I had pre-booked the 'skip the line' ticket upto the 80, 82nd and 102nd floors. I visited at about 8.30 am on Christmas Day (25th December) and it was busy then.
Upon entry I was shown the way via the red carpet 'express route' after my ticket had been scanned in at the gates. Stright to the head of the security queues. As is usual bags were x-rayed and I had to pass through a metal detector archway.
Then a walk through a range of interesting displays about the history of the Empire State Building, before going up in the lift to the 80th floor (indoor) observatory level. A walk around this level gave very interesting views over New York. It was a very clear day and I could see for miles.
Then it was up to the 82nf floor and the 'outdoor' observatory. Foutunately there were space heaters pointing downwards to keep both the staff and visitors wasrm as it was very cold at the time.
The as my ticket permitted, it was up again in the lift to the 102nd floor observatory - wow, what a view. Although the glass to ceiling windows in this small observatory made for a strange experience this high up.
Then back down to the second floor and a tour of the gift shop selling the usual assortment of NYC visitor stuff.
When I emerged from the building at about 9.30am, the queue at this time was going around the block. So I do recommend getting the 'skip the queue' tickets if visiting on a clear Christmas Day morning.
Overall, another 'must do' if in NYC.