Holiday window displays NYC map refers to the navigational route connecting Manhattan’s iconic department store displays, primarily stretching from Macy’s Herald Square (34th St) to Bergdorf Goodman (58th St). For the 2025 season, the optimal route involves starting south at Macy’s and moving north via 6th Avenue to avoid the pedestrian gridlock on 5th Avenue, ensuring you see the “Wonderful Stories” and “Saks Light Show” with minimal stress.

For visitors and locals alike, navigating Midtown in late December requires military-grade precision. This isn’t just a stroll; it’s a tactical operation. Below is your definitive guide to seeing the lights without getting stuck in the stampede.

The 2025 Window Cheat Sheet: Macy’s vs. Saks vs. Bergdorf

Before you lace up your walking shoes, know exactly what you are looking for. The 2025 season has brought distinct themes to each retailer.

The “Avoid the Crush” Walking Route

Most tourists make the mistake of walking exclusively along 5th Avenue from 34th Street upwards. Do not do this. On a date like today (December 21), 5th Avenue is often a standstill. Use this optimized path to save time and sanity.

### 1. Start: Macy’s Herald Square (34th & Broadway)
Begin your journey here. The windows are located on the **Broadway side** of the building.
* **The Highlight:** Look for the animated interactive elements celebrating holiday nostalgia.
* **Bonus:** If you have children, the “Christmas Carousel” is operating nearby in Greeley Square.
* *Transit:* Navigating Midtown Manhattan is easiest via the B, D, F, M, N, Q, R, or W trains to 34th St-Herald Square.

### 2. The Transit Leg: Move North via 6th Avenue
Walk East one block to **6th Avenue (Avenue of the Americas)** and head North.
* **Why?** 6th Avenue has wider sidewalks and features the oversized Christmas ornaments and lights near Radio City Music Hall, but with half the crowd density of 5th Avenue.
* **Stop:** **Bryant Park Winter Village** (42nd St & 6th Ave). It will be crowded, but the tree here is beautiful and accessible. Grab a hot chocolate here before pushing forward.

### 3. The Cut-Over: Rockefeller Center (49th St)
At 49th Street, turn right (East) toward Rockefeller Center.
* **Warning:** This is the bottleneck. The tree is here. Security measures are tight, and lines may form just to get close to the rink.
* **Strategy:** If the crush is too intense, view the tree from 6th Avenue (it’s visible down the corridor) or stick to the periphery on 50th Street.

### 4. The Main Event: Saks Fifth Avenue (49th & 5th Ave)
Cross through the Rockefeller plaza to face Saks.
* **The Light Show:** After a hiatus in 2024, the light show is **back for 2025**. It runs every 10 minutes from 5 PM to 11 PM.
* **Viewing Spot:** Do not try to stand directly in front of the windows if you want to see the *show*. Stand further back near the Channel Gardens (the walkway in Rockefeller Center) for the best angle of the building facade.

### 5. The Finale: Bergdorf Goodman (58th St & 5th Ave)
Walk north on 5th Avenue from 50th to 58th. The crowds usually thin out slightly past St. Patrick’s Cathedral (51st St).
* **The Theme:** “The Bergdorf Soirée.” These windows are known for high fashion and incredible detail rather than animatronics. They are often the favorite of locals and art students.

Practical Tips for December 2025

* **Gridlock Alert:** The NYPD has designated today (Dec 21) as a Gridlock Alert Day. Do not drive. If you are staying further out, consult our guide on Getting Around NYC for subway tips.
* **Safety:** While Midtown is generally safe, pickpocketing can happen in dense crowds. Keep wallets in front pockets. See our Safety Tips (applicable city-wide) for general awareness.
* **Budgeting:** Looking at windows is free! For more cost-saving ideas, check out Budget-Friendly NYC.

FAQ: Holiday Windows 2025

### Is the Saks Light Show happening in 2025?
Yes. After being cancelled in 2024 due to budget constraints, Saks confirmed the return of the light show for the 2025 holiday season. It features a “state-of-the-art” display synchronized to music.

### How late are the windows lit up?
Most windows (Macy’s, Bergdorf, Saks) are lit until late at night (usually 11 PM or midnight). Saks stops its light show at 11:00 PM.

### Do I need tickets to see the windows?
No, window viewing is completely free and open to the public on the sidewalk. However, special attractions like **Santaland** at Macy’s require advance online reservations.

### What is the best day to go?
To avoid the biggest crowds, go on a Monday or Tuesday night after 8 PM. Weekends (like today, Sunday Dec 21) are the busiest times of the year.

For a broader look at what is happening this month, check Manhattan’s Seasonal Calendar.