New York City is particularly magical during the holidays. There’s the Rockette’s, Tiffany’s, The Plaza, Dyker Heights, Central Park, and the list goes on. If you’re lucky enough to be there when it snows (very rare) it’s like you’ve stepped into your very own Hallmark movie. Every year Sak’s Fifth Avenue decorates their window displays with holiday themes. For 2017, in honor of Snow White’s 80th birthday, the displays were based on her story. The animatronics had the extra Disney touch and the holiday remixed versions of the soundtrack made you feel like you’re at Disneyland. Across the street from the window displays is the famous Rockefeller Christmas tree and ice skating rink. We watched 2 couples get engaged in front of the tree when we passed through. It was pure magic. I was able to get some pretty good shots of the window displays for all you to enjoy!
In true Disney fashion, the window displays were treated as a storyboard, much like the dark rides in the Disney parks. Each display featured a highlight of the Snow White story and used movement, lighting, and music to enhance the displays.
Wrapping around the building, you’ll also find dresses inspired by Snow with a modern touch. Designers include Alberta Ferretti, Naeem Khan, Monique Lhuillier and Marchesa. The crowds were too intense for us to get more shots of these dresses, but they are still worth perusing if you have the time.
Bonus Happy Accident Shot: My camera decided to focus on the reflection of the Rockefeller Christmas Tree behind me, rather than the window display. Pretty cool effect for a super amateur photographer like myself.
The unveiling of the window displays happened over Thanksgiving weekend and was also completely magical. Complete with dancers, a performance by Sofia Caron, a jig by the Seven Dwarves, and a dedication by the Prince and Snow White herself. You can watch a snippet of the show filmed by Inside the Magic below.
While these displays are beautiful, there are plenty of other Disney themed attractions to visit in New York year-round. Here are a few ways to work some Disney magic into your trip to New York City:
- Aladdin (Broadway)
- The Lion King (Broadway)
- Anastasia (Broadway) The show isn’t technically Disney, but the movie used some of Disney’s animators, so it’s close enough!
- The enormous multi-floor Disney Store in Times Square
- Alice in Wonderland Statue in Central Park
- Adventures by Disney tour of New York
Got any more questions about the big apple? Fire away in the comment section! I lived there for a bit, so I know quite a bit about the city!