Looking for things to do in New York City this holiday season? The Empire State Building has you covered!
It’s the most wonderful time of the year at the Empire State Building with one-of-a-kind holiday activations at its world-famous Observatory. Experience holiday joy with festive decorations, special holiday lightings, movie screenings, pop-ups, and visits from Santa Claus at the building throughout the end of the year.
DECK THE HALLS
Each corner of the Empire State Building’s Observatory is adorned with elaborate displays of silver and gold wreaths, bows, ribbons, stars, and lights to create an immersive holiday wonderland. Take a festive photo in a display inspired by Santa’s workshop with an oversized chair, Christmas trees, and wrapped presents with a snowy skyline backdrop.
The building’s iconic Fifth Avenue Lobby is covered in hanging holiday lights, wreaths, and a giant Christmas tree, and the famed Lobby windows feature scenes from the holiday classic, “Elf,” which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. The scenes depict Buddy the Elf’s journey from the North Pole to his father’s office at the Empire State Building. Pass through the lobby from Monday through Friday to be greeted by classic holiday tunes performed by professional pianists.
THE MAN WITH THE BAG
Santa Claus is comin’ to town! The big man will visit the Empire State Building to collect Christmas wishes and spread holiday cheer on Dec. 2, 9, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20, and 22.
"TREAT EVERY DAY LIKE CHRISTMAS"
To celebrate the beloved Christmas comedy and the Empire State Building’s lead role, the Observatory will host special screenings of the film on the 80th Floor on Dec. 3, 10, 12, 13, and 17. Tickets to the screening will also include holiday-themed drinks and snacks to enjoy during the movie and full access to ESB’s immersive museum and 86th Floor Observatory. Buy tickets to the exclusive event here!
BABY, IT'S COLD OUTSIDE!
Keep extra warm on the 86th Floor’s heated outdoor Observatory with S’mores N’more’s viral hot chocolate served with their signature giant marshmallows. S’mores N’more will sell exclusive hot chocolate creations only available at the building which include:
- “The Buddy” –a classic hot chocolate with whipped cream, a pop tart marshmallow, M&Ms, chocolate, and a maple syrup drizzle, inspired by “Elf”
- “The King” – a classic hot chocolate with whipped cream, a banana chocolate chip marshmallow, chocolate and banana poke sticks, and cocoa dust, inspired by “Kong” himself
- “Christmas in the Clouds” – a peppermint hot chocolate with whipped cream, a peppermint marshmallow, a York peppermint patty, and Christmas sprinkles
FESTIVE LIGHTS
The Empire State Building shines its world-famous tower lights in annual holiday displays which include dedicated lightings for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Chanukah, and New Year’s Eve. The building recently featured a special lighting ceremony to kick off the holiday season and to celebrate the opening night of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular with the Radio City Rockettes.
