More than 7 million people are expected to descend upon
New York City this holiday season to try and catch
a glimpse of some of the cities famous festive landmarks,
the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, the Radio City Rockettes and
the famous 5th Ave.
window displays.
These dazzling displays started in 1874 with Macy's and since
then department stores have followed suit, from Bergdorf Goodman to
Bloomingdale's.
Even Louis Vuitton getting in on the fun this year,
transforming an entire building into luxury luggage.
But one department store is pulling back Saks with Ave.
canceling their iconic light show that's wowed visitors for two
decades.
A SAC spokesperson writing in a statement it's instead celebrating
the season by honoring the architectural significance of this iconic
building.
But there's one department store right up the road that's
pulling out all the stops.
Nordstrom even inviting their window gazers inside.
People come from all over the world to stereotypically 5th
Ave.
around the holidays.
But we are not on 5th right now.
We're on 57th and Broadway.
So how are you guys drawing people off 5th to
come to Nordstrom here.
I mean, I think that New York because it is
such a destination for the holidays and I think anybody
who comes here either as a tourist or even if
you're a local, the city has always been about discovering
Nordstrom's Olivia Kim taking us inside their wonder all the
way experience and you might hear a familiar voice or
two.
And that's because John Waters and Fran Drescher voice the
life-size display gossiping lipsticks and drizzle the anxious umbrella.
So is the idea to have these larger than life
inflatables that talk, is it to get kids and parents
in here?
It's for everyone.
You know, I think it's when you look at something
this big, it's that instant feeling of when you were
a kid and things were small, right?
And what that feels like, that feeling of wonder, that
feeling of magic and being a kid again.
It's certainly going to be inspiring for kids.
But we're finding adults engaging just as much.
And we even got a chance to see Santa himself.
Hi, Santa, how are you?
And it's growing in Manhattan are bars dripping in holiday
decor with weeks long waiting lists and lines out the
door.
So we decided to check one out for ourselves.
Blitzen's Bar at the Omni Berkshire Place in Midtown Manhattan,
who said their concept is so popular that within 30
minutes, every seat is filled.
It's a holiday explosion in here.
This year, they've partnered with Julie Rainer from Netflix's Drink
Masters.
Come inside festive cocktails because it gets nuts out there.
There's so many people.
And you know, to be able to kind of tuck
in and have a delicious string is amazing.
And in case you're looking to mix up a cocktail
of your own, she's got tips.
I would recommend batching your cocktails or and making a
punch.
I think having a non alcoholic option for your friends
who maybe are not imbibing really fun garnishes.
You know, you want to have something that is not
too difficult to make, but something something tasty.
One thing's for sure, it all might be too much
to see in a New York minute, but there's definitely
something for everyone in the city that never sleeps.
Chloe Milas, NBC News, New York.