The New York City Police Department today announced the street closures and security measures that will be in effect during the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, which begins at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, December 4, at Rockefeller Center. Because heavy traffic is expected, drivers should avoid the vicinity of Rockefeller Center and Radio City Music Hall from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. Spectators are urged to use mass transit to attend the event.

The following streets will be closed from about 4 p.m. until the conclusion of the ceremony: 48th, 49th, 50th, and 51st Streets between Avenue of the Americas and Fifth Avenue

Spectators will not be permitted to carry backpacks, duffle bags, and other similar items into the viewing area.

Media Parking

The following areas will be provided for "broadcast vehicles" only:

• 48th and 51st Street between Avenue of the Americas and Rockefeller
  Center
• The west side of Avenue of the Americas between 51st and 52nd
  Streets

At 10 a.m., "broadcast vehicles" may begin to park on 48th and 51st Streets, though restrictions may be necessary to accommodate the crowds. Vehicles may park from the corner of Avenue of the Americas east to mid-block. No vehicles may park east of Rockefeller Center.

Parking restrictions will also be placed on Avenue of the Americas, 48th, 49th, 50th, and 51st Streets, which will require the displacement of some vehicles authorized to park in "NYP" zones. Additional parking will be available on 51st Street between Avenue of the Americas and Seventh Avenue for vehicles bearing "NYP" plates.

Media access to the event will be at 10 West 50th Street, via the south sidewalk.