🚕 Fifth Avenue’s Holiday Decorations

Good morning, NY!

Fifth Avenue is once again glowing with holiday magic, and this year’s displays are packed with must see destinations.

The best decorations are concentrated between 49th and 59th Street, making this an easy, walkable outing that showcases some of the most iconic holiday experiences in New York City.

Whether you’re a local or a visitor, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of this 10 block stretch.

Saks Fifth Avenue

Saks Fifth Avenue kicks things off at 49th Street with their newly unveiled holiday windows. This year, they are celebrating its 100th anniversary with a "Gifts of Delight" campaign.

The displays feature pastel-hued designs from luxury brands like Prada, Oscar de la Renta, Valentino, and Loewe, set against a crystal-like backdrop with oversized snowflakes and silver reflective flooring.

While the traditional light show has been canceled this year, the building's facade is elegantly illuminated, framing the festive windows.

Inside, you can explore the Saks Holiday Market, a Ralph's Coffee holiday pop-up, and a limited-time festive menu at L'Avenue at Saks.

If you can’t make it this week, don’t worry! The holiday windows will be on display through January 5, 2025.

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and Channel Gardens

Just across the street from Saks, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is the ultimate centerpiece of New York City's holiday celebrations.

This year’s tree is a 74-foot-tall Norway spruce from West Stockbridge, Massachusetts, adorned with over 50,000 multi-colored LED lights and topped with a shimmering Swarovski star.

The 2024 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is lit Sunday-Wednesday from 5 am to midnight and Thursday-Saturday from 5 am-1 am.

On Christmas Day, the Tree will be lit for 24 hours, and on New Year's Eve, it will be lit from 5 am-9 pm.

The Tree will be on view through mid-January.

Nearby, the Channel Gardens add another festive touch with their iconic Christmas angels, perfectly arranged for one of the most photographed holiday scenes in the city.

Cartier’s Light Show and Holiday Display

A few blocks further up Fifth Avenue, Cartier is once again stealing the show with its sparkling holiday façade.

The Cartier Mansion has long been a favorite stop during the holidays, and this year, it’s no different.

Known for its signature design, the building is wrapped like a giant gift box, radiating elegance and NYC Christmas spirit.

Bergdorf Goodman: "Toast of the Town"

Bergdorf Goodman's 2024 holiday windows, themed "Toast of the Town," celebrate the 200th anniversary of Fifth Avenue, highlighting iconic aspects of New York City.

Each window showcases a unique facet of the city's legacy:

• Parks: Honors green spaces like Washington Square and Central Park, featuring vivid statues.

• Yellow Taxicabs: A vibrant yellow window pays tribute to the city's iconic taxis, incorporating cab parts into a dynamic design.

• New York Public Library: Soaked in rich red, this window features the library's famed lions, Patience and Fortitude, alongside literary motifs.

• Landmarks: A blue display highlights architectural icons such as the Empire State Building and the Flatiron Building.

• Fashion and Shopping: A lavender-hued window reflects Bergdorf Goodman's own legacy, showcasing fantastical fashion elements.

These intricate displays blend art, fashion, and holiday spirit, offering New Yorkers an immersive experience into NYCs culture.

The Swarovski Christmas Tree

Inside the Swarovski store, you’ll find one of the most stunning Christmas trees of the season.

This colorful, fairy tale-inspired tree feels like it belongs in Frozen, glittering with Swarovski crystals and vibrant lights.

The tree perfectly complements the brand’s signature sparkle and offers visitors a fairy tale like escape inside the store.

Louis Vuitton Flagship Store

Louis Vuitton’s flagship store on Fifth Avenue also stuns with a dazzling 2024 holiday display.

The façade, styled like the brand’s iconic trunks, features a nightly light show from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. through December 25.

Vibrant colors, a sapphire blue backdrop, and glowing carousel scenes really bring out the festive spirit while honoring the brand’s heritage.

Inspired by the 1900 Paris Universal Exhibition, the display blends art, fashion, and holiday fantasy.

Plan Your Visit

The festive 10-block stretch from 49th to 59th Street offers a concentrated dose of New York City’s holiday magic.

Start at Saks Fifth Avenue, marvel at the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, and continue north to experience Cartier, Bergdorf Goodman, Swarovski, and Dior’s impressive displays.

Pro tip: Visit early in the morning or late at night to avoid the crowds and get unobstructed views. Bundle up, grab a hot chocolate, and take your time soaking in the atmosphere.

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