How to See New York City's Christmas Trees

The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lit for the holidays is quite a sight to behold. New York City, in fact, is home to dozens of wonderful holiday trees that are decorated and lit for the season. One of the best things about seeing these trees is that it's a free activity.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Warm clothing
• Camera

1. Visit Rockefeller Center's tree, the most celebrated of NYC's Christmas trees that draws thousands of visitors a day during the season. The tree dominates the center's landscape. You can soak in the holiday spirit and watch the ice skaters on the Rockefeller rink or perhaps rent a pair of skates yourself. Nothing says Christmas like this scene. The tree can be found at Rockefeller Center, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues and 47th to 51st streets.

2. See the Chorus Tree at South Street Seaport, which got its name because members of the Big Apple Chorus sing in a tree-shape formation in front of the tree every weekend during the holidays and on Christmas Eve. If you're going to visit the Seaport, also check out the 8,000-square-foot skating rink at nearby Pier 17. "Seaport Ice" is open through Feb. 28, seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Admission costs $5 and skate rentals are $7. South Street Seaport is at South Street and Fulton Street, at the southern tip of Manhattan.

3. 
   Lincoln Center tree

   Head to the West Side to see the Lincoln Center tree at the performing arts center. While you admire the star-filled tree, you can enjoy the scenes in and around Lincoln Center or grab a bite in one of the center's cafes. If you're really adventurous, head to the box office to see whether you can purchase tickets to the New York City Ballet's "The Nutcracker." Lincoln Center is at 64th Street and Columbus Avenue.

4. 
   Museum of Natural History origami tree

   Go to the American Museum of Natural History, where you can enjoy the museum and its breathtaking origami tree, which has been unveiled every year for 30 years. This year, the museum tree is decorated with origami mythic creatures including mermaids, dragons and unicorns. You can see the museum tree from 10 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. through Jan. 1. The museum is at Central Park West and 79th Street.

5. 
   St. John the Divine's tree of peace

   Say a prayer for the holidays at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, or simply go there to see the cathedral's magnificent holiday tree. New Yorkers of many faiths visit the St. John's tree each year and its message of worldwide peace. The tree is always decorated with 1,000 origami paper cranes and other peace symbols, and St. John the Divine offers workshops for children who want to learn how to make the cranes. You can also take a walking tour of the cathedral, where you'll learn how the cathedral celebrates the holidays. St. John the Divine is at 110th Street and Amsterdam Avenue.

Tips & Warnings

• Dress in layers if you're seeing an outdoor tree, such as the Rockefeller Center or Lincoln Center trees.
• Expect large crowds at most of these locations. New York City at Christmastime is busy.

Resources

• Rockfeller Center
• Cathedral of St. John the Divine
• American Museum of Natural History

[NYLady]

on 1/29/2009 Thanks -- it's a great thing to do during the holidays.

[hunterbdb]

on 1/29/2009 Interesting! When i go to New York maybe i'll do this