Best holiday window displays in New York, 2026.

The Christmas decor at Bergdorf Goodman is unmatched. Often considered the most extravagant holiday window displays in New York City, these take up to a year to design.

The stakes are high because Bergdorf spoils locals with stunning window displays year-round, so of course the pressure amplifies during the Christmas season. Partnering with premier designers, each window tells a unique Christmas tale through stunning artistry and painstaking detail.

The store’s decorated windows are such a hot commodity that Bergdorf Goodman published a book highlighting the most popular displays over the years.

Good to knowI wrote an in-depth newsletter about Bergdorf Goodman’s famous windows, you can read more here.

During the holidays, Saks Fifth Avenue’s signature opulence is exhibited street-side with an elaborate display of lights. The facade of the building becomes a canvas for the city’s most beloved holiday light show.

Watch in amazement as synchronized lights play in tandem with classic Christmas music, it’s an iconic experience locals look forward to as much as tourists. So much so, I added it to my list of 20 Non-Negotiable Christmas Activities in New York City.

Incapable of playing second fiddle, the department stores’ window decor is equally impressive. The theme changes every year but intricately designed scenes are always guaranteed. Months of effort go into making these some of the best window displays in New York City, you can’t afford to miss them.

Worth the drive, worth the wait, worth every penny.

Macy’s Herald Square flagship is the largest department store in the world, so is it any surprise it’s decked out with some of the most extravagant holiday window displays in NYC? Don’t just take my word for it, Macy’s window displays attract 10,000 visitors daily.

The much-anticipated displays are unveiled the Thursday before Thanksgiving, debuting just in time for Macy’s famous Thanksgiving Day Parade. The store highlights a different theme every year, but there’s usually one common thread. Tiptoe the Reindeer (the store’s beloved mascot) is tied into the adventure.

Humorous and playful, Bloomingdale’s whimsical window displays typically feature animated objects and interactive elements to the delight of onlookers. The store effortlessly weaves imaginative motifs into sophisticated designs, imbuing the world of luxury with the infectious holiday spirit.

Last year’s theme was inspired by the magic of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Outlandish colors covered every square inch of the sparkly displays full of oversized candies and strutting mannequins.

I’m curious to see what 2024 will bring, but one thing is certain, these are destined to be some of the best window displays in New York City during Christmas.

In 2023, Cartier decided to shake things up when the store traded its famous Christmas-wrapped decor for an LED display. Perhaps a nod to the future, the change divided locals. Some loved the old design, while others praised the luxury jewelry store for keeping things fresh.

Regardless of the side you land on, there’s no denying that Cartier is one of the most beautiful Christmas-decorated stores in New York City. But who could expect anything less from a brand built on opulence? Simply walking past the storefront serves as a reminder that the holidays in NYC are a joy to experience firsthand.

Skip the tourist version and do it like a local, here’s how.

Most famous for housing one of the best observation deck decks in NYC, the Empire State Building attracts crowds for a completely different reason during the holiday season. At the base of the famous building you’ll find some of the best holiday window displays New York City has to offer.

Artfully decorated, themes usually stick with the building’s famous status and showcase famous landmarks like the Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty.

Hudson Yards is a massive mall full of shops and restaurants. Although the mall doesn’t necessarily have traditional window displays like the department stores along Fifth Avenue, the holiday decorations are still worth a detour. Decked out with over two million Christmas lights, the mall rivals the best holiday window displays in NYC.

I never get tired of this view.

Come early. Seriously. The crowds hit hard by noon.

The American Girl store unveils some of the prettiest holiday window displays in New York City for kids. Centered around the beloved dolls enjoying the holidays through winter sports and cozy traditions, the store spares no expense to inspire children.

Pop into the store for a souvenir your child will cherish for years to come. If it’s important to you, the Midtown flagship sells limited edition winter dolls during the holiday season.

A symbol of luxury for nearly 200 years, Tiffany’s knack for advertising is nothing short of legendary, and the holiday decor is no exception.

Famous for having the dreamiest window displays in New York City during the holidays, the store is tailored to romantics of every stripe. Blinding diamonds seamlessly blend into idyllic scenes that can easily keep you entertained for a while.

Good to knowTiffany & Co. is a must-see for anyone who enjoys Breakfast at Tiffany’s. The window displays at the Fifth Avenue flagship drew Holly Golightly into the store, and they might have the same effect on you.

Louis Vuitton’s Christmas window displays in NYC are impressive to say the least. Colorful and inviting, the pop of color is a welcome contrast to the gray buildings of Midtown. For those who love designer clothes, snapping a photo in front of the Louis Vuitton holiday window displays in New York City is in order.