Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

In a ceremony that has been held yearly since 1933, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree was illuminated on Wednesday night. The 76-foot Norway Spruce is a world-wide symbol of the Christmas season in New York City, and it attracts thousands of tourists and locals alike. Both the skating rink and the official photo op at Rockefeller Center's Channel Gardens have also become popular places where couples get engaged.

Views From The Top Of The Rock® Observation Deck At Rockefeller Center

The Top of the Rock Observation Deck at Rockefeller Center offers some of the best views of the thrilling Manhattan skyline. It's worth visiting the observation deck 70 floors high and experiencing 3 viewing decks before sunset and staying until it gets dark for night time views. The observation deck gives an unobstructed 360º city views of the Empire State Building, Central Park, the city skyline, the New Year's Eve ball in Times Square, One World Trade Center, and even Liberty Island. The observation deck is located at 30 Rockefeller Plaza and the entrance is located at 50th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues.

Colossal Stone Figures Against Modern Architectural Structures: Ugo Rondinone's Human Nature at Rockefeller Center

The newest outdoor art exhibition, "Human Nature" by Swiss-born, New York-based artist Ugo Rondinone, was unveiled recently at the iconic Rockefeller Center. The exhibition features nine 16- to 20-foot tall, human-shaped stone figures at the plaza between 49th and 50th Streets. The stone sculptures are on view through June 7, 2013. Presented by Nespresso, the free exhibition is organized by Public Art Fund and Tishman Speyer. 

“The stone figure is the most archetypal representation of the human form; an elemental symbol of the human spirit, connected to the earth yet mythic in the imagination. The image of the figure belongs to nobody, is timeless, and universal,” said artist Ugo Rondinone.

Rockefeller Center Turns Into Democracy Plaza

Rockefeller Center turns into "Democracy Plaza" as NBC News world headquarters host an innovative celebration of American democracy and citizenship. Created by NBC News and powered by Windows 8, Democracy Plaza  features several interactive exhibits, including: Replicas of the Oval Office and the White House press briefing room where visitors can have their photos taken and instantly shared online. There is also a video booth where visitors can record a mock version of an NBC News report. A news desk and teleprompter make it a realistic broadcast experience that will be shared digitally within minutes. Caricature artist stations where visitors will be able to get unique drawings of themselves with either Pres. Barack Obama or Gov. Mitt Romney. The drawings will be done using the new Fresh Paint app for Windows 8 and be instantly shared with the visitor. Cutting-edge experiences to amplify and analyze the “Voice of the Voter” -- both with visitors on-site and in a broader social media conversation. On election night, thousands are expected to gather in the Plaza to watch live coverage of results on large screens throughout the public spaces. The iconic Rockefeller Center skating rink will hold an enormous map of the United States, with individual states icing over in red or blue as the race is called by the NBC News Decision Desk. As in the past, red and blue banners representing the number of electoral votes will rise up the front of the building as each campaign climbs toward 270. The interactive exhibit will continue through election night on November 6. Democracy Plaza will be free and open to the public. Description of the Democracy Plaza is obtained from the Rockefeller Center website.

Flag Flown At Half Staff For Victims Of Colorado Shooting

An American Flag at Rockefeller Center flies at half staff in tribute to victims of the deadly mass shooting in Aurora, Colorado. Early Friday morning, 24-year-old James Eagan Holmes allegedly opened fire on theater-goers attending a midnight premiere of the summer blockbuster "The Dark Knight Rises," killing at least 12 and wounding 59, according to police.

Easter Bunny Topiary at Rockefeller Center's Channel Gardens

To celebrate Easter, the traditional Easter bunny topiary is prominently displayed in the middle of the Channel Gardens at Rockefeller Center.

The Rink at Rockefeller Center Celebrates its 75th Anniversary on Christmas Day

On December 25, the Rink at Rockefeller Center celebrates its 75th anniversary. Since 1936, skating on The Rink has become one of the most visited sites in New York City, and one of New York's traditional ways to usher in each winter season. This year, the Rink's Skate House has been remodeled, offering comfortable seating, lockers and a skate rental desk under an airy vaulted, arched ceiling. The Rink first opened on December 25, 1936 as the premier artificial outdoor skating pond built in New York City, complete with modern amenities: night skating, piped-in music and a heated house for changing skates. The bronze gilded statue of the Greek legend Prometheus, sculpted by Paul Manship and set in a flowing fountain, looks over The Rink. The annual Rockefeller Christmas Tree stands on the west side of The Rink, a worldwide symbol of the holidays. The Rink at Rockefeller Center is located on 5th Avenue between 49th and 50th Streets. 

Rockefeller Center Lights The Iconic Christmas Tree

Last night, Rockefeller Center rang in the holiday season with the Christmas Tree lighting ceremony. The Christmas Tree, traditionally a Norway Spruce is decorated with 5 miles (8 kilometers) of environmentally friendly LED lights (30,000). The tree is crowned by a large Swarovski crystal star. Prior to the lighting, several artists participated in live or pre-taped performances including Justin Bieber, Tony Bennett, Neil Diamond, Cee Lo Gree and Carol King, among others. Rockefeller Plaza is located between West 48th and West 51st Streets and 5th and 6th Avenues in midtown Manhattan.