NEW YORK — One of the most famous streets, if not the most famousManhattan during the holidays will be car-free for the first three Sundays in December, the Fifth Avenue Association announced Friday.
The new open street program, dubbed Fifth Avenue for All, closes the iconic nine-block commercial corridor, from 48th to 57th Street, on December 4, 11 and 18. On those days from 12:00 to 18:00 no cars will be allowed in that area
The goal, according to the association, is to provide “a unique vacation experience for families and tourists of all ages” as the Big Apple seeks to continue its post-pandemic recovery during the busiest shopping season of the year .
The world famous Christmas window displays are already on display at Saks and Bergdorf Goodman. The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, just lit up in all its glory this week, is right in the center of it all. Don’t miss the giant red mailbox on 51st Street, which will collect letters for Santa. These will be sent to ‘The North Pole’ and responses will be posted.
They also come to Fifth Avenue on those three Sundays: food stands, rest areas and, you know, live music.
Brooklyn United, a community group serving New York City youth, kicks off three-week experience with marching band and special guest performance at Fifth Avenue & 50th Street between Saks and St. Patrick’s this Sunday at noon.
The popular oversized light-up toys will also be returning to Fifth Avenue through January 7, with a special donation to the community this season. The QR codes on each toy provide the opportunity to donate directly to the Food Bank of New York City, New York City’s largest hunger relief organization and Fifth Avenue’s charity partner this season.
More than 10 million people from around the world visit Fifth Avenue during the Christmas season, according to the Fifth Avenue Association. Along with all the aforementioned entertainment, the organizers also promise special promotions.
“There is a certain Christmas magic that can only be found on Fifth Avenue, and year after year we welcome millions of New Yorkers and local tourists to come and experience it firsthand,” said Ed Hogan of the Fifth Avenue Association . “We are thrilled to welcome our visitors this year with a fun and engaging way to appreciate all that the boulevard has to offer, with plenty of room to stroll and take photos, and to enjoy live entertainment, world-class restaurants, cultural institutions and our main retailers which present arguably the best Christmas window displays in the world.”
Show times (starting at West 51st Street):
December 4th
- 12:30pm – 1:30pm: Brooklyn United Drum Line
- 2:00 – 2:30 pm: Brooklyn High School of the Arts Choir
- 3:30pm – 4:30pm: Manhattan Samba
December 11th
- 12:30pm – 1:30pm: Brooklyn United Drum Line
- 2:00 – 2:30 pm: Kaufman Music Center Choir
- 3:30pm – 4:30pm: Manhattan Samba
December 18th
- 12:30pm – 1:30pm: Brooklyn United Drum Line
- 2.00pm – 2.30pm: what will be announced
- 3:30pm – 4:30pm: Manhattan Samba
