New York (CNN) — Lights twinkle, skaters glide across the ice and the scent of pine fills the air.
This is Rockefeller Center, Midtown Manhattan's symbol of chaotic holiday cheer.
Rockefeller Center was the brainchild of John D. Rockefeller Jr., born in 1874 as the heir to the Standard Oil fortune. One of America's wealthiest citizens, his defining business venture was the creation of his namesake.
Not one to think small, Rockefeller conceived of his development as a "city within a city." He wanted to build a complex for business and pleasure. Visual razzle-dazzle was to be a component, in tune with his belief that promoting art was an act of good citizenship. Innovations included heated buildings and an indoor parking complex.
Rockefeller Center officially opened in May 1933. The Christmas tree, first purchased and decorated by the Depression-era workers at the construction site, quickly became a New York holiday tradition.
By 1939, more than 125,000 people were visiting daily. If it had been its own independent city, Rockefeller Center would have been the 51st largest in the country, making John D. Rockefeller's dream of a "city within a city" a reality.
Here's what to see and do:
Rockefeller Center Tour
Rockefeller Center is composed of buildings, public spaces, shops, eateries and attractions. To get a comprehensive overview, take the 75-minute guided Rockefeller Center Tour. Sprinkled with historical tidbits, it explores some of the most significant buildings and eye-catching artwork.
Tours are given daily from 10 a.m. until 7:30 p.m., scheduled every half hour excluding 6 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Tickets cost $25.
Top of the Rock Observation Deck
New York City's skyline looks mighty fine from the Top of the Rock's three observation decks on the 67th, 69th and 70th floors.
The theatrics start during the elevator ride up, as the lights dim and images of Rockefeller Center from the 1930s through the present day are projected on the glass ceiling.
All three levels offer sweeping views: Central Park to the north and the Empire State Building to the south.
It's open 8 a.m. to midnight with the last elevator going up at 11 p.m. Tickets cost $36 for adults, $30 for kids 6-12, free for kids 5 and younger. Visitors must go through a security screening nearly as comprehensive as at an airport.
Serious sightseers should consider purchasing a CityPASS. It includes admission to the Top of the Rock as well as numerous additional Big Apple attractions for a discounted price.
The Rink at Rockefeller Center
This compact ice rink hosts over a quarter of a million skaters each year. During the holidays, its tree-side position makes it one of the city's busiest spots.
The Rink first opened on Christmas Day, 1936. For some, a Yuletide spin around the oval is the quintessential New York experience. For others, it's reminiscent of a rush-hour subway ride.
With room for only 150 skaters, general admission is on a first-come, first-served basis. Adult general admission is $25, rising to $28-$33 during the holidays. Seniors and kids younger than 11 pay $15.
To avoid a potentially lengthy wait, consider a pricier VIP option, which includes a reserved skating time, admission to the heated igloo, refreshments and more. The VIP ticket ranges from $60 to $150 during peak holiday sessions.
Open daily from early October to April, 8:30 a.m. to midnight. When the skating season ends, the space is transformed into an al fresco lounge offering drinks and dining.
The Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall
With their legendary precision, sky-high kicks and yesteryear glamour, the iconic Rockettes are a tradition as glittering as the Christmas tree. Their performance at the annual "Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes" may be kitschy, but their technique is razor-sharp. Performances start in early November and continue through New Year's Day. Ticket prices range widely -- from about $50 to close to $600.
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
The tree is usually lit for the first time on the Wednesday following Thanksgiving. The festive occasion includes live musical performances at Rockefeller Plaza. The tree remains lit through early January.
Art
Rockefeller Center is home to a lauded collection of Art Deco sculptures and motifs. The largest and perhaps the most recognized sculpture is the heroic-sized bronze statue of Atlas supporting the earth on his shoulders.
Atlas is found at the main entrance forecourt of 630 Fifth Avenue.
The elegant bronze sculpture of Prometheus is surrounded by a cascade of water in Rockefeller Plaza. In the winter, Prometheus serves as the golden support of the towering Christmas tree.
Shopping
With more than 100 stores, Rockefeller Center is a shopper's wonderland. For kids (and kids at heart), the LEGO store is a must. It features innovative displays made with the Danish company's signature colorful interlocking plastic bricks. The interactive building area offers hands-on entertainment.
Transportation
To get to Rockefeller Center, take the B, D, F and M to the 47th-50th Streets Rockefeller Center stop. The 1 train to 50th Street, the N, Q and R trains to 49th Street and the 6 train to 51st Street are nearby alternatives.
Did you know?
- Many Olympic figure skaters, including Peggy Fleming, Johnny Weir and Michelle Kwan, have graced the ice at Rockefeller Center.
- Anyone with a hulking Norway spruce in their backyard may submit their tree for consideration to be the annual Christmas tree. Priority is given to trees from neighboring states.
- In the 1930s, Mexican artist Diego Rivera was hired to paint a mural in the lobby of 30 Rockefeller Plaza. He was fired in a wave of controversy after he altered his initial approved concept sketch to include a prominently featured depiction of Communist leader Vladimir Lenin. Despite protests from the art community, the painting was destroyed.
- The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is adorned with energy-efficient LED lights. When the tree comes down in January, it is milled and made into lumber that is donated to Habitat for Humanity and used for home building.
- More than 1,100 glitzy costumes are worn in the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes. Each Rockette has eight costume changes per show, with as little as 78 seconds to change outfits.
Where to eat nearby
While those with a sincere interest in gastronomy don't usually make designated pilgrimages to Rockefeller Center, the Sea Grill and Rock Center Café are rink-side dining options. Both are popular and palatable.
The Sea Grill presents fresh seafood, such as Blue Point oysters and sushi rolls, in an upscale atmosphere.
Rock Center Café serves a casual menu with broad appeal. Burgers, house-made pasta and New York-style cheesecake are winners.
For liquid fortification, Bar SixtyFive at Rainbow Room enjoys panoramic metropolitan vistas from its perch on the 65th floor. A menu of sleek cocktails suits the polished atmosphere. For men, jackets and collared shirts are appreciated. Open on Monday-Friday, 5 p.m. to midnight, Sunday from 4 p.m. - 9 p.m. Closed on Saturday.
When it's time to visit the sugar fairy, Jacques Torres Chocolate won't disappoint. The confections are handmade in Brooklyn, without preservatives or artificial flavors. The rich hot chocolate is the perfect way to warm up after a few brisk turns -- or spills -- on the ice.
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