Much of New York's holiday enchantment is totally free, including visits to see the glowing windows of our favorite city department stores. Each of the picks on our list unveil their windows annually in hopes of displaying the most dazzling windows of all, and many even collaborate with well-known artists and designers to bring their visions to life. Expect to see storybook tales, wild landscapes and tons of glitter for 2017's holiday season. Don't forget to explore our list of the top things to do with kids before the New Year and our guides to Christmas for kids and Hanukkah for kids.
Photograph: Tiffany Sage
1. Bergdorf Goodman holiday windows
This year's theme is "To New York With Love," and each window is modeled after New York's most iconic spots, like the New-York Historical Society, Museum of the Moving Image and New York Botanical Garden. Fifth Ave from 58th to 57th Sts. Read more about the Bergdorf Goodman holiday windows on Time Out New York here.
Photograph: Courtesy Diane Bondareff for AP
2. Macy's holiday windows
The theme “The Perfect Gift Brings People Together" runs throughout Macy's holiday window setup this year. See heartwarming holiday traditions in six glowing scenes. 151 W 34th St. Read more about Macy's holiday windows on Time Out New York here.
3. Saks Fifth Avenue's holiday windows
One of our favorites in 2017 is Saks' Snow White-themed display. Designers Alberta Ferretti, Naeem Khan, Monique Lhuillier and Marchesa designed modern day Snow White dresses that are incorporated into the scenes. Fifth Ave between 49th and 50th Sts. Read more about Saks Fifth Avenue's holiday windows here.
4. Barneys holiday windows
In collaboration with The Haas Brothers, Barneys unleashed some seriously wild whimsy for the holiday season. The windows tell a story of time—both the beginnings of life on planet Earth and well after modern times—in a kaleidoscope of color. See huge serpents, rainbow zebras and even alien monsters during your journey. Madison Ave between 60th and 61st Sts. Also Downtown.
Photographs: Courtesy Craig Barritt/Getty Images for Henri Bendel
5. Henri Bendel's holiday windows
Henri Bendel and Lovepop collaborated for paper designs that include parrots, butterflies and other creatures. Fifth Ave between 55th and 56th Sts. Read more about Henri Bendel's holiday windows on Time Out New York here.
Photographs: Courtesy Cindy Ord
6. Lord & Taylor's holiday windows
The store's theme is “The Best and the Brightest,” and you'll experience a wintry version of New York at its most magical. Fifth Ave between 38th and 39th Sts. Read more about Lord & Taylor's holiday windows on Time Out New York here.
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