Manhattan’s streets are once again illuminated. This year, Saks Fifth Avenue’s beloved Holiday Light Show made a comeback, turning Midtown into a theatrical celebration of rhythm and light. The show triumphantly returned after a year away, and it felt remarkably successful in bringing back the joyous magic that New Yorkers had missed.
“Holiday Your Way,” this year’s theme, perfectly encapsulates the season’s inclusive vibe. With more than 700,000 lights choreographed to Rihanna’s “Diamonds,” Paul McCartney’s “Wonderful Christmastime,” and the timeless “New York Groove,” the event is a fusion of art, music, and emotion. The synchronization, which transforms the iconic façade into a shimmering orchestra of colors, is especially inventive.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Saks Fifth Avenue Holiday Light Show 2025 |
| Location | Fifth Avenue, New York City |
| Dates | November 24, 2025 – January 4, 2026 |
| Theme | “Holiday Your Way” |
| Key Performers | The Rockettes, Rihanna (music), Ace Frehley tribute |
| Highlights | 700,000+ synchronized LED lights, live performances, digital streaming |
| Related Events | Veterans United “Bright Lights/Holiday Nights,” Columbia, Missouri |
| Reference | www.cbsnews.com |
The block between East 49th and 50th Streets was crowded with people who had arrived early. Vibrant, coordinated, and emotionally charged, the scene resembled a symphony in motion when the lights came on at 7 p.m. It was like seeing old friends again for many of the attendees. With their precise moves that mirrored the lights above, the Rockettes, dressed in red costumes embellished with sequins, brought timeless energy to the evening.
The return of the show “honors our legacy of creativity while looking toward new beginnings,” said Saks Global Chief Marketing Officer Kristin Maa. She made a very clear statement: this was a celebration of resiliency and creativity, not just decoration.
Visitors talked excitedly. Lisa Harden, who traveled from Chicago, remarked, “We waited all year for this.” “Every minute is worth it.” Others agreed with her, pointing out that the show’s return marked the complete resurgence of holiday customs that had momentarily waned.
The visual design was especially striking. The sidewalks were covered in prismatic decorations, some of which were almost two stories high and created the appearance of motion by reflecting light in layers of crystals. An emotional crescendo was created in the finale, which was interspersed with fireworks and a tribute to the late Ace Frehley. Both locals and visitors were captivated by the smooth blending of novelty and nostalgia, which was a very successful strategy.
Like two parts of a magnificent composition, the Saks show was complemented by the glittering Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center, which was located just across the street. The beginning of New York’s holiday season has long been symbolized by the pairing of these two icons, and this year’s joint glow felt especially meaningful.
Storytelling and artistry came together inside the display windows. A bakery brimming with enormous “Sweet Treats,” a busy theater for a “Big Night,” and a tranquil “Winter’s Dream” in Central Park were among the six central windows that depicted whimsical holiday scenes. Designers like Michael Kors, Valentino, and Tom Ford all contributed to the visual extravaganza, and their works blended in perfectly with the story. Each window served as both an advertisement and an art installation, showcasing the inventiveness that contributes to the timeless appeal of luxury fashion.
Additionally, Saks expanded the experience outside of the streets through strategic partnerships. For the 19th year, Mastercard sponsored the event, which Saks Live streamed worldwide for those who couldn’t make it. By successfully fusing accessibility and tradition, this hybrid strategy made Fifth Avenue’s magic accessible to everyone, everywhere.
Meanwhile, another light show with its own unique radiance attracted thousands of spectators in Columbia, Missouri. With more than a million LED bulbs spread out over a mile, the Veterans United Bright Lights/Holiday Nights event celebrated its sixth and final year. What started out as a safe, drive-through celebration of happiness during the pandemic has grown into a cherished local tradition. According to Ian Franz, the company’s Director of Culture, “it began as a gesture of connection during tough times.” “It is now a part of the story of our community.” His description of how light has come to represent continuity struck a deep chord.
Cars wound through the animated displays and glowing arches at Veterans United, revealing a new scene at every turn: trees glowing in perfect harmony, reindeer soaring, and toy soldiers saluting. As though every flickering lightbulb contained a memory of the previous few years, the atmosphere was subtly nostalgic. Although it felt bittersweet, the event’s decision to end after 2025 was remarkably dignified. The organizers stressed that it was a “natural evolution,” indicating that there will soon be new ways for the community to celebrate.
These light spectacles, which range from the opulence of Fifth Avenue to the coziness of Missouri, all have the same goal: to foster connection. They serve as a reminder to audiences that light unites people in all its forms. These shows feel especially helpful in reviving optimism during a season that thrives on shared joy because they blend creativity and community.
The same wonders occurred throughout Europe. The modernist façade of Barcelona’s Casa Batlló was transformed into a glowing canvas by rhythmic projections. The Champs-Élysées in Paris were bathed in waves of red and gold, while the celestial lights of Regent Street in London glistened above shoppers. Wonder was interpreted differently in each city, demonstrating that the language of light is not limited by location.
Additionally, these spectacles show how cultural priorities are changing. Artistic light shows are becoming more and more adaptable as technology develops, fusing elegance and sustainability. Compared to conventional bulbs, the energy-efficient LEDs used in New York and Columbia drastically lower emissions. It’s a subtle but significant development: responsibility and beauty now coexist.
Seen in a larger context, this year’s light displays demonstrate the continued significance of shared experiences. People yearn for shared, tangible moments despite the prevalence of streaming and digital fatigue. We are reminded of something incredibly human when we stand shoulder to shoulder under a stream of light: that awe, when shared, turns into memory.
This season’s dazzling holiday light show is more than just entertainment; it’s a testament to tenacity and creativity. The resurgence of such events demonstrates that the night can still be illuminated by imagination even after years of uncertainty. Light has a way of guiding us home, season after season, year after year. This is evident in both Fifth Avenue’s grandeur and Columbia’s poignant glow.