This roundup of the best Christmas window displays in New York City was written by Alejandro Beltran, a NYC local and co-founder of New York Simply (an official partner of Apple Maps).
New York City’s famous window displays have a history dating back 140 years. Originally, they were meant to entice shoppers to visit a store amidst bitter competition, and recently they’ve become elaborate works of art. And even then, NYC’s window displays get taken up a notch during the holidays.
Stores like Macy’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Cartier adorn their facades with lights and decorations drawing in locals and tourists alike by the boat subway-load. I’m someone who can never get enough of the festive cheer, so I’m familiar with all the can’t miss window decorations in NYC
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The Best Holiday Window Displays in New York City
Table of Contents: Best NYC Window Displays
Table of Contents: Best Christmas Window Displays in NYC
Saks Fifth Avenue
Neighborhood: Midtown
Address: 611 5th Ave, New York, NY 10022
The crown jewel of holiday window displays in New York City is Saks Fifth Avenue. The luxury department store brings its opulence outdoors and onto the street in an extravagant display of lights. The facade of the building is transformed into a canvas for their holiday light show, which plays in tandem with classic Christmas music.
The magical Christmas light show plays at regular 10-minute intervals from 5pm to 11pm, nightly. Stick around for a few rounds, but prepare for crazy crowds because this is one of the most popular window displays in NYC. For those with the time (and budget) Saks Fifth Avenue also offers private tours of their beloved NYC window displays, where they see the process and what it takes to put on.
Macy’s Herald Square
Neighborhood: Midtown
Address: 151 W 34th St, New York, NY 10001
Macy’s flagship store in Herald Square is the largest department store in the world, and every year it goes all out with extravagant holiday decorations. Considering the store covers an entire city block and spans more than 1.1 million square feet, I’d say it’s a pretty big attraction.
They usually unveil their much-anticipated window displays the Thursday before Thanksgiving and their up until January 1st. If you visit year after year you’ll also notice their Christmas mascot, a reindeer named Tiptoe, makes frequent appearances in the beloved NYC window displays.
Bergdorf Goodman’s
Neighborhood: Midtown
Address: 754 5th Ave, New York, NY 10019
Bergdorf Goodman’s Christmas window displays in New York City are unparalleled, captivating spectators with their exquisite artistry and festive storytelling. The fashion retailer hires top artists to craft intricate displays, and each window tells a unique Christmas tale. In fact, Bergdorf Goodman’s holiday window displays in NYC have become such a seasonal staple that they even have a published book that highlights some of their most popular displays.
American Girl
Neighborhood: Midtown
Address: 75 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10019
If you’re traveling with the entire family one of the best holiday window displays for kids in New York City is at the American Girl doll store. From the faux snow to the American Girl dolls playing in their winter gear, it’s enough to wow imaginative children.
Afterwards you can take your little one into the store for a souvenir they’ll have for years. American Girl dolls are collectible items that even adults obsess over. Take advantage and pick up a limited edition winter doll after enjoying some of the best window displays in New York City.
Bloomingdales
Neighborhood: Upper East Side
Address: 59th Street and Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10022
Bloomingdale’s stands out for having some of NYC’s best holiday window displays, weaving playful decorations that spread festive cheer. Known for their whimsical and imaginative themes, past displays have featured lively animations, interactive elements, and surprise elements that delight onlookers.
With a history of incorporating innovative designs, vibrant colors, and a touch of humor, the department store annually transforms its windows into must-see spectacles during the holiday season. Bloomingdale’s infectious holiday spirit and commitment to fun make its displays a beloved tradition for locals and visitors alike.
Cartier
Neighborhood: Midtown
Address: 653 5th Ave, New York, NY 10022
Cartier takes holiday window displays in New York City to a whole new level. Not only do they decorate the windows, but Cartier makes the whole store look like a wrapped-up gift, complete with a bow on top. It should come as no surprise the luxury jewelry store decorates the way they do. The brand is known for its opulence and elegance, so their holiday decorations are just as stylish.
The best Christmas window displays in New York City add a sense of romance to the city, and Cartier might be the most charming of all. Just walking down 5th Avenue feels like a date night under their bright lights. Cartier’s signature shade of red becomes extra special come Christmas time. Moreover, it’s hard to tell what sparkles brighter, the lights outside or the diamonds inside!
Hudson Yards
Neighborhood: Hudson Yards
Address: 20 Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001
Hudson Yards is a massive mall that features tons of high-end shops and restaurants. Although the mall doesn’t necessarily have traditional window displays like other stores in New York City, they still decorate for the holidays in a way that’s second to none. The mall hangs up more than 2 million lights!
The holiday decorations at Hudson Yards are part of an event called Shine On, and they rival the best holiday window displays in NYC. Not to mention, the photo taking opportunities are nothing short of epic. Even kids can’t help but look up in awe!
Tiffany & Co.
Neighborhood: Midtown
Address: 610 5th Ave, New York, NY 10020
Over their nearly 200 years in business Tiffany & Co. has mastered the art of advertising. That’s why it should come as no surprise their Christmas window displays are some of the best in New York City. In the movie Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Audrey Hepburn’s character is drawn into the Tiffany & Co’s window displays in NYC (and if they caught Hepburn’s eye, they’ll catch yours too).
Tiffany & Co. has an advantage in creating the best window displays in New York City since they have an iconic color. The shade of Tiffany blue they use is instantly recognizable and can stop anybody in their tracks. Furthermore, the shade of Tiffany blue ties into holiday window displays seamlessly because it adds to the winter wonderland vibe. Just sprinkle in some faux snow and you’re all set!
Louis Vuitton
Neighborhood: Midtown
Address: 1 E 57th St, New York, NY 10022
As arguably the most iconic brand in fashion, Louis Vuitton’s Christmas window displays in New York City are impressive to say the least. Their logo is instantly recognizable and the brand does a great job plastering it wherever they can. Plus, the displays are colorful, popping in contrast to the gray building. For those that love designer clothing, snapping a photo in front of the Louis Vuitton holiday window displays in New York City is as iconic as a photo with the Statue of Liberty.
Empire State Building
Neighborhood: Midtown
Address: 20 W 34th St., New York, NY 10001
Best known for its observation deck 1,250 feet in the air, the Empire State Building attracts crowds for a completely unrelated reason during the holiday season. At the base of the iconic NYC building you’ll find some of the best holiday window displays New York City has to offer.
Since the building is synonymous with NYC, the window displays often showcase other famous landmarks. The Brooklyn Bridge and Statue of Liberty have made appearances in the Empire State Building’s holiday window displays.
How to See the Best Window Displays in NYC
You may have noticed a lot of the stores listed above are in Midtown Manhattan. If you’re limited on time, my suggestion is to head to Fifth Avenue and 59th Street and start walking south. The area around the Rockefeller Center is thick with a lot of the best window displays in New York City. Not to mention, you get to see the Rockefeller Christmas tree (which is one of the best Christmas trees in NYC).
Tips for visiting NYC in winter
- Bring winter shoes: It’s no secret that winter in New York City is cold, and the most miserable place to be cold is in your toes. I recommend insulated/waterproof boots (here’s the pair I live in) and the only wool socks you’ll need.
- Bring lip balm & moisturizer: Winters in New York City are dry and cold. Add the raging industrial heaters to the mix and you’re bound to need quality lip balm and moisturizer. Lip balm is a personal thing, but if helpful, here’s the best one I’ve found to date (and it’s cheap!).
- Portable charger: Cold weather depletes batteries (both cellphones and camera) quicker than you’d expect, so when heading out for the day make sure you’re at full charge and pick up one of these.
History of the window displays in NYC
Macy’s is credited as the first department store to set up window displays in New York City during the early 1870’s. It didn’t take long for other stores to notice and begin implanting similar tactics to try to attract larger crowds. With the turn of the century stores aimed to bring the crowds inside to shop.
So on top of making the displays pretty to look at – they began showcasing brands and items sold at the store. As more department stores started setting up window displays a bit of friendly competition broke out. The stores began investing more money and hiring teams to design the best window displays in NYC.
Robotic figures, bright lights and vibrant colors have all become part of the million dollar industry. Some department stores (like Macy’s) claim to spend nearly a year thinking and preparing for each upcoming holiday season.
All this to say, window displays in New York City have transformed from eye-candy into a real business that generates millions of dollars in revenue for their companies. The real winners though are the pedestrians who don’t have to spend a dime to see the intricate displays.
Best window displays in New York City (Post Summary)
- Saks Fifth Avenue
- Macy’s Herald Square
- Bergdorf Goodman’s
- American Girl
- Bloomingdales
- Cartier
- Hudson Yards
- Tiffany & Co.
- Louis Vuitton
- Empire State Building
Frequently Asked Questions: New York City Holiday Window Decorations
The Christmas window displays in NYC are located primarily along iconic shopping destinations such as Fifth Avenue, featuring renowned stores like Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s, and other storefronts known for their festive and enchanting decorations.
Christmas displays in NYC typically start being unveiled in mid to late November and remain up until early January, allowing residents and visitors to enjoy the festive decorations throughout the holiday season.
The Macy’s Christmas windows are located along 34th Street in Midtown, Manhattan.
Yes, New York City features enchanting Christmas windows displayed by various iconic stores, creating a festive and magical atmosphere during the holiday season.
Best holiday window displays in New York City (map)
Helpful (Related) Links
Christmas in New York City: 20 MAGICAL Things to Do (And 5 to Avoid!)
What to Watch in NYC for Christmas: 15 Charming Christmas Shows in New York City (2023 Guide)
Christmas on a Budget: 20 Free Things to Do During Christmas in New York City
The Best Christmas Trees in NYC: 15+ Captivating Christmas Trees in NYC and Where to Find Them
The Capital of Christmas: 10 Festive Things to Do at the Rockefeller Center during Christmas
The Neighborhood with the Best Christmas Lights: Dyker Heights Christmas Lights Guide
The Best Decorations: New York Christmas Decorations: Where to Find Festive Decor in NYC
Macy’s Santaland: The Complete Guide to Macy’s Santaland in NYC (Your Kids Won’t Want to Leave!)
And there you have it folks, a quick roundup of the best window displays in New York City.
Cheers!
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