Macy’s Herald Square

Macy’s at Herald Square is famous for hosting the popular Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The 2.5 million square foot store transforms into a dizzying Christmas wonderland. The stunning window displays alone (a tradition dating back to 1889), draw more than 15,000 visitors an hour during peak times.

Decked to the nines, pop in to see all 11 floors decorated in different holiday themes. In my opinion, visiting Macy’s at Herald Square is non-negotiable for anyone keen on seeing iconic Christmas attractions in New York City.

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.

Macy’s is responsible for the city’s most cherished holiday traditions, like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, legendary window displays and Santaland. Christmas wouldn’t be the same without them!

If you’re exploring NYC during the holidays with kids, make reservations to see Santa on the 8th floor. The entire floor is transformed into a magical winter village, creating a magical walk-through experience that leaves you wondering what looms around every corner.

Visit the store to experience some of the best New York Christmas decorations firsthand (plus, a little retail therapy never hurts anybody). Of, if you don’t feel like braving the crowds, admire the window displays from outside, the adventure is up to you.

Covering an entire city block and spanning 1.1 million square feet, the largest Macy’s in the world is as impressive as it sounds. Visiting for the best New York Christmas decorations and a little retail-therapy never hurt anybody is one of the best things to do in NYC in December. 

Macy’s Christmas window displays are legendary and the Santaland pop-up is one of the best events in NYC in December for kids. For Santaland, Macy’s transforms the 8th floor of their massive department store into a free Christmas palooza. Visitors will meander through charming villages, Santa’s workshop and tons of other fun displays before getting to meet Santa face-to-face.