NEW YORK -- The Empire State Building (ESB) today announced its Holiday Celebration plans include: holiday décor, classic movie screenings, local pop-ups, festive tower lightings, and a holiday takeover with the Radio City Rockettes to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year at New York City’s number one attraction.
“There is no better place to celebrate the holidays in New York City than at the Empire State Building Observatory,” said Dan Rogoski, General Manager at the Empire State Building Observatory. “This year, New Yorkers and visitors will enjoy the best of the holiday season in our iconic venue as we celebrate 100 years of the Radio City Rockettes.”
“There is no better place to celebrate the holidays in New York City than at the Empire State Building Observatory,” said Dan Rogoski, General Manager at the Empire State Building Observatory. “This year, New Yorkers and visitors will enjoy the best of the holiday season in our iconic venue as we celebrate 100 years of the Radio City Rockettes.”
Deck the Halls
>From the ground floor to its world-famous observation decks, the Empire State Building is covered in festive holiday decorations with glittery lights, tinsel, bows, garland, wreaths, towering Christmas trees, a giant menorah, and official exhibits to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Radio City Rockettes.
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.
100 Years of Rockettes
This holiday season, guests can purchase an
official combo ticket to the Empire State Building Observatory that includes access to the building’s immersive museum, 86th and 102nd Floor Observatories, a 15% off coupon for the ESB gift shop, and a ticket to select showings of the famed “Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes.”
On the Observatory’s 80th Floor, guests can immerse themselves in all things Rockettes with historical photos, costumes, and props from the “Christmas Spectacular.” Once they make their way to the 86th Floor Observation Deck, guests can pose in the Rockettes anniversary photo corner that features an over-the-top archway covered in bows, ornaments, and garland, surrounding three larger-than-life wooden soldiers. Observatory guests will conclude their visit in the building’s Fifth Avenue Lobby, where its iconic windows depict classic scenes and colorful costumes from the “Christmas Spectacular.”
The Rockettes visited the building to flip the switch in a tower lighting ceremony and unveil the Empire State Building’s holiday decor.
Festive Film
Fans can purchase tickets to watch classic holiday flicks on the 80th Floor, which include:
Tickets to these holiday features will include themed snacks and drinks, and full access to ESB’s second floor museum and Observation Decks.
Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town
On Dec. 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, and 21, Santa Claus himself will collect wish lists and pose for photos with Observatory guests in his dedicated corner on the building’s 80th Floor.
Something Sweet
Local confectioner Doughnuttery will take residence on ESB’s 86th Floor Observatory on Nov. 21 to offer holiday themed treats every day from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Light up the Sky
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 Spectacular. Text CONNECT to 274-16 to receive real-time information about ESB’s tower lightings.
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 New York City’s best views. The iconic Observatory Experience was voted the number one top attraction in New York City in Tripadvisor’s 2025 Travelers’ Choice Awards: Best of the Best Things to Do for the fourth consecutive year.
