Cars will not be allowed on Fifth Avenue in December

Following the success of last year’s initiative, the city announced that Fifth Avenue will again be closed to traffic for several weekends this December, a great way for tourists and residents to get closer to New York City ahead of the New Year’s magic, as reported Time Out.

The Open Streets program, which generated $3 million in revenue for area businesses last year, will expand by about 25% next month, closing Fifth Avenue from 48th to 59th streets.

“We look forward to the return of iconic pedestrian Fifth Avenue this holiday season, bigger and better than ever,” Mayor Eric Adams said in a statement. “I felt the energy walking down downtown Fifth Avenue last year—it was a real charge.” And now, as we look forward to doing more of the same this December, we are moving full speed ahead to completely redefine Fifth Avenue so people can have these incredible experiences every day, all year long.”

Whether this iconic street will become car-free forever remains to be seen, but we will be able to see what it will look like on December 3, 10 and 17 from noon to 6 pm, when traffic will be closed to cars and only pedestrians will walk on the street.

The locations will also feature food and beverage vendors and various performances on those Sundays, according to a press release.

On the subject: Rockefeller Center has chosen the main Christmas tree of New York for 2023

In addition to Fifth Avenue, the Open Streets program will include areas around Rockefeller Center and Radio City Music Hall, major tourist magnets during the holiday season. 49th and 50th Streets between Fifth and Sixth Avenues will be open to pedestrians daily from 11 a.m. to midnight from November 29 through January 2024.