As the holiday spirit permeates the streets of Midtown Manhattan, the Department of Transportation's Holiday Open Streets program is set to transform the bustling commercial hub into a pedestrian's paradise this Sunday, reports AM New York. For the fourth consecutive year, a portion of Fifth Avenue, between 48th and 57th Streets, will banish cars to make way for holiday revelers from noon to 6 p.m., in a bid to offer a tranquil yet festive environment for those soaking up the city's iconic yuletide landmarks.
While the streets typically thrum with the hum of engines and the shuffle of impatient taxis, the Open Streets initiative allows families shoppers, and tourists alike to wander, shop and take in the sights without the encroachment of vehicular traffic, which includes the storied Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and the decadent displays of Saks Fifth Avenue which will shimmer without the commonplace competition of headlights and street noise, as PIX11 detailed in their coverage. Beyond the car-free avenues, the sidewalks are set to come alive with an array of live musical performances, holiday decorations, and shopping pop-ups giving a festive flair to the retail atmosphere.
With a clear focus on safety and community joy, DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez highlighted the importance of 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," AM New York further reports. Local businesses are projected to benefit from the increased foot traffic as previous instances of the Holiday Open Streets have proved to be lucrative, ushering in millions in extra revenue for the establishments lining the festive corridors.
For those who have yet to conclude their Christmas shopping, or simply wish to experience the immersive holiday environment, shops like Aritzia, Bergdorf Goodman, Coach, and more promise exclusive pop-ups, while visitors' ears will be serenaded with seasonal tunes performed by local choirs, according to PIX11. Edibles from an assortment of eateries including Grey's Donuts and Mao’s Bao will be on offer to satisfy cravings throughout the daylong festivities and even if one can't visit this Sunday, Fifth Avenue's cheerful splendor will continue to beckon shoppers through the holiday season with many venues sporting special-themed offers.
Last but not least, the Fifth Avenue Association applauds the initiative, with President Edward Pincar Jr. remarking on the "festive tradition that New Yorkers and visitors from around the world look forward to each holiday season," an enthusiasm aptly captured by AM New York.
