Empire State Tower Lights: Guide to Colors and Shows

What to Know

• LEDs enable dynamic sequences and precise color palettes.
• Themes mark holidays, events, and moments of remembrance.
• Classic white = timeless; color cycles = celebration.

Color Notes (Examples)

Vantage Points

• 34th Street & 5th Avenue (near base).
• Bryant Park / 42nd Street sightlines.
• Rooftop bars with Midtown angles.
• Long lens from the Hudson/Queens waterfront for compression.

Photo Tips

• For crisp shots, steady against a wall and lower ISO.
• Expose for the lighted crown; let the city fall a half‑stop dark.
• Shoot a short burst to avoid motion blur.

Bottom Line

The lights are NYC’s mood ring — check the theme, find your angle, and catch the glow.