Tower Lights

Watch the Empire State Building come alive at night with vibrant LED tower lights honoring holidays, causes, and major NYC events.

Brief History: First introduced in 1964 with simple white lights, the tower lighting system was transformed over time to include a dynamic LED setup capable of over 16 million colors. The most recent upgrade was in 2012. Notable Features: The lights are used to commemorate events, holidays, and causes. They have become a form of visual storytelling in New York’s skyline. The LED lights change almost daily, depending on current events or special tributes. Fun Fact or Unique Angle: During major events like Pride, the Fourth of July, or the Super Bowl, the lights become part of the city's collective emotion and celebration. In 2020, the lights were pulsed like a heartbeat in tribute to frontline workers. Current Use or Visitor Info: Though not something visitors enter, the lights can be viewed from afar throughout the city. There’s a schedule online for upcoming lighting themes.