As the leaves begin to change color and the crisp air of autumn takes over, New Yorkers eagerly await the most magical time of the year—Christmas. For many, the anticipation of the holiday season is closely linked to the transformation of New York City into a winter wonderland, marked by the glittering lights, festive decorations, and elaborate displays in its stores. But when exactly do NYC stores start decorating for Christmas?
Early Bird Shoppers
Some stores in NYC start decorating for Christmas quite early in the year, often before the traditional start of the holiday shopping season:
- High-end department stores: Stores like Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale’s, and Macy’s often begin setting up their holiday decorations in early to mid-October. Their windows and interiors need to be ready for the public before other stores because:
- They have large, intricate displays that require weeks to construct.
- They draw significant crowds, and preparing early helps manage the foot traffic.
Mid to Late October
Many stores follow suit in mid to late October, considering these factors:
- Holiday sales kickoff: Retailers start their holiday sales around this time, and decorations signal the beginning of this shopping season.
- Thanksgiving: With Thanksgiving as a traditional pre-holiday event, stores aim to have their decorations ready before the long weekend.
The New York Botanical Garden and other public spaces also get into the spirit in late October:
- They often host events like the famous Holiday Train Show.
Early November
By early November, most stores are fully decorated:
- Small businesses: Boutiques and smaller retail establishments might take a bit longer, sometimes starting their decorations in early November due to limited resources.
- Event-driven: Some stores wait for the official holiday shopping kickoff events like Black Friday or the lighting of the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center.
The Final Touches
Final adjustments and touches are typically added:
- In late November or early December, as stores ensure their decorations are perfect.
Here is a simple timeline of when NYC stores typically start decorating for Christmas:
| Store Type | Start of Decorations |
|---|---|
| High-end Department Stores | Early to Mid-October |
| Major Retail Chains | Mid to Late October |
| Small Businesses/Boutiques | Early November |
| Final Touches | Late November to Early December |
⭐️ Note: The exact timing can vary each year, depending on marketing strategies, economic forecasts, and current events.
The excitement of holiday decorations not only enhances the shopping experience but also lifts the spirits of New Yorkers and visitors alike. As the city transforms, every store, from the grand to the intimate, contributes to the festive atmosphere that makes NYC a magnet during the holiday season.
Do all stores in NYC start decorating at the same time?
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No, the timing varies. High-end stores and major retail chains begin earlier, while small businesses might start a bit later.
When does the NYC holiday shopping season officially start?
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The holiday shopping season in NYC unofficially begins with Black Friday, but stores start decorating before that to capitalize on the early sales.
Are there any special events related to Christmas decorating in NYC?
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Yes, events like the lighting of the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade kick off the holiday season with additional festivities.
