New York Pass Christmas: Rockettes & Rockefeller Rink Guide

# New York Pass Christmas: Rockettes & Rockefeller Rink Guide

A trip to New York City during the Christmas season is nothing short of magical. The air is crisp, the city is draped in millions of twinkling lights, and iconic experiences like seeing the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall and skating beneath the towering Rockefeller Center Christmas tree are at the top of every visitor’s list.

 

When planning a trip packed with sightseeing, an attraction pass like the New York Pass often seems like the perfect way to save money. But when it comes to these quintessential holiday activities, a common question arises: Does the pass cover the Rockettes and the rink?

This guide breaks down the value of using the New York Pass Christmas season offering and gives you the expert strategies you need to plan a festive, budget-friendly trip, whether you use a pass or not.

New York Pass at Christmas: Does It Cover the Rockettes & Rink?

Let’s get straight to the point: No, the New York Pass does not include tickets to the Radio City Christmas Spectacular starring the Rockettes or ice skating at the Rink at Rockefeller Center.

This can be disappointing to hear, but it’s important to understand why. These are two of the most in-demand, separately-ticketed seasonal events in the entire city. Here’s a quick breakdown.

The Radio City Christmas Spectacular (The Rockettes)

The Christmas Spectacular is a world-famous, limited-run theatrical production, much like a Broadway show. These types of high-demand, reserved-seating performances are almost never included on general-purpose sightseeing passes. The ticketing is managed exclusively by Radio City Music Hall and their official partners.

Ice Skating at Rockefeller Center

Similarly, skating at the Rockefeller Rink is a premium, timed-entry experience managed directly by Rockefeller Center. Due to its immense popularity and limited capacity, access is tightly controlled with its own ticketing system, placing it outside the scope of what city-wide attraction passes can offer.

How to Book the Rockettes & Rockefeller Skating (and Still Save)

Just because these activities aren’t on the pass doesn’t mean you can’t be smart about booking them. The key is to plan ahead.

Tips for Booking the Radio City Christmas Spectacular

1. Book Early: Tickets go on sale months in advance. The earlier you book, the better your choice of seats and prices, especially for prime dates around Christmas week.
2. Be Flexible: Weekday and matinee performances are significantly cheaper than weekend evening shows. If your schedule allows, aim for a Tuesday afternoon instead of a Saturday night.
3. Go to the Source: Book directly via the Official Rockettes tickets website. They are the primary sellers and will show the full range of available dates and prices.
4. Look for Group Rates: If you’re traveling with a group of 10 or more, you may qualify for special group discounts.

Tips for Skating at the Rockefeller Center Rink

1. Reserve Online in Advance: You can, and should, book your skate time online before your trip via the Rockefeller Rink official site. This guarantees your spot and prevents you from waiting in a long line only to be turned away.
2. Skate Off-Peak: The first skate of the morning or a late-night session on a weekday will be less crowded and often less expensive than a weekend afternoon slot.
3. Factor in Rentals: The ticket price is for admission to the ice. Skate rentals are an additional fee, so be sure to budget for that.

 

 

Festive & Affordable Skating Alternatives in NYC

While Rockefeller Center is iconic, it’s also the most expensive and crowded rink. Luckily, NYC has other fantastic options that offer just as much holiday magic, often for a fraction of the price.

Bryant Park Winter Village

Just a short walk from Times Square, the rink at Bryant Park’s Winter Village is a local favorite.
* The Pro: Ice skating admission is completely free!
* The Catch: You have to pay for skate rentals, which can be pricey during peak hours. If you have your own skates, you can have a world-class NYC experience for zero cost.
* The Vibe: The rink is surrounded by a charming European-style holiday market and dozens of food vendors, making it a complete festive destination.

Wollman Rink in Central Park

For breathtaking views and a classic NYC feel, you can’t beat Wollman Rink.
* The Pro: It’s a much larger rink than Rockefeller Center, giving you more space to skate. The backdrop of the Midtown skyline rising above the Central Park trees is unforgettable.
* The Catch: While generally cheaper than Rockefeller, it’s not free. You pay an admission fee and a separate skate rental fee.
* The Vibe: It’s the quintessential “skating in the park” scene from countless holiday movies. It feels both grand and romantic.

Is the New York Pass Worth It for Your Christmas Trip?

Absolutely! Even though it doesn’t cover the Rockettes or Rockefeller skating, the New York Pass can still be an incredible money-saver. The key to getting the most value from your New York Pass Christmas trip is to use it for the many other festive attractions that are included.

Top Christmas-time attractions covered by the New York Pass include:
* Top of the Rock Observation Deck: Get a bird’s-eye view of the Rockefeller tree, the rink, and the St. Patrick’s Cathedral decorations.
* Empire State Building: See the city’s holiday lights sparkle from the famous 86th-floor observatory.
* Radio City Music Hall Stage Door Tour: Can’t see the show? This tour takes you behind the scenes of the legendary venue and even lets you meet a Rockette.
* Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour: A perfect way to see the city’s famous holiday window displays and decorations without wearing out your feet.
* Holiday-Themed Walking Tours: The pass often includes special seasonal walking tours that highlight famous movie sites or holiday history.

Sample 2-Day NYC Christmas Itinerary with the New York Pass

Here’s how you could stack your savings on a quick festive trip.

Day 1:
* Morning: Top of the Rock Observation Deck
* Afternoon: Radio City Music Hall Stage Door Tour
* Evening: Empire State Building

Day 2:
* All Day: Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour to see holiday lights and displays.
* Afternoon: 9/11 Memorial & Museum

Cost Breakdown:

Top of the Rock

• Price without Pass (approx.): $44
• Covered by New York Pass?: Yes

Radio City Tour

• Price without Pass (approx.): $33
• Covered by New York Pass?: Yes

Empire State Building

• Price without Pass (approx.): $48
• Covered by New York Pass?: Yes

Big Bus Tour (1-Day)

• Price without Pass (approx.): $60
• Covered by New York Pass?: Yes

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9/11 Memorial & Museum

• Price without Pass (approx.): $33
• Covered by New York Pass?: Yes

Total Individual Cost

• Price without Pass (approx.): $218
• Covered by New York Pass?:

Cost of a 2-Day New York Pass

• Price without Pass (approx.): ~$159
• Covered by New York Pass?:

Your Total Savings

• Price without Pass (approx.): ~$59 per person
• Covered by New York Pass?:

Disclaimer: Prices are approximate and subject to change. Always check official websites for the most current pricing.

As you can see, by visiting just a few major sites, the pass easily pays for itself, freeing up money in your budget for those special tickets to the Rockettes and a magical skate.

New York Pass vs. CityPASS for a Christmas Trip

Another popular option is the New York CityPASS®. The main difference is the structure:
New York Pass: An “all-you-can-see” pass for a set number of days*. Great for fast-paced travelers who want to pack in as many attractions as possible.

CityPass: A pass for a set number of attractions*. Great for travelers who want a more relaxed pace and already know which 3-5 major sites they want to see.

For a whirlwind Christmas trip where you want the flexibility to visit many indoor attractions (like museums and tours) to escape the cold, the New York Pass often provides more options and greater potential value.

The Verdict: Maximize Your New York Pass Christmas Savings

To wrap it all up, here is your game plan for a perfect NYC Christmas trip:

1. Acknowledge the Exceptions: Understand that the New York Pass doesn’t cover the Radio City Christmas Spectacular or Rockefeller Rink skating.
2. Book Separately & Early: Purchase your tickets for those two iconic experiences directly from the official vendors well in advance.
3. Consider Alternatives: Save money and enjoy a different vibe by skating at the free-admission rink in Bryant Park or the scenic Wollman Rink.
4. Maximize Your Pass: Use the New York Pass for high-value attractions like the Top of the Rock, the Empire State Building, and bus tours to get the most out of your investment.

By combining the savings from the New York Pass Christmas deal with smart, separate bookings, you can experience all the holiday magic NYC has to offer without breaking the bank. Happy planning