Christmas Lights and Holiday Window Displays in NYC

Anyone coming to New York for the holiday season should have a bucket list. We’ve talked about the best holiday shows and events in NYC and the holiday markets in Manhattan. Once you’ve crossed those items off your list, go on a tour of the best holiday lights and window displays in the city.

Holiday Window Displays

Every year, New York’s biggest and most popular stores prepare a dazzling Christmas spectacle. Walking along Fifth Avenue to look at the themed window displays is a favorite local tradition. Although most stores have holiday decorations, these are the most famous ones:

Macy's Herald Square
Location: 151 W 34th Street, New York, NY 10001
2018 Theme: Believe in the Wonder of Giving

Saks Fifth Avenue
Location: 611 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10022
2018 Theme: Theater of Dreams

Bergdorf Goodman
Location: 754 5th Avenue and New York, NY 10019
2018 Theme: Candy Cane Lane

Tiffany & Co.
Location: 727 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10022
2018 Theme: Believe in Dreams

Bloomingdale's
Location: 1000 Third Avenue at 59th Street and Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10022
2018 Theme: Dr. Seuss The Grinch

Make sure you include a visit to Henri Bendel and Lord & Taylor, as these two stores will permanently close in 2019.

Holiday Lights and Movie Sites Tour

Countless movies have shown New York during the holiday season. If you want to see the spots where the most popular scenes were filmed, take a guided tour by On Location Tours. Sites include department stores and window displays, Central Park, Lincoln Center, Rockefeller Center and more. Tickets cost $45 for adults and $35 for children.

Christmas Lights in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn

The holiday spirit doesn’t reside solely in Manhattan. Dyker Heights is a neighborhood located in Brooklyn that is famous for the insanely intricate holiday decorations set up every year by the homeowners. What’s interesting is that they actually hire professionals to install the displays. Why? Because it’s fun and a friendly competition among the neighbors! You can go on your own or take a guided tour.

If this New York holiday bucket list seems too good to be true, we have a surprise for you. The New Yorker Hotel has exclusive deals. Make your Christmas wish come true while saving on your booking!