Sure there’s nothing like Fifth Avenue during the holiday season, what with Saks Fifth Avenue’s beautiful windows and light show and the Rockefeller Center Tree shining bright in the plaza, but can you imagine how much more magical it would be without having to worry about all of the never-ending car traffic…well now you don’t have to wonder because it’s actually happening!
For the second year in a row, Fifth Avenue will shut down all car traffic on select Sundays in December with the initiative “Gift of Fifth” (previously Fifth Avenue For All), and this year will break the record set last year for NYC’s largest-ever holiday season-specific open street.
During the holiday season you’ll be able to roam freely up and down 11 blocks of Fifth Avenue, and this year they’re also pedestrianizing the area around Rockefeller Center and Radio City Music Hall.
Mayor Adams stated:
Open Streets are good for people and good for business, and we can’t wait to bring back the iconic Fifth Avenue Open Street this holiday season—bigger and better than ever. I felt the energy walking down the middle of Fifth Avenue last year—it was electric. And as we get excited for more of the same this December, we’re moving full speed ahead on permanently reimagining Fifth Avenue, so people can have this incredible experience every day of the year.
Car traffic will be closed off from 48th Street to 59th Street, encompassing even more holiday spectacles such as the stunning Lotte Palace, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and Tiffany & Co. Rockefeller Center and Radio City Music Hall will also go car-free.
These areas will be open to pedestrians only from 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. on December 3, 10, & 17.
Tons of food and beverage vendors and musicians will take to the streets to further the fun, with public seating to enjoy the performances. Plus, you’ll be only a few blocks over from Bryant Park so once you’re done you can continue celebrating the season at the annual Winter Village.
Learn more here.