As the first snow begins to blanket parts of New York, we’re reminded that ’tis the season for holiday-themed outings. New York City’s retail giants are lighting up (and cheering up) the streets with this year’s holiday window displays. The windows at Macy’s feature a 15-foot-tall Santa Claus, while Bergdorf Goodman and Lord & Taylor, respectively, take viewers to landscapes à la the Museum of Natural History and an enchanted forest with 34 hand-sculpted animals.
Barneys celebrates “Love, Peace, and Joy” with installations from artists including Trey Parker and Matt Stone of Comedy Central’s South Park, and Tiffany & Co. brings glittering vignettes of the city’s iconic landmarks. Bloomingdale’s spotlights one-of-a-kind chandeliers (proceeds benefit Child Mind Institute), and Saks Fifth Avenue presents bespoke dresses inspired by cotton candy, peppermint sticks, and cake frosting.
The Cut caught up with creative directors and window designers find out what went into this year’s displays. Click ahead to visit Macy’s, Barneys New York, Bergdorf Goodman, Tiffany & Co., Lord & Taylor, Henri Bendel, Bloomingdale’s, and Saks Fifth Avenue.