Empire State Building Christmas | Festive Lights and Holiday Magic

What to expect at Empire State Building during Christmas

Empire State Building interior with Christmas decorations and model display.

Decor galore: The entire building transforms with extensive, dazzling Christmas lights, garlands, wreaths, and majestic trees throughout December.
Lobby windows: Iconic Fifth Avenue lobby windows feature elaborate, themed displays, often celebrating partnerships with holiday shows.
Live music: Professional pianists fill the Fifth Avenue Lobby with live holiday tunes Monday to Friday.
Tower lightings: The iconic tower lights shine in special holiday colors synchronized to festive music broadcast nightly.
Rockettes exhibit: A dedicated exhibit on upper floors showcases historical photos, costumes, and props from the iconic Rockettes show.
Santa visits: Meet and greet Santa Claus on the 80th Floor on select December dates for photos.
Holiday pop-ups: Local vendors offer seasonal treats like hot cocoa and specialty donuts at observatory pop-up shops.

Empire State Building Christmas events and activities

Empire State Building with Christmas-themed tower lights in New York City skyline.

Empire State Building holiday decorations & festive displays

Dates: Late November – January (approximately Nov 24, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026)
Timings: Building hours 8am– 2am (observatory and lobby decor visible during open hours)
Location: Empire State Building, New York City, NY
Included with admission: Yes (included with admission to the building/observatory)
Age restrictions: All ages welcome

Step into the iconic Fifth Avenue lobby and observatories adorned with seasonal décor, glittering wreaths, giant Christmas trees, and festive lighting that set a warm holiday mood against the NYC skyline.

Empire State Building interior with Christmas decorations and festive lights.

Holiday Tower Lightings (LED spire & music‑to‑light shows)

Dates: Throughout the holiday season (Thanksgiving, Chanukah, Christmas & New Year’s)
Timings: After sunset until late evening (schedule varies)
Location: Empire State Building exterior, NYC skyline
Included with admission: Free to view from outside / Included with general admission ticket if inside the building
Age restrictions: All ages welcome

Watch the Empire State Building’s legendary LED spire come alive with festive colors in sync with holiday music, illuminating the skyline for a stunning seasonal spectacle.

Empire State Building Christmas display with Rockettes sign and city view.

Santa Claus visits & festive photo opportunities

Dates: Select weekends in December (e.g., early to mid‑Dec on specific dates)
Timings: Typically 10am–2pm (subject to official update)
Location: 80th Floor Observatory or designated holiday nook, Empire State Building
Included with admission: Yes (photo purchases extra, optional)
Age restrictions: All ages welcome

Meet Santa above the city and snap festive photos with the glittering NYC panorama as your backdrop, creating a memorable holiday keepsake.

Santa taking selfies with visitors on the Empire State Building's observation deck.

Holiday movie screenings on 80th floor

Dates: Select December evenings (e.g., Dec 2, 5, 8, 10, 15, 17, 2025)
Timings: Evening showtimes (~5:00 PM–7:00 PM)
Location: 80th Floor Observatory, Empire State Building
Included with admission: Yes (special screening ticket covers observatory access + film)
Age restrictions: All ages welcome

Enjoy classic holiday films with seasonal snacks and drinks while gazing over festive New York from high above.

Guitarist and drummer performing live music.

Radio City Rockettes holiday exhibits & pop‑ups

Dates: Holiday season (approximately late November – January)
Timings: Observatory hours (check schedule)
Location: Empire State Building Observatory, NYC
Included with admission: Yes (standard observatory ticket; special combo tickets available)
Age restrictions: All ages welcome

Dive into the 100th anniversary celebration of the Rockettes with holiday exhibits, props and photo spots that let you experience Rockettes history amid the building’s festive spirit.

Shoppers with bags enjoying Christmas in Milan's high-end stores.

Starbucks Reserve® Winter Wonderland holiday pop‑up

Dates: Nov 24, 2025 – Feb 1, 2026
Timings: Store hours (typically 8am–10:00pm
Location: Starbucks Reserve Indoors (2nd Level, Empire State Building)
Included with admission: No (separate purchase required)
Age restrictions: All ages welcome

Sip festive seasonal drinks and indulge in exclusive holiday treats in a cozy winter‑themed lounge while gazing up at the Empire State Building’s iconic Art Deco interiors.

Empire State Building illuminated at night, overlooking New York City skyline.

Observatory holiday experience

Dates: December 1‑31, 2025
Timings: 8am – 2am (last elevator up 1:15am)
Location: 86th & 102nd Floor Observatories, Empire State Building
Included with admission: Yes (standard observatory ticket)
Age restrictions: All ages welcome

Take in panoramic views of New York lit up for the holidays from the Empire State Building’s observatories, with festive photo backdrops and seasonal ambiance.

New York City skyline with illuminated skyscrapers at night from Big Bus tour.

New Year’s Eve Midnight LED Light Show

Dates: December 31, 2025 – January 1, 2026
Timings: Midnight
Location: Empire State Building exterior & visible citywide
Included with admission: Free to view/Included with general admission tickets
Age restrictions: All ages welcome

Ring in the New Year with a special midnight LED light show that bathes the skyline in radiant color and festive patterns, visible across Manhattan and beyond.

Visitor tips

Book holiday movie night tickets early if you want a unique Christmas experience, as these limited December screenings inside the Empire State Building sell out quickly and include snacks, drinks, and observatory access afterward.
Check Santa’s appearance schedule on the website and plan your visit around it so you can snap a festive photo with Santa and the New York City skyline behind you.
Choose the Rockettes holiday bundle if you want to knock out two iconic Christmas experiences in one day, pairing the Empire State Building Observatory with the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall.
Upgrade to an Express Pass during the Christmas season to skip security, ticket, and elevator lines, saving yourself a lot of standing around during peak holiday crowds.
Treat yourself to seasonal food and drink pop-ups inside the building, as these limited-time holiday offerings only appear in December and add an extra festive touch to your visit.
Slow down and soak in the holiday décor throughout the building, from themed Fifth Avenue lobby windows to festive photo backdrops on the observatory levels that you won’t see any other time of year.
Step back outside after your visit to truly see the Empire State Building’s holiday lights, since you can’t view the full light show while standing on the observation decks.
Find a nearby street-level or rooftop spot after dark to watch the red-and-white holiday light displays and music-synced shows, which are best enjoyed from a distance.
Expect the biggest crowds between December 26 and January 1, when holiday travel peaks and wait times are longer across New York City’s most popular attractions.
Visit on Christmas Day strategically by arriving right after opening or later in the evening, when crowds thin out and the holiday atmosphere feels calmer and more magical.

Frequently asked questions about Empire State Building Christmas events

Can I book tickets just for the Christmas events without a general admission ticket?

All Christmas experiences, including holiday lights and lobby decor, are included with standard observatory admission. Special events like Santa visits may require advance booking but do not require a separate ticket.

Is there a capacity limit for the events?

Yes, observatory entry is timed and capacity-controlled, especially during peak holiday periods. Booking in advance is strongly recommended to secure your preferred time slot.

Are the Christmas events suitable for children?

Absolutely. The festive decor, Santa visits, and panoramic views are family-friendly, and children of all ages are welcome. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

Will the events continue in poor weather?

Indoor events and lobby decor are unaffected by weather. The observatory is open year-round, but outdoor deck access may be limited during severe weather for safety.

What happens if an event is canceled and I’ve already booked my ticket?

If the Empire State Building closes due to extreme weather or other unforeseen circumstances, you’ll be offered a rescheduled visit or a refund. Check the official website for updates.

Can I visit the observatory and see the holiday lights in one trip?

Yes, your observatory ticket gives you access to both the indoor and outdoor decks, where you can enjoy the holiday decor and see the city’s festive lights from above.

Are there any adults-only or special evening sessions?

There are no adults-only sessions, but late-night visits (after 10pm) tend to be quieter and offer a more romantic atmosphere with the city’s holiday lights.

Is the Empire State Building open on Christmas Day?

Yes, the Empire State Building is open 365 days a year, including Christmas Day, with regular hours.