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Window displays are awash in pink and red, Cupid cut-outs dangle from ceilings, and heart-shaped Reese’s are back in stock… which means Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. Whether you're spending the day with your beloved, or a good friend, or going stag, Rockefeller Center can keep you entertained all day (and all month) long.
From sky-high experiences to international sweets and romantic dinners, here’s how to enjoy the perfect New York City Valentine’s Day — without ever leaving the Midtown campus. While you’re here, indulge in some of Rockefeller Center’s SNL50 offers, a collection of specialty drinks and bites celebrating Saturday Night Live’s 50th anniversary. And if you’re a New York local, make the most of some of your favorite Rockefeller Center experiences with an exclusive Buy One, Get One deal.
10:15 am: Get moving with help from Café Grumpy
Find it on the Rink Level of 30 Rockefeller Plaza
Don’t let the name fool you, Café Grumpy will put a pep in your step in no time. Start your day with a Vanilla Rose Latte, then grab a 20-ounce bag of heartbreaker beans (perfect for your favorite, caffeine-loving someone) for 14% off. Both offers are available from February 13 to 16.
Now that you’re wide awake, it’s time to…
10:45 am: Pick up some baked goods from Breads Bakery
Walk one block over to 1230 Avenue of the Americas on 6th Avenue
As part of Rockefeller Center’s Valentine’s Day exclusives, Breads is doling out its special Roselach — a pink, rose syrup-coated version of its most famous pastry. The offering is available from February 7 to 14, but you can start the festivities even earlier by making your own at home.
For some fresh air…
11:15 am: Take a spin on The Rink at Rockefeller Center Presented by Chase Freedom
Head one block down 50th Street
Imagine you and your special someone holding hands on the ice, in the heart of New York City. The Rink’s picturesque backdrop sets the stage for love, just like a scene from your favorite romance movie. Extend the adventure with a Premium Skate ticket; it includes a longer skate time, complimentary skate rentals, and 20% off The Rink merchandise. Plus, Chase Freedom card members also enjoy a few added perks. Tickets can be purchased here.
To refuel…
12:30 pm: Fill up with a meal at 5 Acres
You don’t have to travel far; just walk through the Rink Level doors at 30 Rockefeller Plaza
If all that skating worked up an appetite, indulge in a hearty Midwestern meal at 5 Acres. As part of Saturday Night Live’s 50th anniversary celebration, it’s one of the select Rockefeller Center spots serving SNL50-inspired drinks and bites through February 16. Its Booze Brothers cocktail blends dark rum with mandarin vanilla syrup, lime juice, and frothy egg whites.
For some last-minute gifts…
Aesop is located in the Channel Gardens; you can find Studs on 50th Street and Alex Mill at 1 Rockefeller Plaza
Whether perusing for yourself or a loved one, shopping at Rockefeller Center is as varied as the city itself. Pamper your special someone with luxurious scents from Aesop, or let your love shine with Studs’ Pink Diamond Earrings. For fashion lovers, Alex Mill is fully stocked with timeless tees and cozy knits.
To take your date to new heights…
3 pm: Experience The Beam and SKYLIFT at Top of the Rock
Find Top of the Rock’s entrance on 50th Street, between 5th and 6th Avenues
Top of the Rock is already one of the best places to take in the city’s expansive skyline, but its two new additions take sightseeing to another level. Experience a piece of New York history on The Beam, a recreation of the famous “Lunch Atop a Skyscraper” photo that rises 12 feet above Top of the Rock’s 360-degree observation deck. For an altitude-defying view you can only get at Rockefeller Center, head over to SKYLIFT on Top of the Rock’s uppermost observation deck. SKYLIFT soars 900 feet above street level, putting you shoulder-to-shoulder with the city’s iconic skyscrapers.
The Beam and SKYLIFT are included in the VIP Pass and can be added to General Admission and Express Pass tickets. (Paired with The Rink experience, this is where Rockefeller Center’s Buy One, Get One offer becomes an irresistible advantage.) Buy your tickets here.
As an extra treat…
4:30 pm: Try some international candy at lil sweet treat
Head back to the Rink Level of 30 Rockefeller Plaza
Interested in exploring global flavors? lil sweet treat, the viral candy store founded by Elly Ross, offers an assortment of candies from all over the world. Its signature mixes feature its most popular sweets, but you can also create your own pick-and-mix bag or choose a love-themed delight: pink Valentine’s Day bags and candy grams.
To toast to the day’s festivities…
5 pm: Grab a drink at Smith & Mills
Stay on the Rink Level of 30 Rockefeller Plaza
Love is in the air at Smith & Mills, a speakeasy-like hideout perfect for those who appreciate intimate conversations and handcrafted drinks. Part of its Valentine’s Day menu, the restaurant’s Blushing Rose cocktail is made with rose petal gin, Smith & Mills aperitif blend, strawberry, lemon, and bubbly rosé.
To top off the day…
6 pm: Unwind with a four-course menu at Le Rock
Stay on the Rink Level of 30 Rockefeller Plaza
After a jam-packed day of shopping and sightseeing, put the focus back on you and your loved one with a romantic dinner at Le Rock. Its four-course Valentine’s Day menu is specially curated for lovebirds, offering shareable appetizers and desserts for two. And don’t forget to try its tequila-based Du Bang cocktail, another SNL50 offering. Book your table here.
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