Few places are as magical as NYC during the holidays. (Have you seen all those lights?) Sure, we may be a little biased, but all it takes is one visit this time of year to convert any doubters. If you’re visiting and want to make the most of the magic, or if you’re local and want to cross things off your Holidays in NYC bucket list, here’s one of the first things you should do: check out the Christmas windows in NYC. From Macy’s to Bloomingdale’s and everything in between, we’ve rounded up the best decorated windows in the city. Make sure your phone is Insta-ready and brace yourself for some (festive) crowds. It’s totally worth it.
Macy's Herald Square
Mimi O'Connor
Let’s start with the O.G. of Christmas windows. This year, Macy’s theme is Believe in the Wonder. Go on a journey with “Santa Girl” as she discovers the spirit of Santa lives within our hearts. Spectators can expect to see some chrome, LED lights, and 3D objects blending together to tell the story, creating a spectacular sight befitting Macy’s storied holiday window legacy.
Macy’s Herald Square 151 W 34th St. Herald Square 212-695-4400 online: macys.com
Sak’s gets a special mention because its display is two-fold. A huge light show plays across the store’s impressive facade every 10 minutes thanks to LED lights and 3D projectors. And if that wasn’t enough, they also have themed holiday windows, too. The holiday windows this year are celebrating the cinematic release of Frozen 2, and are guaranteed to bring visitors to Arendelle like never before. Plus, they also have exclusive Frozen 2 merch and an Enchanted Forest Immersive Experience happening inside the store.
The windows at Bloomingdale’s this year are just stellar… literally. The Out of This World theme honors the 50th anniversary of the moon landing. The windows will feature holographic shopping bags, gift boxes, a special catalogue—and even zero gravity. Outer space has never looked so glamorous.
Bloomingdale’s 59th Street and Lexington Avenue Midtown 212-705-2000 online: bloomingdales.com
Head over to Bergdorf’s for some Good Times. That’s actually the theme of the store's 2019 holiday windows. You can expect the luxury department store to go all out while telling the story, as usual. And let’s be honest: who doesn’t want to have good times this holiday season?
“Tiffany blue” will feature prominently in the jeweler's holiday windows this year. The stunning display will of course include some of their best and brightest jewelry. You know, in case you need some ideas for your gift lists.
A little off the typical windows beaten path, and not exactly a window display, Chelsea Markets gets an honorable mention for their wonderland of holiday lights. The entire market is transformed into an illuminated wintry wonderland, thanks to a bright canopy of twinkling lights.
Chelsea Markets 75 9th Ave. Chelsea 212-652-2111 online: chelseamarket.com
Luminaries at Brookfield Place
Courtesy of Brookfield Place
Also on the honorable mention list: Luminaries at Brookfield Place. This light show features colorful lighted lanterns on display up above. Visitors can also make a digital "wish" and watch it come to life in the lanterns!
Brookfield Place 230 Vesey St. Battery Park City online: artsbrookfield.com
