It's Christmas Time in the City!

Even the most jaded, or frazzled, New Yorker, has to admit that the city absolutely dazzles during the holidays.  After all, there is a reason why there isn't a hotel room to be had as tourists from around the world come to enjoy the shopping, the activities and the sights of the city at Christmas.  I have a few personal favorites, but this year I made an effort to check out some of the great holiday displays that line the avenues this December.

From the Ralph Lauren Children's boutique on Madison at 71st comes the charm of the Teddy Bear Christmas...

Across the street at the Ralph Lauren flagship store is a more sophisticated celebration of the season...

Moving downtown to the intersection of 57th and Fifth Avenue we have the jewel-box vitrines of Tiffany & Co., each window a gem..

Across 57th Street is the overall light show on the Burberry facade...

While down Fifth Avenue, Harry Winston Fine Jewels turned its townhouse into a sparkling bauble complete with "diamonds" set over the windows...

Another famous jeweler that always decorates for Christmas is Cartier.  The big fabric ribbon has been replaced with LED lights and the illuminated Cartier panthers on the side and at the top of the building are a new addition and very dramatic too...

When people talk about "The Tree" they are usually referring to the one at Rockefeller Center.  This year's choice is an 80-year-old, 80-foot-tall Norway Spruce, decorated with 45,000 lights and crowned with a star made of Swarovski crystals...

Saks Fifth Avenue faces Rockefeller Center and at night the entire front is illuminated with a light show of dancing snowflakes with the snowflake theme echoed in the window displays...

Lord and Taylor has never sacrificed tradition for fad in their holiday windows, and this year is no exception.  Although updated, they remain true to the theme of Christmas past and present in New York City.  Judging from the smiling crowd of onlookers, they continue to delight...

Finally, we come to the Upper West Side and the newly renovated plaza at Lincoln Center.  The Christmas tree that used to be outdoors in the empty fountain, is now inside the Metropolitan Opera House on the Grand Tier level with a large toy train circling its base...

With all hustle and bustle of the season it's easy to forget that Christmas is a time of magic and mystery and celebration.  I wish you and yours Peace and Joy at Christmas and throughout the year ahead.