Saks Fifth Avenue revealed its iconic holiday window display and ten-story-tall theatrical light show at its New York flagship with a reimagined, one-of-a-kind event concept titled, Saks Lights Up Fifth Avenue. In lieu of closing down Fifth Avenue for a single large-scale performance, former 14-time All-Star New York Yankee and A-Rod Corp CEO Alex Rodriguez and Saks Fifth Avenue President and CEO Marc Metrick kicked off the first of many intimate, socially-distanced holiday celebrations, which can be enjoyed online by viewers across the globe via live stream.
In the weeks to follow, the Saks Lights Up Fifth Avenue ceremonies will feature prominent members of the fashion and entertainment communities, as well as New York City notables, lighting up the Saks New York flagship each night from inside a Fifth Avenue window. Each event will benefit a charitable cause, with $100,000 in donations to be made by Saks over the course of the holiday season to non-profit organizations serving New York City and beyond. The events will be livestreamed at saks.com, bringing holiday excitement within a safe and comfortable experience for viewers at home.
“At Saks, it is our priority to create unique and memorable experiences that connect with our customers in a meaningful way,” said Metrick. “We recognize that celebrations during this time will take many forms. As such, this holiday season, more than ever, our customers are looking to Saks for the fun and escapism for which we are known. After several challenging months for New Yorkers and those around the world, Saks is proud to continue this long-standing tradition and deliver our annual gift to New York as a part of our commitment to revive the city for our community, customers and associates.”
Tonight, Saks made a donation to Madison Square Boys & Girls Club, an organization dedicated to saving and enhancing the lives of New York City youth by providing a safe, stable, supportive environment in some of the city’s most under-resourced neighborhoods. “There is nothing better than spending the holiday season in New York City with my family. The lights, the tree at Rockefeller Center and the festive spirit is something we look forward to every year. It truly is the greatest city in the world,” said Rodriguez. “To me, this season is about giving back and thinking of others rather than ourselves. A lot of amazing things can be done when people come together and pay it forward. The Boys & Girls Club really shifted – perhaps saved – my life. That’s why I am so happy to give back to that organization this season and create opportunities for the next generation.”
“THIS IS HOW WE CELEBRATE” THEME, WINDOW DESIGN & LIGHT SHOW
Saks’ theme for the holiday season, This is How We Celebrate, shines a light on the importance of spending time with loved ones and the different ways people and places across the country celebrate.
Saks’ legendary window display is synonymous with the holiday season in New York and this year is no exception. The center six windows showcase how different people celebrate in iconic settings around the city, with each over-the-top celebration scene bringing a different quintessential New York moment to life:
- A musical celebration on bustling Broadway in Times Square
- A classic barber shop getting a visit from some adorable kids and their pets, wanting to look their best for the New Year celebration
- A couple on their way to deliver gifts via the Roosevelt Island tram
- An aspiring dancer getting an autograph from her ballerina idol
- A celebration surrounding the neighborhood food truck at a holiday block party
- A friendly competition of holiday lights and decor at neighboring houses in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn
Beyond the featured windows, Saks is showcasing a variety of unique celebratory moments in visual displays—both in windows and throughout the store—featuring designer fashion from brands such as Alexander McQueen, Dries van Noten and Valentino, with floating windows, Mylar-wrapped trees, scattered musical instruments and ephemera.
Saks’ annual light show is also all-new this year, featuring a dazzling display of LED lights on the facade. The music accompanying the light show is a world-premiere medley saluting different holiday traditions, including José Feliciano’s “Feliz Navidad,” the theme from holiday film favorite Love Actually, Donny Hathaway’s “This Christmas” and more.
SAKS LIGHTS UP FIFTH AVENUE LIVESTREAMED EVENTS & VIRTUAL HOLIDAY SHOP
For the eleventh year, the holiday window unveiling and light show are presented by Mastercard. Saks and Mastercard partnered to create an innovative online platform where users can view Saks Lights Up Fifth Avenue livestreamed events. The platform also enables people across the globe to virtually visit and purchase from the holiday shop at the Saks New York flagship through a uniquely designed, immersive e-commerce experience utilizing Mastercard Retail Innovation Solutions.
Events will be livestreamed on select weekdays, now through Wednesday, December 23, 2020 beginning at 4:30 p.m. EST. Recordings will be available to view through Sunday, January 3, 2021. Visit saks.com/holiday to access the experience. Saks welcomes viewers to also connect via Instagram and Facebook and follow #SaksHoliday for insider access.
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE & CAMPAIGN
Saks’ Holiday Book, available in stores and at saks.com, features the ultimate guide to exclusive designer gifts. In addition to a wide array of luxury gift ideas, Saks is offering one-of-a-kind experiences, such as a VIP window tour led by the Visual Windows Director of Saks, and full-service safety-first holiday party planning that includes decor and a multi-course meal from L’Avenue at Saks. The complete gift guide can be viewed at saks.com.
Throughout the season, Saks will highlight must-have items for the holidays and feature exclusive influencer picks for gift-giving across its digital channels. Saks will also launch a holiday-themed series on its social media platforms including “Holiday Home Tours,” showcasing the holiday decor of notable industry insiders and “Holiday Recipes,” with experts from L’Avenue at Saks and notable chefs teaching viewers how to make seasonal dishes and cocktails.
