If there’s one thing that makes my heart sing every winter, it’s the moment New York City transforms into a twinkling, over-the-top, glittering snow globe. And yes, I’m talking about the iconic holiday windows on Fifth Avenue. This is one of those traditions that never gets old—and whether you live here like me or are watching from somewhere warmer (and less hectic), I want to take you with me to experience it all.
Welcome to the first episode of Vlogmas in New York City 2024! 💫
Below you’ll find the full video from my day walking down Fifth Avenue, soaking in the seasonal magic. You can hit play and follow along while reading this post—or save it for later and just enjoy the ride through words and photos.
📺 Watch the video here:
A Fifth Avenue Tradition Worth Braving the Crowds For
Fifth Avenue during the holidays is… crowded. Like, really crowded. But for good reason. Between late November and early January, this stretch of Manhattan turns into a real-life holiday movie set.
We kicked off our tour at 59th Street and Fifth Avenue, right by the Dior store. From there, we walked all the way down to 49th Street, where Saks Fifth Avenue awaits with its legendary window displays.
If you’ve ever wondered how these windows come to life, I dug into some behind-the-scenes info this year—like the creative minds and artists behind them, the themes they follow, and how long it takes to build these intricate mini-worlds. (Spoiler: a lot longer than you’d think!)
Bergdorf Goodman: A Love Letter to NYC
Out of all the stops, Bergdorf Goodman always feels like the moment the season officially starts. This year, the windows are extra special—they’re celebrating 200 years of Fifth Avenue! Each display honors something unique about New York: yellow taxis, the parks, the fashion scene, libraries, even the city’s beloved pets. 🐶
My favorite part? The attention to detail. From actual salvaged taxi parts to custom backdrops, it’s a stunning tribute to the city that never sleeps.
And honestly? There’s something really moving about watching New York celebrate itself. It’s full-circle, and it makes my little NYC-loving heart melt.
A Little Detour to Louis Vuitton (Totally Worth It)
Okay, I know it’s not technically a holiday window, but hear me out—the new Louis Vuitton flagship on 57th is a must-see. The original corner location is under renovation (for seven years—yes, really), so they’ve temporarily relocated to a new space that’s just as stunning.
They even have a café and chocolate shop upstairs. And no, you don’t have to buy anything to go inside and enjoy the design, the art, and the cozy holiday vibes. It’s like a mini museum of luxury.
My Forever Favorite: Cartier
Every single year, Cartier wins for best holiday décor in my book. It’s not about being the flashiest. Their design is always chic, minimal, and totally on brand—this year it had a gorgeous celestial/galaxy theme that I absolutely loved. Past years had giant bows and floating hot air balloons, but there’s something about that red and gold combo that feels timeless.
So yes, I’m a Cartier holiday fangirl. No shame in that.
Saks Fifth Avenue: A Beautiful Display (But Something Was Missing…)
We wrapped our walk at Saks, which is always a showstopper. This year, they’re celebrating the store’s 100th anniversary with windows dedicated to some of the most iconic designers they carry—Carolina Herrera, Prada, and more.
They’re gorgeous, no doubt. But… can I be honest? I missed the light show. If you’ve been here before, you know what I mean—that jaw-dropping, music-synced, every-floor-lights-up-at-once show that happens every 10 minutes after dark. It was canceled this year due to budget constraints, and yes, I’m still mourning it.
But even without it, Saks is still a must-visit. And across the street? Rockefeller Center and the tree—which wasn’t lit yet when I filmed this, but you know that’s coming in a future video.
Why I Keep Coming Back (And Why You Should Too)
This video felt like a bit of déjà vu—in the best way. If you watched last year’s Vlogmas, you might remember we did a similar walk down Fifth Avenue. That video ended up being my most-watched of the whole season, so I figured… why fix what isn’t broken?
But this year, I wanted to go deeper. I wanted to give you more context, more stories, and more of the “why” behind the magic. The designs change every year, but the feeling? It’s the same. That sense of wonder, nostalgia, and excitement. It gets me every time.
So whether you’re here for the fashion, the creativity, or just the twinkle lights—I hope this video (and this blog post) brought a little bit of New York’s magic into your day.
Let’s Chat ✨
I’d love to know—
👉 Which holiday window was your favorite this year?
👉 Have you ever visited NYC during the holidays?
👉 And do you prefer this year’s designs or last year’s?
Leave me a comment down below, or come say hi over on Instagram (@flopereira)! I’m posting tons of extra holiday content there—and yes, I’m doing weekly giveaways all through December. 🎁
Thanks so much for being here, and I’ll see you in the next post/video/episode of December in NYC. Sending you all the sparkly, cozy vibes from the city that truly does the holidays like no other. ❄️
xoxo, Flor.
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