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 2^nd, 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 and are reminded that backpacks and or large bags are prohibited.

The following streets will be subject to closures from about 3 p.m. until the conclusion of the event: 48th, 49th, 50th, and 51st Streets between Avenue of the Americas and Fifth Avenue.

Media Parking

The following area will be provided for "Broadcast Vehicles" only:

• North side of 51st Street west of Rockefeller Plaza to Sixth Avenue.

At 10 a.m., "broadcast vehicles" may begin to park on 51st Street, 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. (Please note: There will be no parking three car lengths from the crosswalk of Rockefeller Plaza.)

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 46th and 47th Streets between Avenue of the Americas and Seventh Avenue for vehicles bearing "NYP" plates.

There will also be no parking three car lengths from any crosswalk on the streets designated for media parking. Parking regulations, such as no parking by fire hydrants and crosswalks, will also be enforced.

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