Ghislaine during her internship in New York City, USA

Ghislaine in New York: "Major department stores compete for the best window displays!"

In my opinion, there’s no place in the world with a better Christmas atmosphere than New York. Starting at the end of November, the city transforms into a fairytale. Everywhere you look, you see dazzling lights and stunning decorations. Simply walking through New York at this time of year is a celebration in itself. But most Dutch visitors come to New York primarily for shopping—and this is the perfect time for it.

Christmas shopping in New York is a true experience. Major department stores like Saks, Lord & Taylor, and Macy’s compete with each other to create the most beautiful window displays. It’s absolutely worth taking the time to admire them—they are works of art. And it’s not just the exteriors that are beautifully decorated; inside, these stores feel like paradise. Each one is more stunning than the last. My personal favorites are Lord & Taylor and Saks.

At Macy’s, on the 8th floor, you’ll find Santaland, a magical place for children where they can meet the one and only Santa Claus—and even take a photo with him!

Sale, sale, sale!

The sales are already in full swing. While there’s always some kind of sale happening in New York, the deals get even better from Christmas through New Year's. This period, known as the Post-Holiday Sale, lasts until mid-January. But be aware—prices in the U.S. may seem cheaper at first glance, but don’t forget about sales tax! The prices you see on the tags don’t include tax, so you’ll only know the final total at checkout.

Christmas Markets

Aside from department stores and regular shops, New York also has amazing Christmas markets. One of the biggest is the holiday market surrounding the ice rink at Bryant Park, featuring over 100 stalls. Here, you’ll find mainly Christmas decorations and jewelry. Many items are New York-themed, such as miniature Statues of Liberty, yellow taxis, and tiny Empire State Buildings for your Christmas tree.

Before or after shopping, a round of ice skating is highly recommended! This rink is actually the most affordable one in New York. Skating is free, but renting skates costs $14. The Christmas market runs until January 6th.

Merry Christmas! 🎄