Saks Fifth Avenue holiday light show debuts for 2025 after NYC tradition's brief cancellation
The Saks Fifth Avenue holiday light show, a festive New York City tradition, is officially back for 2025 after skipping a year.
The flagship store in Midtown Manhattan flipped the switch at 7 p.m. Monday, lighting up the block between East 49th Street and 50th for its holiday campaign titled "Holiday Your Way."
The iconic building across from Rockefeller Center came to life this year with Rihanna's hit "Diamonds" and an appearance by the Rockettes as the dazzling lights pulsed and danced to a medley of uplifting music.
"Tonight marks a truly special moment for Saks Fifth Avenue as we bring back our holiday light show and officially usher in the season," Kristin Maa, chief marketing officer for Saks Global, said in a statement.
The light shows take place every 10 minutes from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. nightly through early January, bringing together thousands of spectators from near and far.
"It was awesome. First time we've ever seen it," said Lisa Harden.
"I've been a big fan for my entire life," said Courtney Jackson.
Last year, in what appeared to be a cost-cutting move, Saks Fifth Avenue shocked New Yorkers when it said it was ending the light show after two decades to focus on its holiday windows and fashion instead. The company said it wanted to focus on honoring the architectural significance of the iconic building for its 100th anniversary.
"This celebration is more than a tradition — it's a chance to gather our community, illuminate Fifth Avenue and share in the joy of bringing everyone together. Reviving the reimagined, state-of-the-art light show makes this year's debut so meaningful, and we're delighted to welcome visitors from near and far to experience it with us," Maa said.
Spectators who waited hours for a front row seat to see the debut said they're thrilled the light show is back.
"We have been waiting for a whole year anticipating it coming back, and it did, so we drove 22 hours to get here," Jackson said.
Saks also unveiled several holiday window displays, including a snowman with a Christmas tree and presents on a mission to make a special delivery.
"It was really, really rewarding," said Maddie McConnell, one of the artists who spent weeks bringing the window displays to life.
Saks' flagship store is directly across from Rockefeller Center, where the world-famous Christmas tree has been up for weeks.
Another holiday highlight, Bryant Park's annual Bank of America Winter Village is open through March 1, 2026.