Any suggestions for the best Christmas displays? Do department stores have specific floors decorated, or is it just more of a window-shopping thing? . . . thanks!

In addition to the tree at Rockefeller Center and the positively glorious one at the MMA, best are the department store windows.

See http://gonyc.about.com/od/christmass...maswindows.htm

Most of the department stores are way over decorated. You can hardly find a sales clerk the stuff is piled so high on the counters.

Be advised that going inside means VERY narrow aisles and whoppingly overheaded space!

Also nice are the street decorations all about, especially in the "neighborhoods".

The Lord and Taylor windows (5th Avenue between 38th and 39th Streets) are always an old-fashioned treat, and they are crowded with viewers, you have to wait in a line, but it moves along.
For a trendier look in windows, see Barneys, Bergdorf's, and Saks.
The 'trim a tree' temporary departments in the stores are also full of treasures, especially Bergdorf's and Bloomingdales. There are wonderful discounts on this after the holiday is just over.

The entire 5th Avenue facade of Saks is decorated with huge snowflakes.

Gekko--Again? They did this last year, didn't they? Seems like they'd do something new...?

Yes, I saw the snowflakes yesterday while shopping in Rock Center.

Rock Center hands down. Between the tree, the skating rink, the musical angels and the decor of all the upscale shops this is the single best area. Don;t forget to pop across the street to see the Saks windows - and tour St Pat's for a little real Christmas decor vs just Xmas.

Hi gekko- I always wait for the big snowflake made of lights at the intersection of 5th and 57th-

This year, I am going be aching with nostalgia for the tree in the lobby of the Plaza hotel, which is closed for condo conversion. It was a regular stop with our family for years.
And the windows of Barneys usually have something edgy and crazy for a Christmas display.

Don't miss the Cartier building, just up from Rock Center on Fifth- which is wrapped in a giant ribbon, like a package.

Sak's (5th avenue at 50th st) has their window displays (which get a ton of attention) AND they also have a "snowflake spectacle" (or spectacular) that plays every 30 minutes once it gets dark. Music and snowflake lights on the outside of the building.

Does anybody know when the will be "unveiling" the windows this year?
Thanks!

Ahh, Saks Fifth Avenue, many a memory of holiday shopping!
If you start feeling a bit faint and in need of something to eat while shopping and window looking, go to Saks restaurant upstairs.You can look down on Rockefeller Center and the tree .. a great view!
Also onto St Patricks.
Happy Holidays!

that's a good tip Scarlett, I haven't stopped in that restaurant in a while, I forgot about the view.