New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez today reminded New Yorkers that Holiday Open Streets will be returning to Midtown Manhattan this weekend on Sunday, December 14, from 12 pm to 6 pm. Fifth Avenue will be car-free and open to pedestrians from 48th to 57th streets. Additionally, cross streets from 49th street to 56th street will be open to pedestrians only between Fifth and Sixth avenues. Motorists are strongly encouraged to plan alternate routes through Midtown between the hours of 8:00 am and 8:00 pm on December 14.
“Midtown Manhattan is one of the best places in the world to celebrate the holiday season, and we're bringing some car-free holiday cheer to Fifth Avenue,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. “Providing a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone who visits iconic locations like Rockefeller Plaza, Radio City Music Hall, and Central Park during the holiday season is not only a cause for celebration for pedestrians, but also for local businesses that will see additional foot traffic.”
“The annual Holiday Open Streets on Fifth Avenue is a festive tradition that New Yorkers and visitors from around the world look forward to each holiday season,” said Edward Pincar Jr., president of the Fifth Avenue Association. “Open Streets create a unique opportunity for visitors to experience the holiday magic on the city's most iconic retail corridor while enjoying live musical performances, immersive shopping pop-ups and festive holiday decor and window displays. Thank you to our partners at the Department of Transportation for helping us make these holiday festivities return each year.”
Additionally, through the remainder of 2025 until January 4, 2026, both West 49th Street and West 50th Street will be open to pedestrians only between Fifth Avenue and Sixth Avenue from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. each day.
Over the last four years, NYC DOT has pedestrianized a record 1.5 million square feet of space on roadways across the five boroughs to improve safety for pedestrians and to give public space back to the communities that need it most. NYC DOT works with community-based organizations, educational institutions, and business groups to execute Open Streets citywide. Applications are now open to participate in the 2026 Open Streets Program. More information about NYC DOT’s Open Streets program is available online.
