Celebrate the Holidays at the Empire State Building
Experience the magic of the holidays in NYC at the Empire State Building! This December, the iconic landmark transforms into a winter wonderland filled with festive joy and excitement. Bring your family to meet Santa Claus, sip on indulgent Ghirardelli hot cocoa from our pop-up stand, and lose yourself in the enchantment of fan-favorite holiday movie screenings. Surrounded by dazzling, over-the-top decor, every corner promises a new adventure and a chance to create cherished memories.
'Tis the season to visit ESB - so book your tickets today for an unforgettable festive experience at the Empire State Building below!
Festive Movie Nights
Pour some hot chocolate and bring your favorite ugly sweater to ESB's Holiday Movie Nights! ESB will screen holiday classics throughout December, which include the fan-favorite "Elf," "Home Alone 2: Lost in New York," and "The Nightmare Before Christmas." These screenings are sure to bring holiday cheer to families and friends.
We are pleased to share that this year's movie screenings are sponsored by Ghirardelli!
A $5 booking charge is added to each transaction.
A $5 booking charge is added to each transaction.
The More the Merrier
Guests can experience one-of-a-kind activations throughout the month of December that will inspire the holiday cheer at the "World's Most Famous Building." Enjoy this joyous season with an exclusive Ghirardelli hot cocoa pop-up, visits from Santa Claus, and festive decorations all throughout the Observatory!
Santa Claus is Coming to the Empire State Building!
Santa Claus is back this year to visit and interact with Observatory guests. Don't wait; ticket time slots with Santa fill up quickly! Check the schedule below and pre-book a visit to the "World's Most Famous Building" for the chance to meet him, share your wish list, and take photos!
The Starbucks Reserve Winter Wonderland
Step into a Winter Wonderland at the Empire State Building Starbucks Reserve®! This is the perfect place to enjoy seasonal drinks and cocktails before or after your visit the Observatory.
This season, the Empire State Building's Starbucks Reserve's Coffee & Cocktail Lounge will transform into a winter wonderland! Starting Nov. 7, guests can try out the new limited-time only Starbucks Reserve® Empire State Cocoa, an alcoholic twist on the classic hot cocoa served with Royal Combier and a side of dark chocolate. Celebrate this joyful season in one of the most festive destinations!
Other Holiday Activations at ESB
With numerous activations throughout the holiday season, the Empire State Building is the perfect place to bring friends, family, and loved ones.
What better way to take in the gorgeous holiday season than from nearly two thousand feet above the heart of Manhattan with a delicious hot chocolate? For a limited-time only, Ghirardelli will host a hot chocolate pop-up on the 86th Floor Observatory with their Classic Hot Cocoa and Peppermint Hot Cocoa. The pop-up will be open to guests every day from 10 am - 1 pm & 5 - 8 pm from Nov. 13. Don't miss out on this delicious, heart-warming treat!
The Radio City Rockettes lit up the Empire State Building on Nov. 8 to kick off the Radio City Rockettes' Christmas Spectacular opening night! Guests experienced the magic of the holiday season as they saw these world-famous performers dressed in festive outfits light the building in red and white. The dancers posed for pictures across the Observatory experience, including the Grand Staircase, Construction exhibit, and both the 86th and 102nd Floor Observatories.
Capture the holiday spirit at the Ghirardelli photo opportunity corner on the 86th Floor Observatory! As guests savor the breathtaking panoramic views of New York City from thousands of feet above the heart of Manhattan, they can indulge in the festivities that this corner has to offer. Crafted for unforgettable holiday selfies, the Ghirardelli peppermint bark-themed corner offers guests an opportunity to create sweet memories with loved ones.
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