Barneys 2008 windows

This is one of my all-time favorite things to do in NY during the holidays.
There are always breathtaking displays (last year it was Bergdorf Goodman’s and Barneys) and hilarious displays (Henri Bendel’s last year) in New York along 5th and Madison Aves. You can’t beat the giant Swarkowski crystal star that dangles on 5th Ave and the large bow on Cartier’s building. The spectacle of walking along the city streets with everything aglow is magical. I prefer to go super late at night so that the streets are less occupied, but this year, I don’t think I can stay up so late! Do bring a stroller, plenty of blankets and snacks. There aren’t a lot of inexpensive eating options in the neighborhood of 5th Ave!

For my preferred window loop: I take the 4,5,6 to 59th Street or the C to Columbus Circle. You can also take the N,R,W to Lexington Ave. If you start at Columbus Circle- take a look at the Time Warner Center’s 14 foot stars and the outdoor Europena market at Columbus Circle. If you end up at 59th Street instead, head north to Barney’s first and then go down 5th Ave to catch the Swarkowski star and 5th Avenue in all its holiday splendor. I suggest a stop at Magnolia Cupcakes Bakery on 5th Ave and 50th Street for a break. (My list below is in order of how to go.)

Barneys http://www.barneys.com 660 Madison Ave (btw. 60th and 61st St) The theme is based on “Saturday Night Live”. The photos I have seen posted from the display, are really over the top hilarious.
Bergdorf Goodman http://www.bergdorfgoodman.com/ 754 Fifth Avenue (at 57th St) There is a trippy Lewis Carroll display in the women’s store, and a take off of The Fantastic Mr. Fox by Raold Dahl across the street at the men’s store.
Henri Bendel http://www.henribendel.com 712 Fifth Ave (at 56th St)
Cartier http://www.cartier.com 2 East 52nd Street (at 5th Ave) I love Cartier’s big red bow and incredible display of millions of tiny lights.
Don’t forget to check out these other displays in the vicinity: Saks (which is usually middling though), Tiffany’s, Louis Vuitton (which was stellar last year) and others along Madison and 5th Aves.

My second choice window loop: I do these windows if I have extra time (what? Extra time?! ) Take the B,D,F,N,Q,R,V,W to Herald Square or the 6 to 33 Street. You might pop up to Grand Central and see the light show or train show there. Check my Thanksgiving Weekend Event Picks for more info on them.
Lord & Taylor http://www.lordandtaylor.com 39th Street at 5th Avenue. These are slated to be really good this year. I am going to make a special effort to see these.
Macy’s http://www.macys.com Herald Square, Broadway between 34th and 35th Street. I generally find these color saturated and rather mediocre. But, it is a tradition.

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