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After a hiatus in 2024, the beloved Saks Fifth Avenue New York holiday light show will return with a reimagined spectacle this holiday season. Expect a dazzling state-of-the-art show where "the lights will dance to a curated medley of uplifting music, creating a luminous celebration of light and sound," Saks announced today.
Though the lights dimmed last year amid financial uncertainty, the show is back this year as of November 24. It will run through Thanksgiving, Hanukkah and Christmas, lighting up each night for all to enjoy for free.
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The light show projects thousands of synchronized lights across the building's façade in time with festive music. Past displays have featured a Zodiac calendar, a castle and a tree, all festooned with illuminated flowers, icicles and plenty of glitz. The show repeats every few minutes after sunset until about 11pm.
The light-and-sound experience complements the store's six windows along Fifth Avenue. Each window display will bring enchanting New York City moments to life, from a snowy Central Park boat scene to a resplendent holiday tree. Additional windows will showcase Your Story in Lights, a visual ode to making the holidays your own, featuring motifs from the luxury store's holiday campaign and this season's fashions.
Find it all at 611 Fifth Avenue (between 49th and 50th Streets) right across from the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree and ice skating rink and wedged between an array of popular shops. The scene attracts locals and visitors in droves, so be prepared for crowds.
Time Out tips
- When to visit: If you can visit on a weeknight, you might find fewer crowds than on a weekend. You might also try watching right at dusk before the crowds start packing in the for the night.
- Where to watch: Watching the show from the Channel Gardens at Rockefeller Center offers a perfect view with decorative angels framing the Saks display, but brace yourself for shoulder-to-shoulder crowds to get there. You might be better off viewing the show from the steps of St. Patrick's Cathedral for a calmer and still magical experience.
- Where to find food nearby: Rockefeller Center has become a surprisingly solid food destination in recent years with plenty of casual faves and more elevated options. Here's our full guide to dining in the neighborhood. If you're planning to go to a sit-down spot, make a reservation well in advance.
- Where to find restrooms: For easy bathroom access, head to the rink/ground-floor level of Rockefeller Center where you'll find bathrooms. Though definitely expect to wait in line.
- Pricing: The Saks show is completely free to watch!