Christmas Day 2016. Our first Christmas away from home. New York. Bright sunshine, no snow. It didn’t really feel like Christmas at all. We decided on a visit…
At 9.30am we got out of a taxi at the Rockefeller Center, turned a corner and were amazed by the sight of the tallest skyscraper in the city, at the foot of which was an enormous Christmas tree stretching up as if to reach the 70th floor. And a crowd of people enjoying the skating rink at its foot. NOW it was Christmas!!!
The express lift to the Observation Deck at the top left our ears popping, but what a sight awaited us as we walked out to witness fantastic 360 degree panoramas of Manhattan Island and the rest of New York City in the distance. Skyscrapers everywhere you look! The Empire State building seems very close but we could even see as far as Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty at the southern tip of the island. What made it really special was the sunny weather so we saw it all at its best. It would’ve been very different on a rainy/cloudy day! We got lots of fab photos and talked with several people – of different nationalities – at the top. There are plenty souvenir shops up there of course, but don’t buy there as they add a premium because of where you are. Everything is cheaper down on the street!
There is more to the Center than the Top of the Rock. In the lobby below there is a range of shops – some open even on Christmas Day. There are food outlets as well, so you can spend more time there. There are no real problems for those with mobility issues, and don’t forget your phones/cameras because the memories of that view of the busiest city on earth will stay with you forever.
“Rockefeller Center website”:https://www.rockefellercenter.com/?gclid=Cj0KEQiAwrbEBRDqxqzMsrTGmogBEiQAeSE6Ze1LFDqs0cXpq_7s0s0ceFk0G3oFYXxHANdS8r4CKpgaAhdD8P8HAQ
