NEW YORK – It’s the most wonderful time of year, and we can admit that one of the most beautiful and fun things to do during the holiday season is to walk in Manhattan and admire the imaginatively decorated windows.

It is one of the only free ways to celebrate the holidays in New York and draws crowds from all over the world to experience the festive season in the city.

The major department stores once again outdid themselves in terms of creativity and imagination this year, with both tourists and locals flocking to the city’s major avenues to enjoy the holiday windows. The National Herald went for a walk in New York, picked out the most beautiful window displays, and presents the list to you.

Bergdorf Goodman, 754 5th Avenue

These are the most beautiful window displays in the city. It will probably be difficult to find better on the entire planet. This year’s theme is “Bergdorf Goodies.” The windows are decked with giant candies, statues made out of cotton candy, gingerbread houses, and even more sweet treats.

Tiffany & Co., 727 5th Avenue

The epic jeweler has inspired everything from books to movies and is an integral part of pop culture. Its windows do not disappoint this year. Their theme, “The Holidays Made by Tiffany,” is presented as a tribute to Gene Moore, who decorated the shop’s windows for 39 years until his death in 1998.

Bloomingdale’s, 1000 3rd Avenue

The decorators at the iconic department store on Manhattan’s East Side are approaching Christmas with a playful mood this year, letting the Grinch steal the show. Their theme is, of course, the title character of Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch who Stole Christmas. Some of Bloomingdale’s window displays are also interactive and great fun for young and old alike.

Saks Fifth Avenue, 611 5th Avenue

Saks department store has been creating dynamic window displays in the past few years with huge lightshows and music that could make Disneyland jealous. The theme this year is “Theater of Dreams.” Also, each of their windows will show scenes from the “dream of a consumer” as they pass through the store’s luxury merchandise.

Louis Vuitton New York, 1 East 57th Street

With “Trees of the World” as its theme, Louis Vuitton, pays tribute to trees all over the world, such as cacti, palm trees, and more, adorning them with fancy ornaments.

Macy’s, 151 West 34th Street

There is probably not a person alive in New York during the Christmas season who can avoid Macy’s department store. “Believe in the Wonder of Giving” is the theme and the department store brings to life the ideas of family, friendship, and the magic of the holidays through children’s stories and the adventures of Sunny the Snowpal who helps save Santa’s sleigh and, by extension, Christmas.

Barney’s New York, 660 Madison Avenue

One of the most interesting approaches of the year is that of Barney’s department store. With “Make Change” and “Change Matters” they avoid showy images and are committed to the essential theme of charity. They invite you to share your vacation photos, until January 1st with the hashtag, #centiments @ barneysny and for each post, the Barney’s New York Foundation will donate $5 to Save the Children.

Clearly, there are a lot of window displays and endless journeys one can take in New York City. Do not forget, however, that the official opening of the festivities is marked by the lighting of the huge Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center on November 28 this year.

Diana Ross, Tony Bennett, Martina McBride, John Legend, Diana Krall and Pentatonix performed at the event. If you can stand the crowds, viewing the Rockefeller Center tree is free and open to the public.

The tree, which will remain lit and can be viewed until 9 PM on January 7, 2019, is a Norwegian fir, about twenty-two feet high and weighing twenty-two tons, from Wallkill, a town in upstate New York.

And formally, we wish you Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!