15 of New York City's most famous holiday window displays over the years

Topics

Former Member

15 of New York City's most famous holiday window displays over the years

Madeline Diamond, Nov. 13, 2017, 5:20 PM, http://www.thisisinsider.com/n...iday-windows-2017-11

window and shoppers Holiday shoppers in New York City.AP Photo/Mary Altaffer

Festive window displays are a classic New York tradition during the holiday season.
The tradition is older than you might think — holiday windows date all the way back to the 1870s, according to Macy's.
Today, people wait in line for hours to see some of New York's best holiday decorations.
Keep reading for the history behind department store holiday windows in New York City.

From children sending letters to Santa Claus to selfie-taking snowmen, department store window displays are some of the most festive holiday decorations in all of New York City.

Since the holiday season is one of the busiest times of the year to shop, starting with Black Friday, it's no surprise that New York City's department stores bring out all the stops for their seasonal window displays.

Holiday windows that look more like art installations rather than store advertisements date all the way back to the 1870s with Macy's first window displays. Since then, the practice has evolved into a tradition that both tourists and locals love year after year.

Replies sorted oldest to newest

Former Member

Department store window displays are one of the most iconic holiday traditions in New York City.

11/14/177:38 PM

Former Member

While you can see holiday windows at virtually every department store in Manhattan today, the tradition dates back to the 1870s.

11/14/177:39 PM

Former Member

Macy's claims to be the first department store to implement holiday windows in New York City, thanks to the store's founder, R.H. Macy. He showcased Macy's first animated windows in 1899.

11/14/177:40 PM

Former Member

Over time, holiday windows became more elaborate and artistic rather than just advertisements for the store's wares. This display features an interactive mailbox where children could send their letters to Santa.

11/14/177:40 PM

Former Member

Today, holiday windows at New York City department stores like Macy's, Bloomingdale's, and Saks Fifth Avenue all draw in crowds of tourists and locals alike.

11/14/177:41 PM

Former Member

Roya Sullivan, National Director of Window Presentation at Macy's, told INSIDER about how she designs the store's windows every year. "I look through photos online, read a lot of children’s books and check out the newest European trends in visual merchandising," she said.

11/14/177:41 PM

Former Member

Sullivan and her team begin the design process and theme selection every January, and they work on the windows all year. "Because we have guests from all over the world, some who are visiting for the first time and some who return each year, an emphasis on family tradition is always important," she said.

11/14/177:42 PM

Former Member

Over the years, New York's holiday windows have ranged from classic ...

11/14/177:42 PM

Former Member

... to avant-garde.

11/14/177:43 PM

Former Member

More modern displays, such as this one from Bloomingdale's in 2013, have cohesive themes. The collection of windows, called "All Wrapped Up in Bloomingdale's," featured the store's classic brown bags all over the globe, including New York City ...

11/14/177:44 PM

Former Member

... China ...

11/14/177:44 PM

Former Member

... and Italy.

11/14/177:45 PM

Former Member

Some stores go beyond the traditional window displays and decorate their entire storefront.

11/14/177:45 PM

Former Member

Not all windows are explicitly Christmas-themed. This window from the 2015 Bloomingdale's display features mirrored geometric snowmen taking selfies.

11/14/177:46 PM

Former Member

Whether these displays are reminiscent of Macy's windows from nearly 150 years ago or a fresh modern take on holiday decorations, department store windows will always be an integral part of how New York City celebrates the holidays.

11/14/177:46 PM

Former Member

Topics