

Seeing the outdoor sights might just be the perfect way 

to soak up some holiday cheer, 

while staying safe and adhering to Covid guidelines.

 

Happy Holidays!