Each year in late November, New York’s great department stores unveil elaborate holiday window displays that draw crowds from around the world. The classic route follows Fifth Avenue — with Saks Fifth Avenue’s light show across its facade opposite the Rockefeller Center tree, and Bergdorf Goodman’s artistic windows near 58th Street — then continues to Macy’s Herald Square and Bloomingdale’s on Lexington Avenue. Windows stay up through the holidays, and weekday evenings are the most comfortable time to visit.

The classic stops

Store Location Known for
Saks Fifth Avenue Fifth Ave at 49th–50th St Facade light show, themed windows
Bergdorf Goodman Fifth Ave at 58th St Artistic, elaborate windows
Macy’s Herald Square 34th St and Broadway Storybook windows, Santaland
Bloomingdale’s Lexington Ave at 59th St Themed windows
Tiffany & Co. Fifth Ave at 57th St Elegant jewel-box windows

Planning a window walk

  • Start at Rockefeller Center with the tree and Saks’ light show.
  • Walk north on Fifth Avenue to Bergdorf Goodman.
  • Take a car or subway to Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s, which are farther apart.

Crowd tips

Fifth Avenue sidewalks can be managed with barriers on peak nights. Weekdays and later evenings are calmer.

A chauffeured holiday tour

With hourly service, your chauffeur can drop you at each stop and meet you at the next — especially helpful with children or older relatives. Combine it with Dyker Heights lights. See our hourly service.

A short history

Department stores have decorated their windows for the holidays since the late 19th century, when plate glass and electric lighting made elaborate displays possible. Macy’s and other stores competed to draw crowds, and the tradition became part of New York’s holiday identity.

Photography tips

Glass reflections are the enemy of window photos. Shoot at an angle close to the glass, avoid flash, and visit after dark when interior lighting is strongest. Weekday evenings give you more space to frame your shots.