8 Magical Holiday Window Displays in NYC-New York Family

Raising Cane’s holiday window display — Raising Cane’s

8 Magical Holiday Window Displays in NYC

New York City during the holidays is a magical sight to see. Between the whimsical Christmas tree at Rockefeller and the bright skyline, there’s nothing short of magic when you visit the city that never sleeps. When families come to visit NYC during the holiday season, holiday window displays are a must-see. These displays are beautifully designed every year to add a little magic to your family’s day, specifically curated by each store.

The displays may be a little different this holiday season, Sak’s on Fifth Avenue recently announced that they will not be doing their annual light show this year. The years-long tradition was a fan favorite in the city — thousands of lights lit up the facade of the building, and with the store positioned right behind Rockefeller’s Christmas tree, it made for the ultimate holiday magic.

But fear not! The tradition of holiday windows is still rich in the city, from the iconic Macy’s at Herald Square to the prestige and posh Cartier. We’ve rounded up the best holiday window displays that will have your hearts (and eyes) glistening this year!

Psst…Check out The Best Holiday Family Experiences Around New York 2024

cartier holiday window display — Getty Images

Cartier – Midtown

653 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY

We all know that diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but Cartier comes in pretty close. Window shop for their bracelets and watches through their windows adorned with hundreds of twinkling lights.

Nordstrom – Midtown

225 W 57th St, New York, NY

Enjoy Nordstrom’s Holiday Blizz with colorful window displays and bright lights to illuminate the building’s facade. Store windows are decorated with friendly snowmen and inflatable characters including Dimmy & Quaser and the humble traffic cones for an enriching and entertaining experience.

FAO Schwarz – Midtown

30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY

Feel like a child again with magical and whimsical light window displays at the world’s most iconic toy store. Every year FAO Schwartz windows are decorated with life-sized stuffed animals and quirky poses of your favorite cartoons and characters.

American Girl – Diamond District

75 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY

Experience the magic that is American Girl. Each year, the storefront puts on a whimsical display of life-size and mini American Girl dolls. Dressed to the nines in holiday attire and surrounded by snow and lights, it’s like a scene right out of a toy book.

macys holiday window display — Getty Images

Macy’s at Herald Square– Midtown

151 W 34th St, New York, NY

Macy’s has been creating beautiful window displays for years and the display is always different. While you’re there, be sure to head inside and check out what Macy’s Santaland has to offer, entering a magical world of reindeer, elves, snow, the rainbow bridge, and, of course, Santa himself.

Bloomingdale’s– Lenox Hill

1000 3rd Ave. at 59th Street, New York, NY

Have the “Best Holiday Ever” when you stop by Bloomingdale’s display this year! Inspired by the magical world of Willy Wonka, the window display will bring the wonder of the holidays to life with bright colors, lots of sparkle and oversized candies and chocolates inspired by Wonka’s factory.

Bergdorf Goodman holiday window display — Getty Images

Bergdorf Goodman– Midtown

754 5th Avenue, New York, NY

If you are looking to see a display that is sure to wow you this year, make sure you stop by Bergdorf Goodman’s. This luxury store is known for its beautifully extravagant displays. Each of the seven windows included in the display shares its own story that aligns with the theme.

Raising Cane’s – Midtown

1501 Broadway, New York, NY

There’s a new holiday display in town! Raising Cane’s new flagship location opened in Times Square last year and it brought more than just delicious chicken fingers– it also brought a seasonal holiday display this year.

This year’s Christmas window displays little (puppy) Cane in Santa’s workshop. Decorated with candy canes, snow, presents and a puppy nutcracker, the visual is fun-filled and family-oriented.

Psst…Check out 7 Great Secondhand Marketplaces to Shop This Holiday Season

Here at New York Family, we could not love the holidays more and that’s why we’ve created A Very Merry New York Family Holiday Guide! We’ve got everything you need to make 2024 your family’s best holiday ever: Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa events, tree lightings, holiday light shows, gift guide, holiday shopping ideas, books, movies, elf ideas and so much more!

Speakitaly NYC

SPEAKITALY NYC offers stimulating and entertaining lessons for children 0 to 16 years through a wide combination of activities based on the communicative approach anchored in the Common European Framework of Reference: active learning (group work, role plays, etc.) and practice exercises aimed to improve listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Kids will start speaking and using Italian in a very natural way.&nbsp; Small classes capped at 6 students to make sure each one gets the needed attention and facilitate learners' progress.&nbsp; Our method is driven by a didactic method that is the result of constant updates, professional certifications and more than 10 years of experience in working with non-native speakers from different native languages and levels of knowledge. Our aim is to develop a range of Italian language skills while improving accuracy that will enable the students and participants to interact without stress or feeling rushed. We want to help those in the community really embrace not only the true culture in Italy but the Italian culture within New York City&hellip; Who doesn&rsquo;t love what Italy represents in the kitchen, in history &amp; in the arts? Speakitaly wants to support multilingual families who want to learn a new language or pass along their ancestor&rsquo;s heritage and culture. Raffaella, the founder said: "We see language awareness and intercultural sensitivity as the milestones for an inclusive society. Italian, like all other languages, is an enrichment and a growth in every way. Vi aspettiamo!"

Play On! Studios

Play On! Studios offers theater day camps and after-school classes on the UWS that are guaranteed to give kids a summer full of acting, music, and fun they won't soon forget! Young actors will rehearse and perform in a full production, work with professional NYC actors/teaching artists, build up their skills in a nurturing, non-competitive environment and play lots of drama games! Creative Drama Camps are perfect for kids entering grades K-4. Campers will work each week to put on a brand-new show! Each session, they will receive a script, rehearse a production, make a set and costumes, and perform their play. Kids will also play drama games, play outside (weather permitting), and have tons of fun! Musical Theater Camps are aimed at kids entering grades 4-9. In Musical Theater Performance Camp, campers put on a complete musical production in a professional NYC theater! Campers will stretch their skills with drama exercises and games, vocal coaching, field trips, and building a professional set. Our incredible teaching artists and campers come together to put on a truly remarkable show! During the school year, classes are great for beginners or more experienced actors - sing, dance, and put on a play! Whether your child is just starting out, or ready for Broadway, we&rsquo;ve got the class for them. Classes are available for grades PreK-8, after school or on Saturdays! Come play with us. &nbsp;

Polaris Productions Theater Camp

Kids will learn, rehearse, and perform the wonderful Maurice Sendak and Carole King musical, Really Rosie. For 10 weekdays, campers will take part in physical and vocal warm-ups and learn choreography, staging, and vocal parts. They&rsquo;ll develop skills in acting, singing, character development, and more. This camp will ignite your child&rsquo;s imagination and passion for performing, build their self-esteem, and help them form lasting friendships. They&rsquo;ll have fun! At camp&rsquo;s end, the kids will perform Really Rosie for family members and friends. Kids of all levels of experience, ages 8 through 13, are welcome to join.

8 Magical Holiday Window Displays in NYC