Shutterstock / Francois Roux
It’s tiiiiimeeee! The Saks Fifth Avenue Holiday Light Show officially returns to Midtown Manhattan on Monday, November 23, 2026. The annual spectacle transforms the facade of the flagship department store into a synchronized display of lights and music, coinciding with the unveiling of the store’s renowned holiday windows.
This year’s festivities center on the retailer’s new “Main Character Energy” campaign and will feature an expansive indoor Holiday Market. The outdoor displays remain free to view from the sidewalk throughout the holiday season.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Saks Fifth Avenue Holiday Light Show, including when to see it and what else to look forward to this season.
What is the Saks Fifth Avenue Holiday Light Show?
The Saks Fifth Avenue Holiday Light Show has been a staple of NYC’s holiday season since 2004, drawing crowds to the department store’s flagship location just steps from Rockefeller Center.
The original show featured 50 massive snowflakes illuminated by 70,000 LED lights, which blinked and flickered to a fast-paced version of Carol of the Bells. In 2010, Saks introduced digital projection mapping, allowing for animated storytelling across the building’s facade.
The annual unveiling has also attracted its fair share of celebrity guests over the years, including Elton John in 2022 and Jennifer Lawrence in 2023.
After the show was cancelled in 2024, it made its highly anticipated return in 2025. Now, the beloved tradition is back for another season, bringing festive lights, holiday windows, and plenty of seasonal cheer to Fifth Avenue.
Shutterstock / Francois Roux
What to expect at the Saks Fifth Avenue Holiday Light Show in 2026
The 2026 celebration will kick off on Monday, November 23, with the unveiling of Saks Fifth Avenue’s holiday windows and light show.
This year’s festivities are part of the retailer’s “Main Character Energy” holiday campaign, which celebrates the joy of the season through festive fashion, inspired gifting, and unexpected discoveries.
The campaign follows a group of friends on a holiday shopping excursion through the Saks Fifth Avenue New York flagship, capturing everything from finding the perfect gift to discovering a standout outfit for an upcoming celebration.
The holiday windows and light show will bring that seasonal theme to life, with the flagship’s six central windows showcasing an animated journey through New York City.
Saks has not yet announced the exact showtimes for the 2026 season, so check back for updates as opening night approaches.
Shutterstock / Inspired By Maps
What will the Saks Fifth Avenue holiday windows look like?
The holiday windows are another major draw, and this year’s display will put a festive New York spin on the season.
The six central windows will feature a whimsical, animated adventure through NYC, bringing the “Main Character Energy” campaign to life through a holiday journey filled with festive discoveries.
Additional gallery windows will celebrate the quintessential New York holiday shopping experience, combining memorable seasonal moments with standout fashion and elements from the campaign.
From discovering an unexpected treasure to finding the perfect outfit for a holiday celebration, the displays will capture the excitement of shopping for the season and sharing traditions with loved ones.
The holiday windows and light show will be unveiled together on November 23, giving visitors a chance to experience both seasonal attractions during the same trip to Fifth Avenue.
Shutterstock / Andrew F. Kazmierski
Key Viewing Information
The show is expected to run nightly through early January 2027, although Saks has not yet published the exact daily showtimes or confirmed the precise schedule for opening night.
Opening date: Monday, November 23, 2026
Location: Saks Fifth Avenue, 611 Fifth Avenue, between East 49th and East 50th Streets
Cost: Free to view from the sidewalk
Duration: Expected to run nightly through early January 2027
The flagship’s proximity to Rockefeller Center makes it easy for visitors to pair the light show with a visit to the iconic Christmas tree and surrounding seasonal festivities.
Source / BFA for Saks and Michael Blanchard
Saks Fifth Avenue Holiday Market
Inside the flagship, Saks is hosting its Holiday Market, offering global seasonal decor and gifts.
The market features whimsical touches—including a life-size Santa and dancing penguins—alongside an exclusive, collectible Saks Fifth Avenue snow globe.
New for 2026 is the Epicure program, offering a curated collection of gourmet treats packaged in keepsake tins that celebrate recognizable New York City landmarks.
Shutterstock / Inspired By Maps
Additional Fifth Avenue Holiday Attractions
The Saks displays join other major holiday installations along the avenue.
The Fifth Avenue Snowflake—a 30-foot-wide, 3,300-pound installation suspended 50 feet above the street—will also return this November.
A fixture since 1984, the snowflake’s illumination ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, November 18, 2026, at 5 pm, allowing visitors to kick off their holiday sightseeing before the Saks unveiling the following week.
Instagram / @fifthavenue
Between the sparkling displays, seasonal shopping, and nearby Rockefeller Center festivities (like the iconic tree which arrives on November 7!), Fifth Avenue is once again shaping up to be one of NYC’s main destinations for holiday cheer.
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