I’ve never seen the NYC window displays at night. Boy, did I almost miss something at Saks Fifth Avenue across from Rockefeller Center! [Snowflake & Bubbles] Here’s just a taste.

Bergdorf Goodman is always on the level of art. Fashion is art. Windows are canvas with a built-in frame. This year’s theme was “Wish You Were Here” (travel). The department store has developed its own collage template. Here’s a video about the process.

The surprise to my liking was Tiffany’s. The theme appeared to be pop-up books. Whereas Saks’ windows were all about product with a Christmas story thrown in for points, Tiffany’s jewelry complimented and accented these shadow box-like displays so well. As if fine jewelry were of another world.

Macy’s who started the tradition of holiday windows has gone high-tech. But the old “Miracle on 34th Street” windows continue to be the perennial favorite especially for folks who grew up in an era when holiday windows were one of the season’s main events. Here in Washington, DC it was the Woodward and Lothrop store on F Street. Macy’s still wants us to “Believe.” But it’s hard to capture the spirit in front of the high tech “Yes Virginia” windows which have a load in time. After standing for about 30 seconds, the panel on the first window opens with the audio and the magic begins. This was rather uncomfortable on a cold, windy winter day. But I’m guessing there will be a pay off on the back end. After all, Santa and Macy’s are practically co-branded. The Macy’s-produced “Yes Virginia” film seems rather cute. Sorry I missed it. Again, I’ll catch it on the back end (DVD).

My favorite holiday window display continues to be Lord & Taylor. This year the theme was New York Christmas stories collected from real New Yorkers. The below photo is the Disco Christmas display. Let’s face it, I like the traditional figurines and the mechanical moves.