Whether you need a break from shopping or you’re simply exploring all the festive sights in the city, NYC’s department stores put up quite a show during the holidays. The already-stunning window displays are starting to get a modern edge, thanks to various digital enhancements. Here are some of our favorite highlights:
Macy’s
Explore “The Magic of Christmas” this year at Macy’s holiday displays, showcasing everything from cozy day-to-day winter scenes to the season’s favorite performances like the Nutcracker. The storybook-style frames of all the windows only add to the sense that life can feel like a fairytale in these times.
Now through December 31, 34th Street & Seventh Avenue, macys.com
Photo courtesy of Macy’s
Lord & Taylor
In a fast-changing world, Lord & Taylor’s 75th Anniversary holiday windows celebrate the best of the holiday classics. The “Wish For Tradition” vignettes depict the essence of the season from all over the globe, whether its a stroll with the fam in Central Park or a trip to a scenic pagoda in Japan.
Now through the holidays, Fifth Ave between 38th and 39th Streets, lordandtaylor.com
Photo courtesy of Lord & Taylor
Barneys
Earlier this month, Barneys unveiled its Disney-inspired windows with an animated Disney exclusive, “Electric Holiday,” which threw the famous cartoon characters into the same world as some of the fashion world’s biggest icons. As the name of the short implies, the display sets Madison Avenue ablaze in an impressive swath of lights and color.
Now through the holidays, 61st Street & Madison Avenue, barneys.com
Photo courtesy of Barneys
Bloomingdale’s
Get up close and personal (sort of) with Cirque du Soleil in Bloomingdale’s window displays, which depict scenes from Cirque du Soleil: Worlds Away. With amazingly intricate sets, dramatic colored lights, and even animated and interactive elements, this set up is almost as good as the real thing.
Now through the holidays, 59th Street & Lexington Avenue, bloomingdales.com
Photo courtesy of Bloomingdale’s
Henri Bendel
Henri Bendel holiday windows ushers in the festivities of Christmas past–one from the 1920s, specifically. Evoking the era of fun and daring, the sparkling ornaments, accessorized models, and roaring fashion will wow fashionistas and little trendsetters everywhere. If you love a good party, this one’s for you.
Now through the holidays, 56th Street & Fifth Avenue, henribendel.com
Photo by Jamie McCarthy, courtesy of Henri Bendel
Bergdorf Goodman
Another nostalgic creation: Bergdorf Goodman has become the face of the Jazz Age, packaging its five glittering windows into five “acts.” Cultural and theater buffs will love the references to vaudeville, Marilyn Monroe, Art Deco aesthetics, and flapper and couture fashions.
Now through January 3, 58th Street & Fifth Avenue, bergdorfgoodman.com
Photo courtesy of Bergdorf Goodman
Saks Fifth Avenue
This season Saks is assailed by a blizzard and a Siberian Yeti, an imagined creature who now lives on the façade of the building. The Snowflake Spectacular window display, filled with vogue mannequins in frosty backdrops, ties in a two-minute LED holiday light projection that relays the Yeti’s journey to Saks Fifth Avenue.
Now through the holidays, Fifth Avenue between 51st and 52nd Streets, saksfifthave.com
Photo courtesy of Bergdorf Goodman
