NYC’s Fifth Avenue to close streets for 200th birthday celebration

MIDTOWN, Manhattan (PIX11) – Fifth Avenue will celebrate two centuries of being one of New York City's most iconic and beloved locations.

The avenue will close to cars and open to pedestrians from 48th Street to 55th Street on Dec. 8 starting at 12 p.m. and running through to 6 p.m.

During that time, visitors will be able to take in the Fifth Avenue experience that is shopping, food, and live entertainment. 

Pop-up shops from various brands will cover the streets of Fifth Avenue, offering top-tier shopping from Aritzia, Citizen, Longchamp, Puma, Tiffany & Co., and more.

While shoppers browse, they’ll also be able to enjoy food and drinks from Grey’s Donuts, Mao’s Bao, Nuchas, Pizza Passeggio, and Tang Hulu among many others. 

Choirs and dancers from around New York City will perform on the steps of the famous Saint Patrick’s Cathedral and roam along visitors on Fifth Avenue. 

The area developed into the luxury shopping district we know today with the introduction of the Lord & Taylor Building in 1914. Later Saks Fifth Avenue opened in 1924 and Bergdorf Goodman in 1928.

In more recent years Fifth Avenue has become home to some of New York City’s most beloved events like the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the Easter Bonnet Parade, and the Puerto Rican Day Parade. 

Storefront holiday displays and the Rockefeller Christmas Tree have become some of the biggest tourist attractions along Fifth Avenue as well as some of the most filmed movie spots in the city.