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Photos: Pandemic Can't Put A Damper On Extravagant Holiday Windows In Midtown
By
Ben Yakas
Published Dec 9, 2020
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By
Ben Yakas
Published Dec 9, 2020
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The pandemic has understandably caused the cancellation of many holiday traditions, from the Polar Bear Plunge to New Year's Eve in Times Square. The city is even doing what it can to discourage crowds from gathering to look up at the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree (with mixed results). But there is one holiday tradition you can still partake in, depending on your personal comfort with crowds: gazing at the holiday windows at the city's biggest Midtown department stores.
A few of the stores that usually participate in these holiday windows have slightly pared-down displays this year. And almost all of them are really leaning into positive messages and slogans: Macy's has used "thanks" as the theme for their displays this year, with a thank you note to "the ones keeping our city safe... the ones who are unapologetic in their pursuit of a fair and equal world... the New Yorkers who stayed when thousands did not.”
Bergdorf Goodman has words like "strength," "love" and "gratitude" displayed in crystalline forms. The store also partnered with City Harvest and the National CARES Mentoring Movement "two organizations that are working to level the playing field and fight against food insecurity and inequities around social and educational infrastructures for young Black people respectively."
Bloomingdale's used a "Give Happy" theme, and their windows feature vibrant colors and phrases like "give joy" and "give snuggles" and "give a smile."
But the best windows this year by far are courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue, whose elaborate and intricate displays and giant light show seems to make everyone in the vicinity stop in their tracks to take photos.
Their six windows this year share the theme “This Is How We Celebrate," and aim to show "only in New York" moments. These include a musical celebration of Broadway; a barbershop getting a visit from some kids and their pets; a couple on their way to deliver gifts via the Roosevelt Island tram; an aspiring dancer getting an autograph from her ballerina idol; a celebration surrounding the neighborhood food truck at a holiday block party; and a friendly competition of holiday lights and decor at neighboring houses in Dyker Heights.
Other visual displays feature designer fashion from "brands such as Alexander McQueen, Dries van Noten and Valentino, with floating windows, Mylar-wrapped trees, scattered musical instruments and ephemera."
You can check out photos from all four stores in the gallery up above.
Tagged
pandemic
midtown
saks fifth avenue
holiday windows
Ben Yakas
Ben Yakas is a former Gothamist reporter.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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