People from near and far take in all the sights and sounds of Fifth Avenue. 

 “It’s wonderful. I mean, look at it out there. People are out, they are admiring the city,” Stacey Whidden, who was visiting from Tampa, Florida, said. 

What You Need To Know

  • During three Sundays in December, Fifth Avenue between 48th and 59th streets will close for pedestrians

  • The stretch will close from noon to 6 p.m. on those days

  • This closures are meant to allow for more space for pedestrians

  • Some drivers and residents are concerned about gridlock

There will be more added space to help pedestrians enjoy the holiday season this year.

Aazaan Ali, a senior at Fordham University, spent Monday evening on the avenue with his friends. 

“You see it in every movie on TV. You have to be here and experience it,” Ali said. 

For three Sundays — Dec. 3, 10 and 17 — Fifth Avenue will be closed to traffic from noon to 6 p.m. between 48th Street and 59 Street for pedestrians only.

The program is back for a second year.

One driver NY1 spoke with was not happy about the street closure Monday night for the Saks Fifth Avenue holiday window lighting, let alone the closures coming up. 

“I’m stuck here for a half an hour. I couldn’t even get out of here,” Henry Kong said, as he was unable to move in his cab. 

John Thomson, who lives on Fifth Avenue, said he feels for the drivers. 

“The gridlock already is intense, so for car traffic, it’s going to be a disaster,” Thompson said. 

To accommodate high pedestrian traffic, right turns from Fifth Avenue will be off-limits at 47th, 49th and 51st streets. 

Despite the crowds and traffic, Thomson said there is still something special about the holiday season there.  

“It is a magical part of the city and to be able to enjoy it at this time of year — why not,” Thompson said. 

The City said during the program last year businesses saw an additional $3 million in spending.