The Empire State Building Spreads Festive Cheer with Radio City Rockettes 100th Anniversary Exhibits, Visits from Santa, Holiday Décor, Movie Screenings, Pop-ups, Lightings, and More
This holiday season, the Empire State Building transforms into a winter wonderland in the sky. With seasonal film nights, breathtaking Observatory views, visits from Santa and a special holiday takeover with the legendary Radio City Rockettes, the World’s Most Famous Building is set to celebrate the city’s most magical time of year in style.
Holiday movie nights above Manhattan
On select December evenings, on the 80th floor, the Empire State Building is hosting cosy, holiday-themed film screenings overlooking the city lights:
- Home Alone 2: Lost in New York – December 5 & December 13, 2025
- ELF – December 18 & December 20, 2025
Guests can enjoy seasonal snacks, festive drinks, and exclusive access to both the 86th and 102nd Floor Observatories for panoramic, holiday-lit views across New York.
Visits from Santa
Santa will fly in for special meet-and-greet moments throughout December, giving families the chance to share holiday wishes with the magic of the NYC skyline sparkling below. Visit times include:
| Friday 5/12, 2 pm–4 pmSaturday 6/12, 12 pm–3 pmSunday 7/12, 1 pm–4 pmFriday 12/12, 2 pm–4 pmSaturday 13/12, 12 pm–3 pm | Sunday 14/12, 1 pm–4 pmFriday 19/12, 2 pm–4 pmSaturday 20/12, 12 pm–3 pmSunday 21/12, 1 pm–4 pm |
Holiday treats
Local confectioner Doughnuttery will pop-up on the Empire State Building’s 86th Floor Observatory on November 21st, serving festive treats daily from 9am-11pm.
The Rockettes take it to new heights
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 colourful 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.
A festive experience decked in NYC magic
From the ground floor to its world-famous observation decks, the Empire State Building puts a festive touch on the New York City landmark with 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.. Head up to the 102nd-floor observatory where floor-to-ceiling windows reveal sweeping winter views of Manhattan – perfect for holiday photos or just soaking in the magic of the season from way above the city streets.
Tickets for Holiday Movie Nights, Santa Visits and festive experiences at the Empire State Building are now available at esbnyc.com. Guests are encouraged to book early, as these seasonal events are expected to sell out.
Festive lights
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 Foor 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.
