New York City's Department of Transportation will transform Fifth Avenue into a pedestrian-only zone this Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. The annual Holiday Open Streets event will close Fifth Avenue to vehicles between 48th and 57th streets, allowing pedestrians to enjoy the festive atmosphere without the worry of traffic. Adjacent cross streets from 49th to 56th streets will also be open only to pedestrians between Fifth and Sixth Avenues.

NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez emphasized the importance of providing a safe and enjoyable experience for visitors to iconic locations like Rockefeller Plaza and Radio City Music Hall during the holiday season. "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," Rodriguez said, according to NYC DOT.

The event, now in its fourth year, offers a unique opportunity for visitors to experience the holiday magic on the city's most iconic retail corridor. Attendees can enjoy live musical performances, immersive shopping pop-ups, and festive holiday decor and window displays, as noted by NY1. The Fifth Avenue Association President Edward Pincar Jr. highlighted the event's significance, stating that it is a festive tradition that New Yorkers and visitors from around the world look forward to each holiday season.

The NYC DOT advises drivers to plan alternate routes through Midtown between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. on the day of the event. Additionally, West 49th and West 50th streets will remain closed to cars and open to pedestrians between Fifth and Sixth Avenues from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. daily through January 4, 2026.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Mark Simone