Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony: Street Closures & Related Information

November 27, 2018

The New York City Police Department announced today the street closures and security measures that will be in effect during the 86th Annual Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, which begins at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, November 28th. Because heavy traffic is expected, drivers should avoid the vicinity of Rockefeller Center and Radio City Music Hall from 3 p.m. to midnight. Anyone attending the event is encouraged to use mass transit.

All spectators attending the event must pass through a security screening prior to entering the tree-lighting area. Screening areas will be located at 48th, 49th and 50th Streets at both 5th Avenue and Avenue of the Americas. Spectators are reminded that umbrellas, large coolers, alcoholic beverages, backpacks and/or large bags are prohibited.

The following streets will be subject to closure from 3:00 p.m. until the conclusion of the event:

• 48th to 51st Street between Avenue of the Americas and Madison Avenue
• 47th Street between 5th Avenue and Madison Avenue
• 52nd Street between 5th Avenue and Madison Avenue

Effective Thursday, November 29th until Monday, January 7, 2019, the following streets will be closed to vehicle traffic on weekdays from 5:00 p.m. until 12:00 a.m., and on weekends from 1:00 p.m. until 12:00 a.m. (Subject to change due to crowds):

• 49th Street between 5th Avenue and Avenue of the Americas
• 50th Street between 5th Avenue and Avenue of the Americas

Media Parking

The following area will be provided for "Broadcast Vehicles" only:

At 10 a.m., November 28th, "Broadcast Vehicles" can begin to park on 51st Street from the corner of Avenue of the Americas going east to mid-block on the south side of the street, no vehicles may park east of Rockefeller Plaza.

(Please note: There will be no parking four car lengths from the crosswalk of Rockefeller Plaza.)

Parking restrictions will also be placed on Avenue of the Americas, 48th, 49th, 50th, and 51st Streets, 51st Street, from Avenue of the Americas to Seventh Avenue which will require the displacement of some vehicles authorized to park in "NYP" zones. Additional parking will be available on 48th and 49th Streets from Avenue of the Americas and Seventh Avenue for vehicles bearing "NYP" plates.

There will also be no parking four car lengths from any crosswalk on the streets designated for media parking. Parking regulations, such as no parking by fire hydrants and crosswalks, will also be enforced.