SAN JUAN, P.R. (NCC NEWS) — New York City’s holiday spirit has arrived in Puerto Rico brick by brick.
At the Mall of San Juan, BricXperience: Christmas in NYC has transformed an empty storefront into a vivid, LEGO-built holiday escape. The immersive installation, made from more than 350,000 LEGO bricks, reimagines the Big Apple in miniature form and is drawing in families, artists, tourists and holiday enthusiasts from across the island.
Organizer Frankie Cruz says the vision behind the exhibit goes beyond festive décor.
“There’s a huge connection between the Puerto Rican community and the Puerto Ricans in New York. That’s why they’re called New Yoricans,” Cruz said. “It made sense to bring a little bit of New York to Puerto Rico and develop that relationship even further.”
Visitors begin their experience by stepping through a simulated airport gate and TSA-style checkpoint, creating the feeling of preparing for a holiday trip to New York. Once inside, the exhibit opens into a series of detailed holiday scenes blended with iconic New York City landmarks.
At the center of the attraction is the work of Jonathan Lopes, a LEGO artist and author known for creating lifelike cityscapes out of bricks. His displays include the Manhattan Bridge, the Apollo Theater and other well-known New York structures, all crafted with striking precision.
Guests can explore the exhibit for up to an hour, moving between photo-ready displays and interactive sections. A Free Play Hall gives kids the chance to build their own creations, while adults often linger over the craftsmanship of the large-scale models. Visitors can also purchase LEGO sets on-site to continue the experience at home.
The exhibit is open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Mall of San Juan. Tickets include access to all installations and the Free Play Hall.
For families looking for a holiday outing that blends art, nostalgia and hands-on fun, BricXperience: Christmas in NYC offers a cheerful way to enjoy a little piece of New York without leaving the island.