Now that Thanksgiving has come and gone, and the famous Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is lit, the magic and wonder of the holiday season is in full swing in NYC. But nothing captures the spirit of this joyous time like the longstanding tradition of iconic retailers transforming their window displays into elaborate works of art!
Families can kickoff their holiday season by viewing over-the-top window displays at one of these quintessential New York City stores:
Barneys
This year’s theme, “Love Peace Joy Project,” features five contemporary artists who bring life to these values through their respective art. The display includes an original 3D scene of South Park to commemorate its 20th season and a unique installation by Nick Cage that encourages onlookers to view the world without judgment. Another highlight is a mixed-media display by Ebony G. Patterson at its downtown location that explores the ideas surrounding visibility and invisibility while adults and children chant “See me, see me” to passersby. This year’s eye-catching window display is sure to stop families in their tracks with heart-filled messages of love, peace, and joy this holiday season. The “Love Peace Joy Project” is on display at Barneys’ Madison Avenue and Downtown flagship locations. barneys.com
Bergdorf Goodman
Bergdorf Goodman transports families on a fantastical journey filled with larger-than-life scenes of “lush locales, unexpected landscapes, and verdant gardens” in this year’s “Destination Extraordinary” theme. These dreamlike windows will surely capture the family’s imagination during this holiday season. bergdorfgoodman.com
Bloomingdale’s
The iconic department store is lighting up the hearts of families during this joyful season while giving back to the community. This year’s theme, “Light Up a Young Mind,” showcases original chandeliers designed by dynamic visual artists that can be purchased online with proceeds benefiting the Child Mind Institute. The illuminating display is bound to brighten up the family’s holiday spirit. bloomingdales.com
Henri Bendel
Bendel is spreading love around NYC this holiday season. “From Bendel With Love” features James Goldcrown’s legendary “Love Wall”—hearts, hearts, and more hearts! Bendel’s love message will surely warm the whole family’s heart with a feeling of love and togetherness at this joyous time of the year. All we need is love! henribendel.com
Lord & Taylor
This year’s theme, “Enchanted Forest,” mesmerizes families with animated scenes where hand-sculpted animals are playing in a winter wonderland. Some highlights include a window depicting a larger-than-life bear buried in snow while the teeniest mice ski around it. The display also features a snow fight—with squirrels! Another window showcases geese strutting in the snow draped in snow-capped wreaths with red holiday bows. Along with the accompanying music, families will definitely want to frolic with these spirited creatures! lordandtaylor.com
Macy’s
Macy’s wants to make sure families still believe in the magic of the season. At center stage is a towering fifteen-foot Santa Claus that presides over the holiday festivities. “Believe” showcases Santa’s “Communication Station” where St. Nick receives emails and videos from children and magically sends them gifts. The display also features a classic pinball machine that families can “play” by launching the pinball to a bumper depicting the 90th anniversary of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, skating at Rockefeller Center, and the New Year’s Eve ball drop at Times Square. Another window evokes the giving spirit of the holidays with a stunning gold leaf reindeer with bejeweled antlers helping twenty-five handmade elves load Santa’s sleigh with lots of gifts! After viewing the windows, families will definitely believe in the most wonderful time of the year! macys.com
Saks Fifth Avenue
The luxury retailer lights up Fifth Avenue with its “Land of 1000 Delights” where festive couture is flanked by colorful sweets, together creating vignettes that are gift-wrapped in the whimsy of the holiday season. “Land of 1000 Delights” showcases “The Nutcracker Sweet,” depicting Clara’s journey in a fantastical dreamland with sweet treats! And other displays feature candy-colored fashion with massive swirl lollipops, jumbo rock candy sticks, and hot air balloons chock-full of candy. This year’s theme is sure to leave the family with the sweetness of the season. saksfifthavenue.com
Tiffany & Co.
Tiffany captures the spirit of the holiday season and the charm of New York City in its “Tiffany New York Christmas” display windows. The windows depict the glamour of New York City during the holiday, featuring a luxurious Central Park picnic, the famous Rockefeller Center with Prometheus in gold leaf and a stunning jewel-trimmed tree with angels, and a city silhouette with a sparkling chandelier, icicles, and mini Tiffany Blue Box wreaths. The dazzling display will captivate the entire family during this magical time of the year. tiffany.com
