New Yorkers, you can now take your holiday movie tradition to new heights — literally.This December, the Empire State Building brings back its beloved Holiday Movie Nights, transforming the 80th Floor Observatory into a cozy winter hangout for screenings of Elf and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York.
If watching Kevin outsmart bandits or Buddy the Elf spread Christmas cheer feels like the perfect seasonal ritual, imagine doing it 80 floors above Manhattan. And yes, the night gets even more magical. Every ticket includes post-screening access to the Empire State Building’s 86th and 102nd Floor Observatories, where the city glows below you like a real-life holiday movie backdrop.
Watch ‘Elf’ & ‘Home Alone 2’ at the Empire State Holiday Movie Nights
This year’s lineup features two of the most beloved films of the season, both of which, fittingly, are NYC icons themselves. Whether you want to relive Buddy’s chaotic journey through Manhattan or follow Kevin’s unforgettable Plaza Hotel Christmas adventure, seeing these classics inside the Empire State Building is pure holiday magic.
Along with the movie, guests can enjoy complimentary drinks, snacks, and festive bites—AKA, Buddy-approved treats (though you’ll have to add your own syrup).
End your night with sky-high NYC views
Just like Kevin wandering through snowy New York, you’ll have your own magical moment after the movie ends. Guests get exclusive access to the Empire State Building’s 86th and 102nd Floor Observatories—offering breathtaking, 360-degree winter views of the city that feel straight out of a postcard. It’s pure NYC Christmas magic.
Tickets for the screenings always sell out fast, so don’t wait to grab your spot. It’s one of the most charming holiday experiences in NYC and perfect for dates, family nights, or reliving your favorite movie moments in a whole new setting.
📍 Where: Empire State Building, 20 W 34th St., New York, NY
📅 When: Select dates December 5–20, 2025
🎟️ Tickets: Tickets for each screening cost $140
• Elf — buy tickets here
• Home Alone 2: Lost in New York — buy tickets here
🎬 Looking for other festive films to catch in New York theaters? Check out all movies in theaters for more options.