If you travel to New York in November and / or December, I invite you to see the holiday windows of New York city department stores.
I'm sure both children and adults will enjoy these magical displays. The windows are decorated by real artists, adults appreciate their work and the kids will be amazed by the colors and animations.
The best thing is that you can see the holiday windows for free 😀
Christmas and Holiday Windows at New York City Department Stores
├ Macy's Department Store
├ Saks Fifth Avenue New York
├ Barneys New York Department Store
├ Bergdorf Goodman
├ Bloomindgales
├ Lord and Taylor
└ Map to find the holiday windows in New York:
Macy's Department Store
It is one of the most famous stores in NY. During this holiday period, thousands of people come to see its Christmas decorations.
The decorations are always divided into two themes:
- The decorations that have to do with "Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus" on the 34th st,
- Decorations change their theme every year, and for 2017, Macy's windows are all about "The Perfect Gift Brings People Together" to represent the spirit of the season, the joy of sharing with those we love.
If you go to Macy's, come into the store to see the big Christmas tree and a fifteen foot tall representation of Santa Claus above the marquee entrance!
Address: Herald Square, Broadway Between 34th and 35th Streets, NYC.
When: You can see the window display until January 2, 2018.
More info: www.visitmacysusa.com
Saks Fifth Avenue New York
Saks Fifth Avenue is another department store in New York.
It's located on 5th Avenue, and every year they decorate the window with a specific topic:
- 2004: SantaKid book by James Patterson
- 2005: the theme of friendship with decorations on wisdom, harmony, unity ...
- 2006: Snowflake theme in which you could find cartoons with music.
- 2007: based on the book Snowpeople, written and illustrated by Zeeb brothers.
- 2008: first "dressed" windows, was Swarovski who decorated the walls of the store with Crystallized theme, windows theme of the book was Mike the Snowflake, novelist Mike Reiss (see photo above).
- 2009: The story of Twinkle and Noelle with Valentino couture dresses.
- 2010: the theme was fairy tales,
- 2011: the same subject in 2010,
- 2012: based on the show of Snowflake (Snowflake).
- 2013: the same subject in 2012,
- 2014: a light show to revealed the windows on the 24th of November with The Rockettes dancers, with the theme of An Enchanted Experience (see more here).
- 2015: "The Winter Palace" are six windows revealing the wonders of the world covered by snow. The windows along the 5th Avenue display a universe similar to Frozen.
Address: 611 Fifth Avenue (at 49th Street), NYC.
- 2016: "Land of 1000 Delights" a colorful display in a world of candies! On the 5th Avenue, you'll see the "Nutcracker Sweet".
- 2017: celebrates the 80th Anniversary of "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs"!
Address: 611 Fifth Avenue (at 49th Street), NYC
When: The extravaganza will play daily from 5 to 11 pm every ten minutes until January 2, 2018.
Watch the unveiling: www.saksfifthavenue.com
Barneys New York Department Store
If you want to see modern displays in New York, this one Is for you.
It always have a humorous touch by using objects that are not common for a Christmas decoration.
The windows 2014, Baz Dazzled were unveiled on November with a great ceremony and a show (read more here).
"Chillin' Out" is the theme for 2015 with strong light patterns in every window. Ice cravers are working on the ice in betwenn noon and 7.30pm.
The theme in 2016 was "Love, Peace, and Joy" in very creative interpretations and the presence of the characters of South Park to celebrate its 20 years on TV!
2017 is a social campaign themed displays by the Haas Brothers! The messages are identified as #HaasRules: "Primordial", "Utopia, "Millennium", "Mushroom Singularity". The Flagship Store (Downtown) reveals a message "Snake Love, Not War", even the inside staircase is decorated with a vibrant snakeskin print!
Address: 660 Madison Avenue (at 61st Street), NYC
When: Until January 3, 2018.
More info: www.thewindow.barneys.com
Bergdorf Goodman
On 5th Avenue, south of Central Park, these windows displays are very sophisticated and have great style. They are true works of art, clothes and fashion accessories are added.
Every year they change the theme of the showcase. In 2012 it was the Folies BG of 2012, in 2013 it was Holidays on Ice. For 2015, the theme is "Brilliant Holiday" with 7 million Swarovski crystals to make it really brilliant! Check the blog of Bergdorf Godman for more information 😉
For 2016, Bergdorf Goodman takes you to "Destination Extraordinary"! A magic wonderland as The Winter Garden and Bird's Eye View!
2017 windows are entitled "To New York With Love", celebrating New York's world-renowned cultural institutions, magical!
Address: 754 Fifth Avenue (at 58th Street), NYC
When: till January 2, 2018.
More info: www.blog.bergdorfgoodman.com
Bloomindgales
The Christmas windows of Bloomingdales store are some of the most famous in the city.
They are well known for their detail and elegance.
Every year they have a new theme and in 2012, it was a Happening Holiday. In 2013, they had created scenes of shopping in different countries.
"The Surprise and Delight of the Holidays Through the Senses" is a "smell-o-vision realized by John Waters in six tableaux. It's a delight for the eyes and smell. I let you experience it by yourself!
For 2016 the eight windows display unique chandeliers of visual artists like Inma Barrero, Erika deVries and Jonah Meyer to just name a few. You'll understand that the theme of the year is "light" 😉 The chandeliers will be auctioned off for the Child Mind Institute.
The window displays will be unveiled on November 21 with the theme "The Greatest Showman".
Address: 1000 Third Avenue at 59th Street, NYC
When: Till the first days of January 2018.
Lord and Taylor
On 5th Avenue, near the big library in New York, you can see this shop with traditional Christmas decorations. It is an amazing place!
2014: The windows were revealed last November (see here).
2015: "... A Few of Our Favorite Things" is the theme of the year, a real winter wonderland in every window!
2016: You're invited to an "Enchanted Forest" made of lights and vibrant colors!
The theme for 2017 is "The Best and the Brightest", marking the 80th year for the Lord & Taylor holiday windows!
Address: 39th Street at 5th Avenue, NYC
When: Till the first days of January 2018.
Is there a rough guide as to when any of them are unveiled?
They are unveiled by November, it depends on the stores. As soon as the info is official I'll update my post.
Are the windows usually decorated by the weekend before Thanksgiving?
Usually it starts that week.
How long do the windows stay decorated at Macy's?
Hi Jake,
It could last till the end of December or the first week of January but no much more...