While there are plenty of things to do in NYC this Christmas, we regret to inform you that the Saks Fifth Avenue Holiday Light Show will not be one of them — a fact travel bloggers and NYC influencers revealed on Monday, November 11th.
According to reports from the high-end retailer’s reps, the Midtown store has “for some time contemplated changing [our] approach.”
“In our 100th year, which also marks the anniversary of the flagship, we are celebrating the season by honoring the architectural significance of this iconic building, elegantly illuminating the façade and framing the holiday windows, as well as highlighting the fashion for which Saks Fifth Avenue is known,” a statement read.
While the lights will be dimmed in 2024, a decadent holiday window display debuted on November 25th. the store’s windows have been adorned with gold, glittering lights and each features gorgeous clothing from the world’s most famous brands, all part of its “Gifts of Delight” campaign, which asks shoppers to rethink how they consume during the holidays.
“The holiday season is a special and important time for Saks, and we are excited to debut our holiday windows, which aim to inspire customers through a compelling fashion narrative,” said Emily Essner, Saks’ Chief Marketing Officer.
In addition to the new approach, beginning December 5th, Saks will debut a new jewelry collection with pieces that are 100 carats, and a Ralph’s coffee shop will set up shop until the 1st of January.
Last year, the holiday windows and light show was a collaboration between the retailer and Dior, and included a bit of Parisian flair. Jennifer Lawerence, the face of Dior, even made her way to NYC for the unveiling in 2023.
It will definitely feel a bit empty in Midtown, especially now that the store’s neighbor, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree arrived on November 9th and is gearing up for its December 4th tree lighting. It feels odd to forgo such a longstanding NYC holiday tradition.
However, if you’re craving a fun, festive, and illuminating spectacle, we’ve rounded up the best holiday light displays in NYC to help fill the void. Additionally, a 30-foot-tall snowflake will grace Fifth Avenue this holiday season, so it won’t feel entirely bleak in the area, especially considering it’s a 3,300-pound twinkling snowflake with 16,500 individual crystal prisms.
We promise, there are plenty of celebratory experiences to be had, despite this unexpected news.