‘Tis the Season

ABOVE PHOTO: WILLO FONT

THAT TIME OF YEAR is approaching yet again – the holiday window displays of Manhattan’s most iconic department stores are the crown jewels of the festive season. Fifth Avenue is the place to be: A wonderland where art, fashion and pure imagination collide. There will be a tangible excitement in the air, and the second those twinkling lights hit your eyes, you’ll be swept away into the heart of holiday magic.

The crowds are always dense, but that only adds to the electricity of it all. People from every corner of the world gather here, their faces lit up with childlike wonder as they approach each window display. And it’s not just tourists – even local New Yorkers slow their stride, drawn in by the brilliance before them. The festive music dances in the background, and the crisp winter air is sharp but refreshing as you stroll past each creation. The city, already alive with its typical rush, gets an extra dose of magic just for the season. For a few blocks, time slows down as the pulse of the city syncs with the rhythm of holiday cheer. This is where the holidays truly come alive.

Saks Fifth Avenue, the grandmaster of all things holiday, is usually the first stop for many and never disappoints. There’s always something so whimsical about the department store’s windows – something that makes you feel like you’re witnessing a snow globe come to life. There’s always a sense of grandeur and a playful spirit that reminds you of the sheer delight the season brings. It’s the kind of display that makes you want to stand there for just a little longer, soaking in every detail, every glimmer.

Then, just a few blocks away, Bergdorf Goodman stands tall, its windows always offer a completely different but equally spectacular vibe. Where Saks Fifth Avenue embraces whimsy, Bergdorf wraps itself in opulence. Every inch of its windows scream sophistication and elegance, like a high-fashion runway collided with a holiday fantasy. Mannequins are typically draped in couture gowns, surrounded by lavishly adorned holiday surprises. It’s a celebration of excess in the most stylish way possible, and it will be pure luxury from start to finish.

PHOTO: TORY STOLPER

The next stop is Macy’s at Herald Square, the granddaddy of holiday windows, whose displays have been wowing crowds for more than a century. The tradition is rich here, an ideal balance of nostalgia and modern flair. The theme usually revolves around a heartfelt tribute to holiday kindness and community spirit, with scenes of warmth and togetherness unfolding across each pane of glass. The attention to detail is staggering – every tiny figure, every flicker of light feels so real, so full of life, you can’t help but smile. Macy’s windows remind us that amidst all the glitz and glamour, the true spirit of the holidays lies in the simple moments of joy and connection.

But the magic of the holiday window season isn’t confined to the big names alone. Smaller boutiques, cafes and local shops also get into the festive spirit. Their windows may not be as grand, but they’re bursting with charm. Little scenes of cozy fireplaces, snow-dusted rooftops and holiday treats give you that warm, fuzzy feeling inside, like you’ve stumbled upon a hidden treasure in the heart of the city.

By the time you’ve walked the length of Fifth Avenue, you’re not just cold from the crisp air, you’re glowing with excitement, with a heart full of holiday joy. There’s something truly special about how New York transforms during this season, how a city known for its fast pace and towering skyscrapers takes the time to slow down and celebrate the magic of the holidays. It’s a reminder that no matter how busy life gets, there’s always room for wonder, beauty and a little bit of magic.

PHOTO: MARZENA SZYMANSKA

The city of New York recently announced a proposed redesign of 20 blocks south of 60th Street, between Central Park and Bryant Park, to widen the sidewalks, add seating areas, plant more than 200 trees and remove two of the avenue’s five traffic lanes. With this pedestrian-friendly initiative, the retail of Fifth Avenue is sure to benefit, especially during the busy holiday season.

So, bundle up, grab a warm beverage and join the throngs of wide-eyed dreamers. Let yourself be swept away by the sights, the sounds, and the pure, unfiltered joy of New York’s holiday windows. In this city, when the holidays come around, the magic is real – and it’s waiting just behind the glass.

For a full recap of 2024’s holiday windows, check out VMSD’s upcoming January/February “Look Book” issue.