The miracle might be at Macy's on 34th Street, but there's even more dazzling department store displays to see all over town. From Barney's to Bloomingdale's and beyond, there are so many things to do during the holidays in NYC! Take a tour of the holiday windows and hit up these perfect spots to grab a bite to eat afterward!
Barneys NYCTheme: Chillin’ Out
Think Frozen, for reals. The always-on trend department store hired Okamoto Ice Studio to live carve winter wonders in every window- think castles, penguins, and cars on a track all lit up in gorgeous colors that makes prior years' themes seem simple. (sorry Gaga).
Eeeeats: If you think the kids won’t appreciate Fred’s Madison Avenue's perfect Poached Chicken Salad and sinfully good French Fries, head on over to Serafinas for easy Pizzas, Salad and Pastas that are guaranteed delicious.
BloomingdalesTheme: Holiday Through the Senses
Florist-extraordinaire Jeff Leatham (you may know him from his work at the Four Seasons Paris and Sophia Vergara’s recent wedding) wows crowds with silk flowers, his signature mirrored sculptures and a specially designed pine fragrance. The display features snowmen, giant peppermint candies and reindeers done up in gold. Look out for the “selfie screen” where onlookers can snag photos of themselves while they stare.
Eeeeats: Head on over to iconic Serendipity3 just a few short blocks away for the Frrrrrozen Hot Chocolate served with multiple straws and a foot long hot dog if there’s still room for actual food.
Saks Fifth AvenueTheme: The Winter Palace
Go around the world in holiday style. Magical windows filled with scenes of the Taj Mahal, The Great Wall of China, and the Colosseum are made more dramatic with projected snowflakes and twinkling lights best seen at night. And obviously the location (right across from Rockefeller Center) can’t be beat.
Eeeeats: Reserve space at the American Girl Doll Café for brunch, lunch, afternoon tea, or dinner where dolls also get the royal treatment with their own seat at the table. Or head on over to Rock Center’s concourse for Magnolia Bakery cupcakes and more upscale eats with views of the rink at the Sea Grill.
Bergdorf GoodmanTheme: Brilliant
Based on the past umpteen years, we know the displays at Bergdorfs never disappoint. But this year they’ve partnered with Swarovski to take it over the top. Featuring more than 7 million sparkling crystals, the five windows depict different scenes: "The Crown Jewels" features prismatic suits of armor; "The Treasure Chest" contains a sculpture of Neptune; and "The Crystal Ball" shows a fortune teller's parlor- each one more magical than the next.
Eeeeats: A one block walk uptown will take you to The Plaza Hotel- and all of it’s holiday glory. If you want to dine leisurely, book a table and enjoy their Holiday Season Afternoon Tea available through January 3rd where you and the fam can dine on finger sandwiches, scones and pastries and sip on champs and tea. Little ones can select the Eloise Tea which caters to younger pickier palettes.
Macy’sTheme: A Charlie Brown Christmas
Snoopy fans young and old will adore Macy’s theme A Charlie Brown Christmas, which celebrates the 50 year anniversary of the beloved characters. The department store's windows star Charlie, Lucy, Snoopy and the rest of the gang. Don't miss their interactive display, which allows visitors to tap the keys on Schroeder's piano.
Eeeeats: Comfort food with an extensive kids menu can be found at Southern Hospitality in Hell’s Kitchen. High chairs, a family friendly bathroom and faves like Mac n Cheese, Pigs in Blankets , Ribs and Cornbread will have your little ones asking for seconds and give them time to decompress from the holiday hubbub.
