Before Dawn Delight: Locals and Tourists Flock to Witness the Magic of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

Before Dawn Delight: Locals and Tourists Flock to Witness the Magic of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

  • Tuesday, 19 December 2023 23:20

In the Quiet Hours: Locals and Tourists Embrace the Early Magic of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

For those seeking a serene encounter with the resplendent Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, the early morning hours are proving to be a golden opportunity. Well before sunrise, a select group of locals and tourists gather at the iconic site, eager to bask in the luminous charm of the seasonal spectacle without the bustling crowds.

On a brisk Tuesday at 4:45 a.m., a handful of individuals assembled at Rockefeller Center. The temperature hovered at 35 degrees, and the famed tree remained unlit—an intentional prelude to the enchantment that awaited. George Day, a 42-year-old visitor from England, expressed the sentiment shared by many: "Everyone had been saying this is the best time to get a photo and see the lights switch on.

At the stroke of 5 a.m., the Swarovski crystal star atop the 80-foot Norwegian spruce burst into brilliance, illuminating its 50,000 multicolor lights. As security guards removed barriers, attendees were granted access to the usually crowded ice skating rink—an ideal spot for capturing the magic on camera.

“It’s magical,” exclaimed Day, encapsulating the enchantment that permeates the early hours. Nearby, NYU sophomores Aly Shiu and Rocky Masci, clad in cozy attire, marveled at the Saks lights across the street. Their tradition of early morning lights viewing, initiated last year, took on added significance as Masci prepared to head home to Los Angeles for the school break.

The trend of early-morning visits to the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree has gained popularity on platforms like TikTok. Users like Janeen Torres from New Jersey showcase the serene ambiance of Midtown during these quiet hours. Torres, seeking a magical rather than stressful experience, opted for the mini lighting ceremony at 5 a.m., a daily occurrence until December 14.

For Torres, the early-morning expedition involved staying with a friend in Manhattan, waking up at 3:30 a.m., and arriving at the tree within an hour. The duo, high-kicking and dancing in the empty plaza, crafted their own impromptu ceremony, underscoring the personal and magical allure of the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree experience during the quiet embrace of the early morning.

The Early Morning Embrace: Rockefeller Center's TikTok Nod and the Allure of Pre-Dawn Tree Gazing

The enchantment of witnessing the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree in its early morning splendor has not gone unnoticed, especially in the realm of TikTok. The official Rockefeller Center TikTok account seemed to give a virtual nod to the trend, commenting, "honestly…the move," on a post where a fellow TikToker showcased the majestic pre-dawn view of the towering spruce.

Jemma Paynter, 34, attested to the efficacy of the early morning strategy. After a thwarted attempt at a daytime viewing due to crowds, she decided to try the early hours, saying, "We saw the crowds and then walked away." The peaceful ambiance of the tree in the early morning became a respite from the hustle and bustle.

Jane Davy, a 35-year-old visitor from Istanbul, echoed the sentiment of finding solace in the pre-dawn visit. She relished the serene atmosphere at 5 a.m. but harbored plans to return for a glimpse amidst the holiday crowds later in the day. "I will probably come back tonight," she mused, "if I don't fall asleep." This dual experience captures the essence of Rockefeller Center's allure—tranquil mornings and festive nights, creating a tapestry of memories that blend the quiet magic of dawn with the vibrant energy of holiday crowds.

In the Quiet Hours and Festive Nights: Embracing the Dual Magic of Rockefeller Center's Christmas Tree

As the early morning rendezvous with the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree gains momentum, it's not only capturing the hearts of early risers but also earning a nod from the official Rockefeller Center TikTok account. The virtual affirmation, "honestly…the move," signals the growing popularity of the pre-dawn strategy, as TikTok users share their serene encounters with the iconic spruce.

Jemma Paynter's experience, opting for the tranquility of the early hours after encountering daytime crowds, reflects a shift in perspective, and she succinctly captures the sentiment: "We saw the crowds and then walked away." This departure from the conventional daytime visit adds a layer of quiet magic to the tree-gazing experience.

For Jane Davy, who visited from Istanbul, the 5 a.m. serenity left a lasting impression. Despite planning to return for a glimpse amid the holiday crowds, she acknowledged the allure of the pre-dawn calm. "I will probably come back tonight," she shared, "if I don't fall asleep." This dual approach, blending the peace of the early morning with the vibrancy of festive nights, encapsulates the multifaceted charm of Rockefeller Center's Christmas tree.

Whether it's the serene tranquility of dawn or the bustling energy of holiday crowds, the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree becomes a canvas for diverse experiences, each contributing to the tapestry of memories woven around this iconic symbol. In the quiet hours and festive nights, visitors find their own moments of magic, creating a harmonious blend that makes the Rockefeller Center tree a timeless centerpiece of holiday joy.