A curated look at the world’s most iconic holiday displays—and the spaces that turn seasonal décor into storytelling.
Every December, certain stores around the world achieve something far greater than sales—they create atmospheres. Their holiday displays go beyond decoration: they become global references for design, visual experiences that inspire stylists, interior designers, and Christmas lovers alike.
Here, a curated selection of the retail spaces that have elevated Christmas into an aesthetic discipline—turning shopping into spectacle and tradition into trend.
1. Harrods (London)
Christmas at Harrods is a full-scale production. Its legendary windows tell new stories each year—from snow-covered dreamscapes to futuristic scenes lit like a West End stage. Inside, classic luxury meets modern fantasy, setting the global bar for holiday glamour.
2. Liberty London (London)
Known as one of the city’s most elegant retail spaces, Liberty embraces an artisanal take on the holidays. Its central tree and curated ornaments feel like something out of a gallery, celebrating British heritage with timeless taste.
3. Saks Fifth Avenue (New York)
Saks’ illuminated façade is a New York holiday ritual. Its fully choreographed light shows and artful windows draw crowds nightly. Each display merges fashion, art, and storytelling into one of the world’s most iconic seasonal showcases.
4. Bergdorf Goodman (New York)
No one captures editorial extravagance quite like Bergdorf. Its maximalist window displays are miniature worlds—conceptual, intricate, and utterly breathtaking. Each year, its design, craftsmanship, and styling set a new benchmark for holiday creativity.
5. Galeries Lafayette (Paris)
The glass dome is the crown jewel of Galeries Lafayette, with a monumental Christmas tree hanging from the center—a new concept each year. This is one of the most photographed holiday settings in the world for a reason.
6. Printemps (Paris)
Printemps is known for its visual narratives: animated characters, miniature sets, and kinetic installations that bring holiday stories to life in cinematic detail. Each window feels like a short festive film.
7. Selfridges (London)
Selfridges is never afraid to take risks. Christmas here can be futuristic, kitschy, minimalist, or theatrical—often depending on the year’s artist or designer collaborations. It’s a collectible, ever-evolving take on the season.
8. Macy’s Herald Square (New York)
A true classic. Macy’s leans into tradition with nostalgic, heartwarming displays that celebrate the magic of a timeless holiday season. It remains an essential stop for anyone visiting New York in December.
