Empire State Building Unveils Festive Holiday Celebrations Featuring the Radio City Rockettes’ 100th Anniversary
The Empire State Building (ESB) has announced its plans for this year’s holiday season, promising a spectacular lineup of festive activities including elaborate holiday décor, classic film screenings, local pop-ups, dazzling tower lightings, and a special celebration with the Radio City Rockettes in honor of their 100th anniversary. The iconic New York City landmark is set to transform into a winter wonderland, offering locals and visitors an unforgettable holiday experience.
“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 ESB Observatory. “This year, New Yorkers and visitors can enjoy the best of the holiday season in our iconic venue as we honor a century of the Radio City Rockettes.”
Deck the Halls
From the ground floor to the world-famous observation decks, the Empire State Building is adorned with festive décor, featuring glittering lights, tinsel, bows, garlands, wreaths, towering Christmas trees, and a giant menorah. Special exhibits celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Radio City Rockettes complement the seasonal decorations, immersing guests in holiday cheer throughout the building.
Visitors and tenants passing through the Fifth Avenue Lobby on weekdays in December can enjoy live holiday music performed by professional pianists, adding a melodious touch to the festive ambiance.
Celebrating 100 Years of Rockettes
In a once-in-a-lifetime experience, guests can purchase a special combo ticket to the Empire State Building Observatory that includes access to the building’s interactive museum, the 86th and 102nd Floor Observatories, a 15% discount at the ESB gift shop, and tickets to select showings of the celebrated “Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes.”
The 80th Floor Observatory hosts an immersive Rockettes exhibit featuring historical photos, costumes, and props from the iconic “Christmas Spectacular.” Guests can then proceed to the 86th Floor Observation Deck to pose in the Rockettes anniversary photo corner, complete with a lavish archway decorated with bows, ornaments, garlands, and three larger-than-life wooden soldiers. The festive journey concludes in the Fifth Avenue Lobby, where its iconic windows display colorful scenes and costumes from the show.
As part of the holiday kickoff, the Rockettes visited the Empire State Building to flip the switch during the tower lighting ceremony and unveil the building’s festive décor.
Festive Film Screenings
Film enthusiasts can enjoy classic holiday movies on the 80th Floor Observatory, with tickets including themed snacks, drinks, and full access to the ESB museum and Observation Decks. Screenings include:
- “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York” – December 5 and 13 at 5 p.m.
- “Elf” – December 18 at 5 p.m. and December 20 at 6:30 p.m.
These screenings offer guests a unique opportunity to watch beloved holiday films against the backdrop of New York City’s iconic skyline.
Santa Claus Visits
Santa Claus will make appearances at the 80th Floor Observatory on December 5–7, 12–14, and 19–21, collecting wish lists and posing for photos with visitors. Families are encouraged to plan their visits in advance, with further details available online.
Sweet Treats
Adding a delicious touch to the festivities, local confectioner Doughnuttery will set up shop on the 86th Floor Observatory starting November 21, offering holiday-themed treats daily from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Lighting Up the Sky
The Empire State Building’s legendary tower lights will illuminate the skyline throughout the holiday season, featuring special lighting for Thanksgiving, Chanukah, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve. This year also marks the debut of the Holiday Music-to-Light Spectacular, a seasonal favorite. Guests can text CONNECT to 274-16 to receive real-time updates on ESB’s tower lightings.
A Reimagined Observatory Experience
The Empire State Building’s Observatory Experience recently underwent a $165 million reimagination, introducing a new interactive museum with nine galleries, bespoke host uniforms, and a redesigned 102nd Floor Observatory offering unparalleled views of New York City. The 86th Floor remains the only 360-degree, open-air observatory in the city.
This revamped experience was recognized as the #1 Top Attraction in New York City for the fourth consecutive year by Tripadvisor’s 2025 Travelers’ Choice Awards: Best of the Best Things to Do. Millions of visitors annually enjoy the Observatory, which celebrates the building’s iconic history while offering insight into its ongoing cultural significance.
About the Empire State Building
Known as the “World’s Most Famous Building,” the Empire State Building soars 1,454 feet above Midtown Manhattan. Owned by Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. (ESRT: NYSE), it features an interactive museum, a dedicated guest entrance, and the 102nd Floor Observatory with floor-to-ceiling windows. The 86th Floor Observatory provides visitors with sweeping 360-degree views of New York City.
The building has earned numerous accolades, including America’s Favorite Building by the American Institute of Architects and recognition as the world’s most popular travel destination by Uber. It continues to be celebrated as the #1 New York City attraction in Lonely Planet’s Ultimate Travel List, drawing millions of visitors each year.
For more information on the Empire State Building’s holiday festivities and ticketing details, visit the official website. High-resolution images of the celebrations are also available for download online.
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