/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/45365824/2012_11_bergdorf-2011.0.jpg)
Racked is no longer publishing. Thank you to everyone who read our work over the years. The archives will remain available here; for new stories, head over to Vox.com, where our staff is covering consumer culture for The Goods by Vox. You can also see what we’re up to by signing up here.
Over the next two weeks, all of the major department stores will be revealing their special holiday windows. These displays are the result of months of work (Saks starts planning a full year in advance), and the stores tend to celebrate them accordingly, with big, dramatic unveiling ceremonies. After the jump, we've rounded up what we know so far about the themes. When possible, we've also noted the time and date of each big reveal.
Bloomingdale's: Did you know that James "Titanic" Cameron is producing a 3D movie starring Cirque du Soleil? Bloomie's hopes to make the answer to that question "Heck yes!" with holiday windows filled with circus-themed animation and hand-painted murals. There's even an interactive element that lets onlookers project their own faces the acrobats. Naturally, the unveiling festivities (which take place tonight!) include a live performance from the Cirque team. When: Tuesday, November 13, starting at 5pm.
Lord & Taylor: The department store's theme for its 75th annual Christmas window display is holiday traditions from around the world. The concept: Santa tours the planet on his day off, taking in holiday celebrations in the Alps, New York City, and Asia. The unveiling, also tonight, stars Megan Hilty from Smash alongside the Young People's Chorus of New York City. Expect lots of carols, including a song composed specifically for the occasion. When: Tuesday, November 13, starting at 5:30pm.
Barneys: As you've no doubt read by now, Barneys has teamed up with Disney for its holiday windows, which will include famous character wearing designer clothes in a short film called "Electric Holiday." Slimmed down Minnie Mouse in Lanvin has already drawn fire from body image activists, so this one should be interesting. When: Wednesday, November 14, starting at 8:30pm.
Henri Bendel: Bendel's theme this year is the 1920s, so of course they're calling the display "Deco the Halls". Look out for the nine-foot-tall deco-style tree, as well as the reproduction of the mirrored staircase in Bendel's first location. Donald Trump's son Eric Trump and Z100's Elvis Duran will be on hand for the unveiling. When: Thursday, November 15, starting at 6:30pm.
Macy's: Macy's hasn't revealed its theme yet, but since their 34th Street store is Manhattan's number one spot for getting pictures taken with Santa, we're guessing it's going to be big. When: Thursday, November 15, starting at 5pm.
Saks Fifth Avenue: What did the snowflake say to the Yeti? Saks plans to engage its entire building—windows and all—in a story about the interaction between two such unlikely acquaintances. The show, called "Snowflake Spectacular," includes a 3D projection on the side of the flagship and animated windows in which children make snow. There's also a children's book (named The Snowflake and the Yeti, of course) for sale inside the store. When: Monday, November 19, starting at 6:30pm.
Bergdorf Goodman: The two-time winner of our holiday window poll hasn't revealed their theme yet either. Oh, the suspense! When: Tuesday, November 20, time TBA.