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Tour of Store Window Displays Description

Fanciful department store windows have become a hallmark of the holidays in New York City, eagerly awaited each year by tourists and locals alike. The stores plan all year for the unveilings each November, protecting the top-secret themes and design plans from the public and each other in a bid to create the most elaborate, enchanting, awe-inspiring store window displays. Take them in as you make your way around the city or plan a grand tour -- either way, they're sure to amaze and delight the entire family.

Planning Notes

Six sets of must-see windows. The most fanciful window displays are presented by Macy's, Lord & Taylor, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, Barney's, and Bloomingdales. The Tiffany and Co. on 5th Avenue is popular as well -- the glittering diamonds and jewels in the window don't get much adornment, but the building itself is wrapped in a big red ribbon.

Walking tour. To see all of the major department store windows consecutively, start at Macy's on the corner of 34th Street and 7th Avenue; continue across 34th Street and make a left on 5th Avenue; continue up 5th Avenue to pass Lord & Taylor (between 38th and 39th streets), Saks Fifth Avenue (between 48th and 49th), and Bergdorf Goodman (between 57th and 58th); turn right on 61st Street and then again on Madison to see the Barney's windows; make a left turn on 60th Street, then a right on Lexington Avenue to see the Bloomingdale's windows. Allow for a few hours, plus pit stops for hot chocolate and curb-side treats.

Mind the ropes. In an acknowledgement of their popularity, many stores rope off the area in front of their windows so that commuters hustling to and from work can proceed without interruption. Avoid being jostled -- view the windows from inside the ropes.

Go during the day. For unrushed, less crowded viewing of the windows, take the tour early on a weekday morning.

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