New York City's most iconic shopping street is set to close its doors to cars for a single day this December as the Holiday Open Street program returns to Manhattan's Fifth Avenue.
The pedestrian-friendly event, which drew thousands of visitors last year, will shut down the avenue between 47th and 57th streets from noon to 6 p.m. on December 14. While the three-Sunday lineup in previous years was touted as a boon to local businesses recovering from the pandemic, this year's schedule has been scaled back.
According to the Fifth Avenue Association, which manages the event, security concerns around Trump Tower were cited as the reason for the reduced footprint. However, President Edward Pincar Jr. remains optimistic about the program's success, saying it will bring "festive cheer" to the area.
The city transportation department has also highlighted the importance of the Holiday Open Street in accommodating large pedestrian crowds during the holiday season. In fact, the mayor had previously pitched a $400 million redesign of Fifth Avenue between Bryant and Central parks, aimed at reducing traffic lanes and expanding sidewalks.
This year's event will still feature live performances, shopping, food vendors, and unique brand activations, according to the association's website. However, no promotional push has been announced yet. The city is also planning to close other cross-streets around Rockefeller Center to accommodate large crowds of people visiting the iconic tree.
With a range of festive activities lined up for December 14, Fifth Avenue will once again become a hub of activity during the holiday season.
The pedestrian-friendly event, which drew thousands of visitors last year, will shut down the avenue between 47th and 57th streets from noon to 6 p.m. on December 14. While the three-Sunday lineup in previous years was touted as a boon to local businesses recovering from the pandemic, this year's schedule has been scaled back.
According to the Fifth Avenue Association, which manages the event, security concerns around Trump Tower were cited as the reason for the reduced footprint. However, President Edward Pincar Jr. remains optimistic about the program's success, saying it will bring "festive cheer" to the area.
The city transportation department has also highlighted the importance of the Holiday Open Street in accommodating large pedestrian crowds during the holiday season. In fact, the mayor had previously pitched a $400 million redesign of Fifth Avenue between Bryant and Central parks, aimed at reducing traffic lanes and expanding sidewalks.
This year's event will still feature live performances, shopping, food vendors, and unique brand activations, according to the association's website. However, no promotional push has been announced yet. The city is also planning to close other cross-streets around Rockefeller Center to accommodate large crowds of people visiting the iconic tree.
With a range of festive activities lined up for December 14, Fifth Avenue will once again become a hub of activity during the holiday season.
! i remember last year's event was so much fun, and im sure this years will be even better 
. dont know what to make of the scaled back schedule tho... hope security concerns arent a major issue around trump tower 
. but yeah, festive cheer is def a must during the holidays 
. and yay for expanded sidewalks! less traffic lanes means more room for ppl to shop & socialize without stressing about parking 
. fingers crossed they get everything sorted out and its a huge success 
. btw, has anyone tried those new food vendors on fifth avenue? heard they have some amazing treats 
! Closing off that stretch of 5th Ave to cars is gonna be a game-changer for shopping and people-watching. I mean, can you imagine strolling along the avenue without all those pesky cars? It's like, what even is the point of living in NYC if you can't experience the holiday magic on foot? Plus, it's always more fun with a crowd - the energy is electric! 
And let's be real, who doesn't love people-watching? The whole event sounds like so much fun, I hope they don't skimp on the live performances and food vendors. And can we please get that $400 million redesign to make it even more pedestrian-friendly? Fingers crossed for a fabulous 5th Ave extravaganza! 
i mean i get it festive cheer and all that but like what about the locals who need to navigate the streets? i was talking to my friend from school and she's actually going to be in manhattan that day and she's super stoked but also worried about traffic...anyway, it's cool that they're keeping some of the original activities, like live performances and food vendors 
. maybe this is gonna help small businesses recover or something? idk, not sure how i feel about it, guess we'll just have to wait & see what happens on dec 14 
I think it's awesome that NYC is bringing back the Holiday Open Street program on Fifth Avenue! It'll be so cool to see people strolling down the avenue without cars, surrounded by all the festive lights and decorations 
. I'm a bit bummed they had to scale back this year though 
, but still super excited for the live performances and shopping 
- it'll make the area even more pedestrian-friendly! I just hope they get everything ready for December 14 without any major hiccups 
.
. Scaling back the footprint 'cause of Trump Tower security? Come on, that's just an excuse 
. And what's with no promo push this year? They need to get people excited about this event or it's gonna be a snooze fest 
. But hey, I guess live performances and shopping are always a good combo 
? It's gonna be lit! 
I'm so down for this! It's about time they make our streets more chill and pedestrian-friendly. I mean, who doesn't love the vibe of a car-free shopping street? 
. I'm also loving the idea of live performances and unique brand activations - it's gonna be lit! 
it'll be so much fun browsing through the shops and food vendors while taking in the holiday decorations 