Holiday window displays 2007

Cruising holiday window displays is a tradition—and one of the best free family activities in the city. Read on to discover which department store’s decorations look like they came straight out of Cirque du Soleil, which give a nod to New York City and more. Insider tip: Save this outing for after dark, when lights will be twinkling and fewer tourists will be clogging the sidewalks. Another option for avoiding crowds is to go before 10am.

Saks Fifth Avenue
611 Fifth Ave at 49th St (212-753-4000, saks.com). Subway: B, D, F, V to 47–50th Sts–Rockefeller Center; E, V to Fifth Ave–53rd St.
Fifth Avenue shoppers gazing at the displays at Saks’ will be drawn in by this year’s New York City–themed window. It features a taxi, a double-decker tourist bus and a model Radio City Music Hall. There's even a glimpse into a miniature Rockefeller Center subway station and a Scarlett Johansson look-alike pouring her heart out in song.