Macy’s Christmas Windows in New York: Holiday Season Guide
Macy’s Christmas Windows in New York are a must-see for anyone visiting the city during the 2025 holiday season. Every year, Macy’s Herald Square delights locals and tourists with magical holiday window displays. These windows are full of creativity, animation, and festive cheer.
In recent years, the displays have featured Tiptoe, a reindeer who dreamed of flying. Tiptoe has become the beloved mascot of the Macy’s Christmas window displays. Also in 2025, Macy’s windows will again showcase new interactive scenes, such as for example a toy workshop and a 3D camera experience.
The unveiling ceremony of the Macy’s Christmas Windows is one of the most anticipated holiday events in New York. Many consider it just as iconic as the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting. Starting mid-November 2025, over 10,000 people a day are expected to visit these stunning windows.
Macy’s Herald Square will transform into a holiday wonderland, complete with festive music and twinkling lights. But Macy’s isn’t the only place to see magical windows in New York City. Want to discover more of NYC’s festive store windows? Check out our full guide to the best things to do in New York at Christmas.
If you’re interested in exploring more decorations in Midtown Manhattan, join our My Christmas Morning in Manhattan tour. The route includes the most iconic holiday displays and lights in the city.
And for movie lovers, our brand-new New York Christmas Movie Tour features a stop at the exact location from Miracle on 34th Street, filmed at Macy’s itself.
When Do Macy’s Christmas Windows Open in 2025?
Are you wondering when Macy’s Christmas Windows are decorated for the holiday season in 2025? The unveiling ceremony is expected to take place on either Thursday, November 13 or November 20, 2025. While the exact date is still to be confirmed, it will likely follow Macy’s long-standing tradition of launching mid-November.
This festive event marks the official beginning of the Christmas season in New York City. Past ceremonies have featured fireworks, live music, and even celebrity guests, drawing thousands of visitors to Macy’s Herald Square.
While we don’t yet know the exact theme of the 2025 Macy’s Christmas Windows, it’s expected to follow recent trends. In the past few years, displays have included interactive features like toy workshops and 3D camera scenes, along with the beloved Tiptoe the reindeer. The 2025 window display will likely continue to blend storytelling, technology, and holiday charm.
Whether you’re a local or visiting from abroad, attending the unveiling is a memorable way to start your Christmas season in NYC. Alongside the famous Saks Fifth Avenue Light Show, Macy’s windows remain one of the best holiday displays in New York.
Want to see more decorations beyond Macy’s? Our My Christmas Morning in Manhattan tour covers the top holiday spots in Midtown. And with our new Christmas Movie Tour, you can stand where Miracle on 34th Street was filmed, right in front of Macy’s itself.
History of Macy’s Christmas Displays in New York
The history of Macy’s Christmas Windows in New York dates back to 1874, making it one of the oldest holiday traditions in the city. That year, Macy’s debuted its first holiday window display, featuring porcelain dolls from around the world. It was an instant hit with New Yorkers.
Since then, the displays have evolved into elaborate works of art, combining storytelling, design, and animation. Each year brings a new theme, carefully chosen to capture the spirit of the season. These festive windows have become a major highlight of Christmas in New York.
Over the decades, Macy’s Christmas Window Displays have included themes like The Miracle on 34th Street, The Magic of Christmas, and A Christmas Carol. In recent years, Tiptoe the reindeer has taken center stage. This heartwarming character has become a modern holiday icon.
Macy’s Christmas Windows NYC are more than just beautiful decorations. They are a symbol of Macy’s dedication to spreading holiday cheer and creating lasting memories for generations of visitors.
Want to plan your trip around the best festive experiences? Check out our New York Christmas 2025 Dates & Events calendar to discover all the holiday highlights.
The Creative Process Behind Macy’s Christmas Windows in New York
The Macy’s Christmas windows in New York are brought to life through a detailed, months-long creative process. Planning for the Macy’s New York Christmas windows begins early in the year, as the team prepares for one of the city’s most beloved holiday traditions.
A group of designers, engineers, and artists collaborates to imagine a new theme each season. The team hosts brainstorming sessions to find ideas that reflect the joy and magic of Christmas in New York City. Once the concept is selected, sketches and scale models help visualize the future Macy’s Christmas window display.
Building the windows involves a mix of traditional artistry and cutting-edge technology. Props are handcrafted and painted by skilled artisans, while lighting, motion, and animation bring the scenes to life. Every window combines storytelling with craftsmanship, from detailed characters to dynamic backgrounds.
The result is an unforgettable holiday experience. Macy’s Christmas windows NYC continue to draw thousands of daily visitors who gather along 34th Street to admire the creativity, color, and festive spirit. These displays are more than decorations, they’re part of New York’s Christmas identity.
Where Are Macy’s Windows in New York?
Macy’s Christmas Windows, the most iconic holiday window displays in New York City, are located at 151 West 34th Street, right at the intersection of 34th Street and Broadway. This is the heart of Macy’s Herald Square, the most famous department store in New York.
The windows line the Broadway side of the store, making them easy to view while walking through Midtown Manhattan. During the Christmas season, this area becomes a festive hub filled with lights, decorations, and thousands of visitors admiring the Macy’s New York Christmas windows.
Macy’s Christmas Windows NYC are just one block west of the Empire State Building. You can walk from one landmark to the other in just five minutes. This makes it easy to combine a visit to both locations in your holiday itinerary.
Also nearby is the Bryant Park Winter Village, just a 10-minute walk north of Macy’s along 6th Avenue. Bryant Park offers a magical mix of Christmas markets, holiday treats, and ice skating, perfect for continuing the festive experience.
Whether you’re a tourist or a New Yorker, visiting Macy’s Christmas windows in New York City is a must. The combination of shopping, history, and dazzling holiday decor makes this stop unforgettable during the Christmas season.
Family-Friendly Activities Near Macy’s in NYC
Macy’s Christmas windows in New York are a festive highlight for families visiting the city during the holiday season. But the fun doesn’t stop there. This Midtown Manhattan location is surrounded by even more family-friendly holiday attractions.
Just a short walk north, Bryant Park Winter Village turns into a magical space for all ages. It features a free-admission ice skating rink, open-air holiday markets, and cozy food stalls. Kids can glide on the ice while parents shop for gifts or enjoy hot chocolate under the twinkling lights.
Nearby, the New York Public Library at 42nd Street hosts beautiful seasonal decorations and a grand Christmas tree in the main lobby, perfect for a quiet, magical break.
Looking for a panoramic view of the city’s Christmas lights? The Empire State Building, just steps away from Macy’s Herald Square, offers sweeping holiday views from its observation decks. During December, the tower glows with festive red and green lights, adding even more sparkle to your holiday walk.
A visit to Macy’s New York Christmas windows is the perfect starting point for a joyful family itinerary in NYC. With so many festive attractions nearby, you’ll create unforgettable memories in the heart of Manhattan.
Macy’s Santaland in New York: Everything You Need to Know
Macy’s Santaland in New York is one of the most magical Christmas attractions in the city. Located on the 8th floor of Macy’s Herald Square, Santaland invites families into a whimsical world of elves, reindeer, twinkling trees, and holiday cheer.
In 2025, Macy’s Santaland will open on Friday, November 28, the day after the Thanksgiving Parade. This marks the beginning of Santa’s official stay in New York for the season.
To visit Santa at Macy’s NYC, you’ll need to make a free online reservation, which opens five days in advance. For example, if you wish to visit on December 6, you can book starting December 1. Walk-ins are not allowed, so planning ahead is essential.
The experience ends with a cheerful meet-and-greet with Santa Claus himself. Guests are welcome to take their own photos or purchase professional packages offered by the Macy’s team of elves. It’s a heartwarming way to capture your holiday memories.
Macy’s Christmas Windows in New York are unveiled about two weeks earlier, on November 13 or 20 (date to be confirmed). Together, the windows and Santaland make Macy’s Herald Square a true winter wonderland.
Although our My Christmas Morning in Manhattan tour does not visit Santaland directly, our expert guides will share fun facts and stories about Christmas traditions at Macy’s in NYC, giving you the full holiday context while exploring Midtown’s top festive spots.
Holiday Lane: The Best Christmas Decorations Shop in New York
Macy’s Holiday Lane is a hidden gem located on the 9th floor of Macy’s Herald Square, just above Macy’s Santaland. This half-floor space transforms into a Christmas wonderland starting in late September, welcoming early holiday shoppers with lights, ornaments, and festive decor.
After admiring Macy’s Christmas Windows in New York, visiting Holiday Lane has become a cherished tradition for locals and tourists alike. It’s the perfect place to find unique decorations and soak in the holiday spirit.
To make the most of your visit, plan to explore Holiday Lane in late October or early November. You’ll enjoy the full selection of Christmas decorations before the big crowds arrive. Keep in mind that Macy’s New York Christmas windows are expected to be unveiled around November 13 or 20, 2025.
As December rolls in, Macy’s often introduces seasonal discounts. This is the ideal time to shop for last-minute Christmas ornaments, themed gifts, and home decor at great prices.
Macy’s Holiday Lane in New York City features everything from classic baubles to modern LED lights and collectible figurines. It’s a must-visit destination for anyone looking to bring home a piece of New York’s Christmas magic.
For even more festive shopping, visit the Christmas in New York shop in Little Italy, one of the city’s most magical year-round Christmas stores. This charming location is a dedicated stop on our New York Christmas Movie Tour, which explores iconic holiday film locations across Manhattan. While booking the tour, you’ll also have the exclusive option to reserve the famous Home Alone 2 Turtle Doves, a popular souvenir that’s often sold out during the Christmas season.
Macy’s Holiday Square and Beautiful Christmas Market
In 2024, Macy’s Herald Square unveiled a brand-new festive attraction. Macy’s Holiday Square, an indoor Christmas market in New York City that quickly became a seasonal favorite. Located inside the iconic department store, just steps from the Macy’s Christmas Windows in New York, this beautifully curated market was created in partnership with Urbanspace, the team behind NYC’s top holiday markets.
Macy’s Holiday Square typically opens the very beginning of November and runs through early January, offering visitors a warm and vibrant shopping experience during the coldest months. As the first indoor market from Urbanspace, it features an impressive mix of local artisans, gourmet food vendors, and unique holiday gifts. Standout names included No Chewing Allowed! for decadent truffles and Natural OliveWood with handcrafted kitchen goods, perfect for festive gifting.
Just outside, Herald Holiday Market opens beginning of December, adding another layer of holiday magic to the area around Macy’s New York Christmas windows. This outdoor market brought together food stalls, crafts, and family-friendly charm in the heart of Midtown. Visitors enjoyed sweet treats from Max Brenner, viral pastries from Hen House NYC, and handmade puzzles from Wacky Wonderworks.
Together, Macy’s Christmas Windows, Holiday Square, and Herald Holiday Market turned Herald Square into one of the most festive holiday destinations in New York City, a modern-day Miracle on 34th Street.
Tips for Visiting Macy’s Christmas Displays and Decorations in New York
Planning to see the Macy’s Christmas windows in New York City? Here are some helpful tips to make your visit smooth, enjoyable, and festive.
- Visit during off-peak hours: The best times to enjoy the Macy’s New York Christmas windows are early mornings or late evenings. Weekdays are typically less crowded than weekends.
- Dress for the weather: Since the displays are outdoors along 34th Street and Broadway, warm clothing is essential. A hat and gloves will keep you comfortable while you explore the festive streets.
- Capture the magic: Bring your smartphone or camera to take photos of the Macy’s Christmas window displays. These detailed scenes make perfect holiday memories to share online or with loved ones.
- Stay close in the crowd: If you’re visiting with children, keep them close by. The area around Macy’s Herald Square gets very busy, especially near the window displays.
- Explore nearby attractions: Combine your visit with a stop at Bryant Park Winter Village, Fifth Avenue window displays, or the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree for a full holiday itinerary.
- Join a guided tour: While the My Christmas Morning in Manhattan tour no longer stops at Macy’s, it covers Midtown’s most iconic decorations. For film lovers, the New York Christmas Movie Tour includes Macy’s as seen in Miracle on 34th Street, adding extra magic to your visit.
With these tips, your visit to Macy’s Christmas windows NYC will be festive, fun, and unforgettable.
Conclusion: Discover the Magic of Macy’s Christmas Windows in New York
Experiencing Macy’s Christmas Windows in New York is a must for anyone visiting the city during the 2025 holiday season. These beautifully crafted displays turn Macy’s Herald Square into a festive wonderland, capturing the spirit of Christmas with creativity, color, and magic.
The 2025 unveiling ceremony is expected to take place on November 13 or 20 (date to be confirmed), with thousands gathering to see what Macy’s has imagined this year. While the exact theme is still a surprise, visitors can expect interactive features and storytelling that continue Macy’s tradition of holiday excellence.
Beyond the windows, Macy’s Santaland on the 8th floor offers families a joyful meet-and-greet with Santa. Remember, advance reservations are required. Just upstairs, Holiday Lane on the 9th floor showcases a dazzling selection of Christmas decorations, ornaments, and gifts, making it a top stop for holiday shoppers.
For an even richer holiday experience, explore Macy’s Holiday Square and the Herald Holiday Market, two new additions that bring even more festive charm to Midtown Manhattan.
Want to step into a real Christmas movie? Our New York Christmas Movie Tour includes a stop at the original Miracle on 34th Street filming location, right in front of Macy’s. You’ll also have the exclusive option to reserve the iconic Home Alone 2 Turtle Doves, a limited-edition holiday keepsake that sells out fast each season.
Macy’s New York Christmas windows are more than a holiday attraction. They’re part of what makes Christmas in NYC truly magical.
Author: Written by Dora Formica on behalf of My Christmas in New York
