NEW YORK -- The Empire State Building (ESB) announced details for its fan-favorite holiday festivities with over-the-top decorations, festive pop-ups, classic movie screenings, and special tower lightings.

“There is no place quite like New York to spend the holidays, and the Empire State Building tops the list of things to do in NYC,” said Jean-Yves Ghazi, president of the Empire State Building Observatory. “From photos with Santa to classic film screenings, guests will make holiday memories to last a lifetime with the best views in New York City.”

Topped with Tinsel

Every corner of the Empire State Building Observatory will be adorned in festive holiday decorations with shining wreaths, lights, tinsel, bows, and a giant menorah at the two-story building model. As they make their way through the Observatory Experience’s immersive exhibits, guests can pose for holiday photos in a dedicated corner of the 80th Floor with Christmas trees, snowflakes, presents, and a cozy fireplace backdrop inspired by Santa’s workshop.

Once they reach the iconic 86th Floor Observatory, guests can pose in a dedicated Ghirardelli corner decorated with a candy cane arch, holiday greenery, twinkle lights, and Ghirardelli’s fan-favorite peppermint bark squares.

Guests will conclude their Observatory visit in the building’s famed Fifth Avenue Lobby - featured in the holiday classic, “Elf” - that is decorated with classic holiday decorations like hanging twinkle lights, wreaths, and an oversized Christmas tree. The iconic Fifth Avenue Windows depict scenes of sleighs full of elaborately wrapped gifts, teddy bears, and holiday ice cream sundaes by Ghirardelli Chocolate.

Tenants and visitors who pass through the Fifth Avenue Lobby from Monday through Friday in the month of December will hear holiday tunes performed by professional pianists.

The Man with the Bag

On Nov. 30 and Dec. 7, 9, 11, 14, 16, 18, and 20, Santa Claus himself will spread holiday cheer and pose for photos with Observatory guests in his dedicated corner on the building’s 80th Floor. More information on Santa visits can be found at esbholiday.com.

Baby, It’s Cold Outside

From Nov. 13 throughout the holiday season, Ghirardelli Chocolate will reside on the Empire State Building’s 86th Floor Observatory every day from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and 5-8 p.m. The beloved chocolatier will offer their classic hot cocoa and peppermint hot cocoa to guests as they take in New York City’s best views from the comfort of the heated open-air Observatory.

Starbucks Reserve® Winter Wonderland

Holiday magic comes alive in the iconic Starbucks Reserve® Empire State Building store with the new, limited-time Winter Wonderland pop-up experience. Located at the Coffee & Cocktail Lounge on the second level of the store, Starbucks Reserve® Winter Wonderland highlights the coffee journey, from bean to cup. Exclusive to the experience is the new Empire State Cocoa Cocktail that features dark chocolate and steamed milk infused with Hennessy VS Cognac, topped with whipped cream, and served with a side of Royal Combier liqueur and dark chocolate bites.

Holiday Classics

Fans can purchase tickets to view classic holiday films on the Observatory’s 80th Floor which include:

· “Elf” on Dec. 2, 8, 10, 15, and 17
· “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York” on Dec. 5 and 11
· And “The Nightmare Before Christmas” on Dec. 13.

Tickets to these special holiday screenings will each include themed drinks and snacks, and full access to ESB’s second floor museum and the 86th and 102nd Floor Observatories.

Special Lightings

The Empire State Building’s iconic tower lights will shine throughout the holiday season with dedicated lightings for Thanksgiving, Chanukah, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve. The building will also debut its annual holiday music-to-light show. Text CONNECT to 274-16 to receive real-time information about each Empire State Building tower lighting.

The Empire State Building’s world-famous Observatory Experience underwent a $165 million reimagination that added a new interactive museum with nine galleries, bespoke host uniforms, and a new 102nd Floor Observatory with unmatched views from the heart of New York City. The iconic Observatory Experience was recently voted the number one attraction in the world - and number one in the U.S. for the third consecutive year - in the 2024 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards: Best of the Best Things to Do.