Celebrate the holidays with festivities at The Empire State Building

The Empire State Building has announced details on its annual holiday festivities that will take place throughout November and December.

This year’s offerings will include a seasonal Fifth Avenue window display, holiday concerts, and surprise appearances by celebrity guests. New for this year will be radiant heat, which will offer extra comfort to guests on the Empire State Building’s exterior 360-degree viewing deck on the 86th floor.

“From our 2nd floor immersive interactive museum to our new exterior heaters on the 86th floor, to the 360-degree glass-enclosed 102nd Floor Observatory, the Empire State Building’s completely reimagined Observatory Experience is the place to experience the magic of New York City during the holidays,” said Anthony E. Malkin, chairman and CEO of Empire State Realty Trust.

During the week of Nov. 11, the building’s holiday spirit will come to life through ornaments and decorations in classic shades of gold, bronze, and silver. On Nov. 13, the Radio City Rockettes will once again “unwrap” the custom Fifth Avenue holiday windows, designed by Mark Stephen Experiential Agency. The custom windows will feature different versions of the Building against reflective metallic ornaments, landscapes made of candy, and nutcrackers.

The Empire State Building will also celebrate the season with live musical performances in the Fifth Avenue lobby. From Dec. 2-27, a pianist will perform holiday songs. The Building will also host several local student choirs throughout the season.

On the second floor, guests can explore nine interactive and immersive exhibits that span over 10,000 square feet. These include a look at the early 1930s and construction of the building itself; and a short film that features holiday movies like “Elf,” “When Harry Met Sally,” and “A Very Harold and Kumar Christmas” on a panoramic, 72-screen display. Guests can even take a photo inside King Kong’s giant hand!

Once guests reach the Observation Decks on the 86th and 102nd floors, they might run into notable celebrity guests as they enjoy the 360-degree views. Past guests include Mariah Carey, Hugh Jackman, Gwen Stefani, and Zac Efron.

Throughout the season, The Empire State Building will light up the skies of New York City with tower lightings to celebrate Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve.

To learn more about holiday offerings at the New York City staple, visit ESBNYC.com.