New York City is famous for a lot of things, including the holiday windows decorating department stores along Fifth Avenue and elsewhere. Pardon the pun, but here’s a window into the five best of the season —
Lord & Taylor — 2012 is the 75th anniversary of the storefront celebration, with each of the five windows displaying holiday traditions around the globe, including New York City. That window includes animals partying at the Central Park Zoo. There’s also a Santa Claus window, with an old-fashioned St. Nick making his list and checking it twice.
Bloomingdale’s — The theme of this year’s windows is Cirque du Soleil, with ethereal costumed creatures including mermaids floating around Lexington Avenue. Bring your smarthone to use a special app that lets you put your own face on top of one of the Cirque du Soleil figures.
Macy’s — The store that gives us the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade continues to enchant young and old with “The Magic of Christmas’ windows with animated elves, shoemakers and happy kids. Be sure to stop by the Make-a-Wish window to learn how to help poor and disadvantaged children, including those left homeless by Hurricane Sandy.
Saks Fifth Avenue — These five windows tell a story, with each window a “chapter” so be sure to go with the flow of the crowd. It’s the story of a snow monster who creates magical snowflakes. The windows are filled with animated figures, including one who holds a real camera that films the crowd, so you can watch yourself watching the windows.
Barney’s — Last year, the windows were all Lady Gaga. This year, it’s all Disney, with favorite characters dressed up in Disney versions of high fashion. Check out Goofy in a brocaded Balmain jacket that reminds some of Michael Jackson, and Minnie Mouse strutting down a fashion show runway in a strapless number.
As always, New York City’s holiday windows are FREE. Except if you go inside and start shopping.
What do you think about this? We welcome your comments.