Rockefeller Center’s Rink turns 90, and the winter landmark is going all out to celebrate

Carpathian Mountains Magazine 11 minutes ago

a ski chalet set up near the rockefeller center ice rink

Rockefeller Center’s ice rink is celebrating 90 years.

Photo by Toby Tenenbaum, Courtesy of Tishman Speyer

The ice at Rockefeller Center has been drawing skaters since Christmas Day 1936. Ninety years later, the plaza is marking the milestone with a holiday season that stretches from the rink all the way up to the 70th floor.

The biggest change this year is at Top of the Rock, where the observation deck has been reimagined as Rockefeller Center’s own “North Pole.” The makeover comes from Stoop and The City, the seasonal decorator known for elaborate holiday displays that rack up views online. Since opening on Nov. 7, the deck has offered photos with Santa and seasonal drinks from The Weather Room, and it’ll stay decked out through Jan. 3.

That same Saturday, the famous tree rolled into the plaza for its annual Meet the Tree Day. It’s now getting dressed in more than 50,000 LED lights and a Swarovski star ahead of the lighting during NBC’s broadcast on Dec. 2. After that, it stays up through Jan. 9, glowing around the clock on Christmas Day.

Rockefeller Center has put up a holiday arch for patrons to enjoy.Photo by Toby Tenenbaum, Courtesy of Tishman Speyer

holiday decor at Rockefeller Center — Rockefeller Center is decking the halls with all sorts of decor.Photo by Toby Tenenbaum, Courtesy of Tishman Speyer

Seeing the tree costs nothing, but getting close is another story. Starting Dec. 3, Holiday Top of the Rock tickets include a new “Tree Experience,” a reserved photo spot next to the tree before visitors ride up to the deck. Those willing to spend more can book the Holiday VIP Rock Pass, a two-hour guided tour with prime tree views, a private garden for catching the Saks Fifth Avenue Light Show, and a VIP walk-through of the North Pole.

Down at rink level, the anniversary shows up in the details. The Skate House has been renovated and reopens on Nov. 14 with a VIP lounge and a menu by chef Greg Baxtrom of 5 Acres. The rinkside Holiday Chalets, a hit in past years, are back for groups of up to six. Starting Nov. 20, six new 90th Anniversary Lodges will offer bigger spaces for up to eight people, each themed around a different chapter of the rink’s history. Both chalets and lodges run in 50-minute slots with food, drinks and photos included, and a $25-per-person minimum.

For anyone who’d rather stay warm, the complex’s nearly 50 shops, including LEGO, FAO Schwarz and Nintendo flagships, and the food hall under 30 Rock are open throughout the season.

Tickets are at rockefellercenter.com.