Watch the big tree in NYC (here online!)

One of my favorite Christmas pastimes is heading down to the Big Apple and checking out the sights.

Between the waiting in line to view the holiday-themed windows at famed stores like and Macy*s Herald Square and Bloomingdale's, visiting Santa Land at Macy*s (you pretty much can't go wrong this time of year at Macy*s), heading over to St. Patrick's Cathedral and Times Square and Radio City Music Hall (seen here), it's a great way to spend a December day.

Last year's excursion came three days after Christmas, and it was close to 60 degrees, making for a super day.

Of course, the capper to any Christmas-themed day in New York City is taking in the gigantic Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center, at 30 Rockefeller Plaza (you might know it as "30 Rock," of Tina Fey fame).

Between the trumpeting angels leading the way, the ice-skaters below and the huge tree, it's quite a sight — one I've been seeing year after year since I was a kid.

But ... if you're not lucky enough to make it to Rockefeller Center, here's the next best thing: All you have to do is click here and watch the 24-hour, live Web cam focused on the tree, compliments from your friends over at NBC New York. (It works best when viewed with Internet Explorer)
Day or night, you can watch the tree — whether dozens of people are skating below it around noon, or if the only guy around is picking up trash on the surrounding street, as he was this morning around 3:15 a.m., when I found the link.

It's like stalking a 72-foot-tall Norway spruce 24 hours a day. Enjoy!