Here's What's Really Going on With Saks 5th Avenue's Famed Holiday Light Show
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The New York City festivities are looking a bit dimmer this holiday season.
Much to the disappointment of Christmas lovers, holiday travelers and New Yorkers as a whole, Saks 5th Avenue announced that it will not be showcasing its highly-anticipated, widely-adored holiday light installation this year.
Over the past two decades, holiday shoppers and Christmas fanatics craving a dazzling dose of festive cheer have flocked to the Saks 5th Avenue flagship store in New York City to witness its iconic holiday window displays, along with the ultra-creative light display showcased on the building’s 10-story façade.
Where last year’s display featured a stunning Zodiac theme in partnership with Dior, designs from years prior included a color-changing castle and a rocket ship-clad Elton John AIDS Foundation collaboration. This year, Saks’ light display will be far more understated, with lights subtly strung to “honor the architectural significance.” While some are saying that this is the retailer’s attempt to really harness the quiet luxury trend, others are purporting that it’s an attempt to offset what CEO Marc Metrick referred to as a “softer” year.
"We have to be very prudent and careful in where we're investing, but more important, we always knew we were going to want to take a step back and assess,” Marc told CNBC. "I think some of the press has gotten away. We’re still lighting the store. We’re going to have music. It’s going to be festive and holiday-focused and of course, we’re going to have our fantastic and beautiful Saks holiday windows, which is truly what we’re known for."
Whichever way you slice it, Saks’ decision to turn off the (majority of the) lights isn’t sitting well with loyal shoppers and Christmas-in-New-York visitors. On the one hand, the lights have become a staple of the holiday travel tradition, on the other, 2024 marks Saks’ 100th anniversary, as well as the 200th anniversary of the Fifth Avenue corridor as a whole. You’d think during such a monumental year, a magical holiday light display to celebrate the milestone would be a given.
Alas, travelers will have to look elsewhere to get their annual dose of merry-and-bright Manhattan cheer. Fortunately, there are many places to find it.
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