Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting: Where To Park And Trains To Take For The Show

RTX155NS — This year's tree is a 76-foot, 12-ton spruce that will glimmer with over 45,000 multi-colored and energy efficient LED lights once the tree is turned on during the tree lighting ceremony. Reuters

Excitement continues to grow as people across the nation prepare for the 81^st annual Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting ceremony on Wednesday.

Millions will watch the event from the comfort of their own homes. But if you plan on attending the event in New York City, here are a few parking and subway tips for the most cheerful trip to the show.

Be Early

Most important, you must get to Rockefeller Center early to get the best view of the ceremony.

The event kicks off at 7 p.m. EST, but coveted real estate around the tree will quickly diminish as tens of thousands of spectators fill the area.

Take the Subway

If taking the subway to the show, you can can take the B/D/F/M to Rockefeller Center/47-50th Street station, the N/R/Q to 49th Street and 7th Avenue or the E to 5th Avenue and 53rd Street.

The 6 train to Lexington Avenue-53rd Street, the 1 train to 50th Street, the N/R line to 49th Street or the B/D/F/M to 42nd Street are additional options to get to the show, recommends Metro.

Take the Bus

From Fifth Avenue you can take the M1, M2, M3, M4 or M5 bus to 50th Street. From Broadway you can take the M6 or M7 bus., exiting at 50th Street and then walking east to Rockefeller Center. You can also take the M27 or M50 bus, exiting any spot between Fifth Avenue and Seventh Avenue.

Due to street closures ahead of the show, some of these routes may be altered. So be sure to check the MTA site for any planned changes to these routes.

Drive ONLY If You Have To

NYPD recommends taking mass transit to the event. But if driving is your last resort to partake in the holiday goodness at the Rockefeller Center, click the link here for a list of nearby parking lots and garages. Traffic is guaranteed to be dreadful ahead of the tree lighting. So be sure to provide a very large time window between the show and when you attempt to park at a lot or garage.

Also, keep in mind that streets will be closed 3 to 11 p.m. from West 48th Street to West 51st Street between 5th and 6th Avenues, according to the police department.