This post lists the best holiday window displays in NYC.
While the bedazzling Christmas trees of New York City may be the first stop on your holiday tour, the runner-ups are the decked-out window displays in the city’s department stores.
Below is a list of the best window displays that will delight you this holiday season, including the 5th Avenue Christmas windows.
If you would like to focus more on the windows and less on navigating the streets to get to them, consider joining our New York Holiday Lights Tour.
We take you to Manhattan's best light displays, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and much more!
The Best Holiday Window Displays in NYC
Bergdorf Goodman - Fifth Avenue at 58th Street
Quite possibly outdoing themselves this year, Bergdorf’s surreal holiday windows are centered on “the present moment”.
One window features a cityscape of apartments where stuffed cats and mice go about their business on fire escapes and inside lofts reminiscent of SoHo.
Another window honors music, with candy-cane colored mannequins of jazz singers, a bust of a classical composer and monkeys playing violins!
If you see only one window display this year, Bergdorf’s is it!
Saks 5th Ave. - Fifth Avenue at 50th Street
This century old department store goes above and beyond mere window displays.
In addition to its whimsical windows, the ten story building is draped in 700,000 LED lights.
After dark, a light show synchronized to music takes place every ten minutes. Definitely, a sight not to miss this holiday!
Macy’s - West 34th Street at 6th Ave.
In 2021, Macy’s has centered its windows on the story of Tiptoe, a beautiful little blue reindeer who dreams of joining Santa’s crew of reindeer.
Each window tells a bit of Tiptoe’s story and ultimately the fulfillment of her dream.
The most-famed of all holiday window displays, Macy's reports that as many as 10,000 people line up daily to see this iconic store’s displays.
FAO Schwarz - 30 Rockefeller Center
Every day feels like Christmas at FAO Schwarz, one of the most famous toy stores in the world.
Not surprisingly, its windows celebrate the spirit of the holidays with classic figurines, and larger than life toys.
While the windows are fun, the best part awaits you INSIDE the store!
Cartier's - 5th Ave. and 52nd Street
What better way to dress up a building where one can purchase some of the most desired gifts in the world?
The windows at Cartier's are magnificent year round. But come holiday season, the building itself becomes the best wrapped gift in town!
Empire State Building - 34th Street at Fifth Avenue
You may have come for the views above, but the views at street-level are pretty special this time of year!
The building's windows showcase classic Christmas themes like giant Nutcrackers, candy canes, and Christmas presents.
Pop into the fabulous art deco lobby anytime from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. to hear a live pianist perform holiday favorites.
If you are planning to visit this world-famous skyscraper, read our post on how to get tickets to the Empire State Building.
Bloomingdale's - 1000 Third Avenue at 59th St.
The home of the ‘Big Brown Bag’, this department store always has a cutting edge holiday display. This year, its “Give Happy” theme is about nostalgia and joy.
The windows feature a family of penguins playing old-school video games, mannequins draped in red crocheted outfits, and even a red T-Rex on a skateboard!
If you are over at Bloomie’s why not take a quick ride on the nearby Roosevelt Island Tram for amazing 360-degree views of NYC.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
- Tiffany's - 57th Street and 5th Avenue
- American Girl - 75 Rockefeller Plaza
- Louis Vuitton - 57th Street and 5th Avenue
