Saks Fifth Avenue’s holiday light show has captivated locals and tourists for nearly two decades in New York City (NYC). The dazzling display, featuring intricate light sequences synchronized to music, transformed the store’s historic facade into a winter wonderland. This year, however, Saks announced it would discontinue the show, citing financial challenges and shifting priorities for its one hundredth anniversary, according to The New York Times.
Introduced in 2004, the light show became a staple of NYC’s holiday season, drawing crowds who would gather on Fifth Avenue to admire the vibrant spectacle. The light show joined NYC holiday traditions such as the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and Radio City Music Hall performances.
Instead of the traditional animated display, the Fifth Avenue flagship will feature understated architectural lighting and a renewed emphasis on its renowned holiday window displays. The company explained that this approach aims to reframe the holiday experience while celebrating the store’s centennial, according to nypost.com.
By reallocating resources to other initiatives, Saks seeks to maintain its relevance and appeal in a competitive market. The decision also aligns with growing awareness of sustainability. Large-scale light installations have faced scrutiny for their environmental impact, and many people praise Saks for adopting a simpler, more environmentally conscious approach, according to nypost.com.
However, tourists remain drawn to the store’s famed window displays, which showcase high-end fashion in festive settings. The intricate designs and seasonal themes make them a must-see attraction. These displays often capture the season’s spirit, drawing crowds to admire their creativity. A Saks Fifth Avenue spokesperson commented on the purpose of this shift.
“We are celebrating the season by honoring the architectural significance of this iconic building, elegantly illuminating the façade and framing the holiday windows, as well as highlighting the fashion for which Saks Fifth Avenue is known for,” a spokesperson for Saks Fifth Avenue said, according to nationaljewler.com.
Featured Image by Maddy Hartnett ’25
