For the past two years, Fifth Avenue has taken part in NYC’s Open Streets program during the holiday season—and this year, there’s even more to celebrate! In honor of the avenue’s 200th birthday and the holidays ahead, Fifth Avenue will go car-free for its epic public, birthday bash on Sunday, December 8th.
“This year, we’re celebrating more than just the holiday season—we’re honoring 200 years of Fifth Avenue by transforming it into a destination that reflects its rich history while offering unforgettable experiences for everyone to enjoy,” said Madelyn Wils, Interim President of the Fifth Avenue Association. “From our must-attend birthday celebration to our unique seasonal decor we’re inviting New Yorkers and visitors from around the world to experience the charm and beauty that makes Fifth Avenue truly one-of-a-kind.”
If you’re imagining a birthday of extravagance for one of the most iconic avenues in the world, you’d be right. Fifth Avenue’s 200th birthday party will run along 48th to 55th Street, featuring art installations, live music from Juilliard Jazz Duke Ellington Ensemble to Sing Harlem, brand pop-ups, exclusive shopping experiences, and personalized fashion sketches.
Pedestrians will be welcomed with a red carpet arrival. And no birthday party is complete without a cake, so prepare for a ceremonial cake cutting.
Moreover, the birthday party will only be the catalyst for a year of exciting programming under a new campaign, “You’ve Arrived on Fifth: 200 Years of Icons and Dreams.” Don’t miss the enormous Fifth Avenue Snowflake, historical tours revisiting the avenue’s rich evolution, and iconic sidewalk holiday decorations.
Keep your eyes peeled as early as this week for new light shows (a relief after the cancellation of the Saks Fifth Avenue light show), surprise animations, holiday windows and limited edition merchandise, hinted Fifth Avenue.
If inclement weather occurs on Sunday, December 8th, the Fifth Avenue birthday party will be rescheduled for Sunday, December 15th.
“There’s no better way to celebrate the holidays and the 200th birthday of Fifth Avenue than pedestrian-packed streets,” said Ya-Ting Liu, Chief Public Realm Officer. “As Fifth Avenue looks forward to its next 200 years, we will be continuing our work to redesign and rebalance the iconic street into a world-class, tree-lined, pedestrian boulevard.”
📍Fifth Avenue (48th to 55th Street)
🗓️ Sunday, December 8th, 2024