Fifth Avenue Will Go Car-Free For The Holidays

MIDTOWN, NY — One of Manhattan’s most popular new holiday traditions, Holiday Open Streets, is coming back to gift the neighborhood some seasonal, car-free cheer next month.

The Fifth Avenue Association said its Holiday Open Streets program will return on Sunday, Dec. 14, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., transforming 10 blocks of Fifth Avenue, from 48th to 57th streets, into a pedestrianized holiday wonderland along the storied avenue.

The festive tradition, which lands smack dab in the middle of Manhattan's grid-lock month, is a reprieve from traffic for all pedestrians — spectators and shoppers alike — who want to get their holiday lists checked off and gaze at the classic holiday window decorations.

But, that's not all that's in store. Pedestrians can also expect a lineup of curbside holiday programming, including limited-edition treats and hot beverages, special retail experiences, and interactive pop-ups from some of the avenue’s best-known shops, hotels and restaurants.

Brands set to take part include Aritzia, Bergdorf Goodman, Coach, Lululemon, Nike, Swarovski, Tag Heuer and others, according to reports.

Live entertainment will also be woven throughout the corridor, from several choirs from around the city, as well as students from various performing arts schools.

The return of Holiday Open Streets comes as Rockefeller Center gears up for its own seasonal highlight: the annual lighting ceremony of its Christmas tree on Dec. 3.

For questions and tips, email Miranda.Levingston@Patch.com.