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. 

Home Alone 2: Lost in New York at ESB
DECEMBER 5th & 11th ONLY!
Watch out for Kevin’s traps and head over to ESB to enjoy the first ever holiday screening of “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York!” ! Visitors will enjoy complimentary drinks and snacks with the movie. Includes access to 86th and 102nd Floor Observatories.
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The Nightmare Before Christmas at ESB
December 13th Only!
Get transported to Christmas Town as you head up to ESB’s exclusive screening of “The Nightmare Before Christmas” this Friday the 13th! Visitors will enjoy complimentary drinks and snacks with the movie. Includes access to 86th and 102nd Floor Observatories.
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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! 

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Santa visits ESB for the holidays
Santa visits ESB for the holidays

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! 

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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! 

Ghirardelli hosts a limited-time only pop-up on ESB's 86th Floor Observatory
Ghirardelli hosts a limited-time only pop-up on ESB's 86th Floor Observatory

Experience the magic of the holiday season as the Rockettes light up the Empire State Building on Nov. 8 to kick off the Radio City Rockettes' Christmas Spectacular opening night! Guests can expect to see these world-famous performers, dressed in festive outfits, as they light the building green and red. Perfect for holiday enthusiasts, Rockettes fans, and families, this is a holiday experience that you won't want to miss. 

The Rockettes visit ESB for the holidays
Starbucks Reserve's Winter Wonderland Pop-Up

This season, the Empire State Building's Starbucks Reserve's Coffee & Cocktail Lounge will transform into a winter wonderland! Starting Nov. 3, 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. This is the perfect place to wind down and take in the holiday cheer. 

The Starbucks Reserve Empire State Building Winter Wonderland Pop-Up

Create holiday memories at the Empire State Building

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