The grande dame of the holiday window game, Bergdorf Goodman does not disappoint this year. The display, themed “Bergdorf GoodTimes,” conjures all the feelings of holiday parties through fantastical scenes in each of its seven windows. It took around 100 artists nearly a year to create these displays, which feature neon lights, Italian mosaic tile and moving parts. A pinball machine, game of chess and slumber party are among the scenes.

These windows, titled “Believe in the Wonder,” offer a peek into fictional character Santa Girl and her wish to be Santa Claus. The story begins with Santa Girl watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and follows her as she awaits Mr. Claus’ arrival. See chrome-dipped elves; Santa Girl’s (interactive) dog, Willow; and a video game that allows you to steer along a road full of gifts. A towering Santa adorns the top of the Broadway entrance to the Herald Square store. 

Bloomingdale’s cosmic display invites onlookers to relive the wonder of the moon landing on the event’s 50th anniversary. Their “Out of This World” windows incorporate space-age style with a holiday landscape featuring air capsules and robotic mannequins that decorate a tree every 30 minutes.

This year Saks Fifth Avenue collaborated with Disney for a Frozen 2 holiday theme. Its six windows exhibit scenes of Princess Elsa’s rise to power via the different spirits of nature: wind, fire, earth and water. Also pictured are snowman Olaf and Princess Anna. On the ninth floor of the flagship, you can purchase holiday products inspired by the film and its characters. At dusk, the facade of the building illuminates with its annual light show.

The windows at Tiffany & Co. depict a variety of amusing scenes set in New York City. Two mice watch the snowfall against a moonlit NYC skyline. A horn section of miniature mice plays music on outsize instruments. And one window spells out “LOVE” in iconic Tiffany blue jewelry boxes, with jewelry hanging between the letters (and little critters atop the box towers).  

For more holiday fun, see our complete seasonal guide.