Rockefeller Center — Attraction in New York

The biting October air nipped at my exposed skin, but I barely noticed. My eyes were glued to the scene unfolding before me, a symphony of light and shadow against the backdrop of the New York City skyline. Rockefeller Center at night. It was a photographer's dream, a stage set for urban magic.

My last vacation had brought me here, not for the throngs of tourists jostling for a glimpse of the Christmas tree (that spectacle was still a few weeks away), but for the quiet grandeur of the place after dark. The crowds had thinned, leaving behind a hushed reverence, a sense of the city breathing a collective sigh of relief.

I’d done my research, of course. I knew the history, the Rockefeller family’s vision, the Art Deco masterpieces that comprised this iconic complex. I knew about the sunken plaza, the skating rink waiting for its winter coat of ice, Radio City Music Hall looming majestically in the background. But no amount of research could prepare you for the sheer visceral impact of being there, camera in hand, capturing the soul of the place.

My tripod became my anchor, grounding me in the heart of the plaza. I started with the wide shots, capturing the entire ensemble – the towering buildings, their facades illuminated, reflecting the vibrant energy of the city. The Channel Gardens, normally bustling with foot traffic, were now serene, the sculptures bathed in a soft, theatrical glow.

I zoomed in, focusing on the details – the intricate carvings, the Art Deco motifs, the subtle interplay of light and shadow. The buildings, conceived during the Great Depression, spoke of resilience, of ambition, of the enduring spirit of New York.

The absence of the Christmas tree, ironically, allowed me to appreciate the architecture in its purest form. There was no single focal point dominating the scene. Instead, my eye was drawn to the geometric patterns, the vertical lines reaching for the heavens, the sense of balance and harmony that permeated the entire complex.

I wandered through the plaza, my lens capturing fleeting moments – a couple sharing a quiet kiss under the watchful gaze of Atlas, a lone figure gazing up at the illuminated Prometheus statue, lost in thought. Even at night, the human element was present, adding layers of meaning to the architectural grandeur.

I spent hours exploring, my fingers numb from the cold, but my spirit warmed by the beauty that surrounded me. Rockefeller Center at night was a different beast altogether. It was quieter, more intimate, more revealing. It was a place where history and architecture intertwined, where the city's energy pulsed beneath the surface of the night.

Leaving Rockefeller Center, I felt a sense of satisfaction. I had captured more than just images; I had captured a feeling, a mood, a glimpse into the soul of this iconic landmark. And I knew, with a photographer’s heart, that I would be back again, drawn to the magic of this urban stage, where light and shadow danced in the heart...

Oh Rockefeller Center, a place full of wonder and nostalgia. I’ve been coming to Rockefeller Center since I was a young child. My mother worked here for 15 years. I remember dressing up in mother-daughter outfits on days that I’d go to the office. It was where I first had a mochaccino from a machine at a very young age. It was also the first place I had Japanese food and tried to use chopsticks. My mom took me out of school one day to come when my favorite band would be there. We even went when some of the actors from Game of Thrones were there.

Nostalgia aside, I went back in with mom, we were nearby and I wanted to have a look around. They have many great shops around Rockefeller and great spots to grab a bite with varying price ranges. The bagel shop down there is great, there’s a taco spot, Mediterranean, and more. Check their website for the goods. When you’re here visiting, make sure you look all around you. I always remembered the gold color around the black floor tiles, and the revolving doors. I remember the art work all around various halls and entrances. Also, the many escalators and various entrances and exits some more hidden than others. This particular time, I also noticed a specific scent. It’s newer than when I was there just two years ago, and certainly very different from my childhood. It smelled intoxicating, absolutely wonderful. It’s part of those scents that places pump through their vents to create an experience, elicit an emotion, create a memory. I typically smell a vanilla version in many places from supermarkets to shops. This one was unique, the only other place it reminded me of- remember scent is one of our strongest memory sources - Clontarf Castle in Co. Dublin. I swear they order the same scent, it’s remarkably similar and has a way of making you feel like you belong there.

I’ve gone to see the tree, well, THE tree, the iconic Christmas tree that ties up traffic for many surrounding blocks, traffic that led my mother, while working there to have to discover the different entrances just to get into work. The tree is lovely, the experience is lovely, not as much for a local to be around it because of the traffic and amount of tourists, but we like that it’s done and that it’s there. We just don’t necessarily want to be there while everyone else is seeing it. I’ve always tried, at least once, to do or see a tourist attraction in my city. I’ve been to the “Top of the Rock” and it’s lovely, it’s great seeing the city from up high. While you’re there, look all around you. From one side you can look down and see Saint Patrick’s Cathedral. You can get an interesting photo if you just focus your camera lens in the hole of the fencing, then zoom in. On another side you can see the Chrysler building in all of its art deco glory. Make sure to see each side of the observation deck. Rockefeller Center, a great place, a...

Bucket List Item ☑️

What I loved most? Waiting until last minute to buy tickets online 😅. Did I stalk the site leading up to my trip for when they would be available to the week I was going - on the daily for availability? Absolutely. The tickets are Non-Refundable; so if you wait a little bit & make sure the weather is going to cooperate. This is obviously rain or shine type of event & you want to make sure you get what you pay for in this day & age - right?

I went at 5 pm-6:30 pm. I could have easily stayed for an additional 2 hours, but that is just the aesthetic & the former figure skater in me rallying. Skating under this tree has been on my Bucket List since I was around the age of 5.

Getting in? Slightly chaotic. There is obviously a lot of people wanting to see the tree. Myself having no idea where I am supposed to go & because of being average woman height 🙄; I struggle to see over the bodies of the swarm of people - but people are friendly. If you use your manners, people respond in kind. Eyes up, phones down type of thing - ya feel me? (You won’t find it on your phone & security will not let you stop & take a photo - even though the signs that are posted say that you canNOT do this as well) Once you enter into the building to skate, they scan your phone, scoot you on through, you tell them your skate size (you can ask for figure skates if that is your preference), grab the locker, then head out on the ice. easy peasy.

Should there be maybe a line for beginners & advanced skaters? Absolutely. There were many falling. While it is all about the experience & such; people should know that if you are unable to skate or if you are great at skating - remain humble & patient. Was I casually playing chicken with some young spring chicken? Absolutely. Ice skating makes me feel alive. It’s freeing & nostalgic. However, there are lines to remain respectful of others - right? I can easily stop & am willing to break my own leg prior to knocking someone else over. This is not to be said for everyone else, if you catch my drift. 97% of the people skating were beginner based. 😅

Until next time NYC - forever holds a special place...