Macy’s 2025 Holiday Window Display Celebrates Its 1874 Debut — Here’s How To Get The Best View This Season

Long before the all-too-familiar buzzing holiday crowds filled Herald Square, the very first Macy’s Holiday Windows shimmered to life in 1874 , starting a tradition that would enchant generations . Ever since the iconic retailer first unveiled its immersive window displays, New Yorkers have bundled up, grabbed a hot cocoa, and wandered over to see what enchantment awaits. This year, Macy’s leans even deeper into that timeless magic with its latest holiday campaign, “The Most Wonderful Stories Start Here,” transforming the windows into a celebration of the iconic moments that shaped Macy’s holiday history. We believe every New Yorker—and every traveler who finds themselves swept up in the city’s most magical time of the year—deserves to experience the joy of watching holiday memories come to life across the past, present, and future. Ready to see it for yourself? We’ve got you covered with the ultimate guide to viewing this year’s immersive window display and making a full day of holiday magic at Macy’s, creating your own storybook memories for years to come. 📅 When will Macy’s Christmas Windows be unveiled? ----------------------------------------------------- The wait is nearly over! The city’s most cheerful block will be unveiled on Thursday, November 20th, and they will officially open for public viewing starting at 4 pm . They will be on display until January. 🎁 What Is the Theme of This Year’s Holiday Windows? ------------------------------------------------------- Though the official theme is set to be a spectacular surprise , the windows will transform visitors to the immersive world of Macy’s newest holiday campaign, *The Most Wonderful Stories Start Here *. It’s a festive tribute to the joyful “firsts” that shaped Macy’s holiday traditions. The displays will pay homage to magical moments like Santa’s very first arrival in 1861 , the debut of the enchanting window displays in 1874 , and the kickoff of the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1924 , along with many more heartwarming milestones that bring the season’s spirit to life. With a campaign like this, we’re sure that the windows will be the perfect blend of sweet nostalgia and the promise of holiday memories for years to come. 🧭 Where can I view the windows? ----------------------------------- The enchanting display is located at Macy’s Herald Square and stretches along Broadway between 34th and 35th Streets . The best viewing is along the Broadway façade , where the full sequence of animated windows unfolds in order, leaving visitors the perfect opportunity to follow the festive story. 📜 What is the history of Macy’s holiday windows? ---------------------------------------------------- Macy’s Christmas Windows date all the way back to 1874 , when the store unveiled its very first display, a charming scene filled with porcelain dolls from around the world. What started as a simple glimpse of holiday magic has since evolved into one of New York City’s oldest and most beloved traditions, growing into the dazzling, story-filled, animated works of art that now draw millions of visitors every Christmas season. 🛍️ What else can I do at Macy’s this holiday season? -------------------------------------------------------- * 🎅🏻 Visit Santa at Santaland: Located on the 8th floor, FREE visits with Santa Claus start on Friday, November 28th , by advance reservation only. * 🎄 Shop at Holiday Lane: Located on the 9th floor, this is a dedicated shop for Christmas decorations, ornaments, and gifts, open from late September. * 🎠 Take a carousel ride in Greely Square: Just steps from Macy’s, you can experience NYC’s ONLY double decker holiday carousel. * 🤶🏻 Explore Macy’s Holiday Square: This is an indoor Christmas market featuring local artisans and food vendors, which typically opens in early November and runs through early January. These dazzling displays won’t last! Make sure you bundle up and head over to 34th street before Santa and his reindeer take flight. For more information about the Holiday’s at Macy’s, visit their official website. Source: https://secretnyc.co/macys-holiday-windows-unveiling-2025/