Saks Light Show 2023 Fifth Avenue: A Must-See NYC Attraction
The 2023 Saks Light Show on the Fifth Avenue (611 5th Avenue) in Manhattan, New York, with its schedule, hours and windows unveiling is one of the most important Free Holiday things to do in NYC during the Christmas Season. In this article I will give you all the details about the 2023 Saks Fifth Avenue Light Show, including its lighting ceremony, schedule and best vantage points and dates. Get ready to discover everything you need to know about the most famous Christmas Lights Show: the one of Saks Fifth Avenue NYC.
Saks Fifth Avenue Light Show 2023: the most magical free Christmas experience in Midtown Manhattan
Saks Light Show is one of the Best Christmas Things to do in Manhattan during the 2023 Holiday Season.
This event, on the number 611 of the 5th Avenue in New York City, with its sounds and music, transforms Saks NYC, the iconic flagship store, into a winter wonderland.
The Saks Lights Show Schedule 2023 will be intense. In fact, the opening ceremony of the Christmas season will take place on Tuesday, November 22, 2023. Thus, 2 days before Thanksgiving. Starting on Wednesday, November 23, 2023, the Saks Lights Show Schedule will feature non-stop performances. In fact, every day, the show starts at 5 pm. Each show lasts about 3 minutes. In these 3 minutes, 3 or 4 famous Christmas-themed songs are featured. Once the show is over, however, after only 5 minutes, it starts all over again. This intermittent show runs from 5 p.m. to midnight. So as you can understand, the Saks Lights Show Schedule 2023 will give us a lot of satisfaction.
Although New York City doesn’t formally host a Santa Claus Parade on Christmas Day, the dazzling lights and adornments along Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue render it the world’s most stunning destination to explore in December!
Expect dazzling lights, music, and animations. The Saks Fifth Avenue Light Show 2023 promises to be a spectacular Christmas event!
Saks Fifth Avenue location in NYC
Saks Fifth Avenue is located at 611 5th Ave, New York, NY 10022, USA.
In terms of position, the department store is located right in front of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and next to St. Patrick Cathedral.
Do you want to know more about the 2023 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree? Read the ultimate guide to the most famous Christmas Tree in NYC!
Saks Fifth Avenue Lights Show 2023 Dates in NYC
The 2023 Lights and Sounds show of Saks Fifth Avenue will officially start on Tuesday, November 21st, 2023.
The opening ceremony of this light show is always spectacular, with fireworks and special guests.
For example, in 2022, the special guest of the opening ceremony was Elton John!
The show is offered daily during the Holiday Season from November 21st, 2023 to early January 2024.
Don’t miss our latest article showcasing the best dining spots near the Rockefeller Christmas Tree for an unforgettable holiday feast
What time does the Saks Fifth Avenue Lights Show start?
The 2023 Saks Light Show starts every day at 5 p.m. and is offered regularly until midnight.
How often does the Saks Fifth Avenue Lights Show play?
The Saks Light Show is always repeated at regular intervals of about 10 minutes.
If you arrive in front of Saks Fifth Avenue NYC and the show is about to end, don’t leave.
In fact, a new light show will begin just a few minutes later, ensuring you won’t miss out on the spectacular experience.
What is the duration of the 2023 Saks Fifth Avenue Light Show in NYC?
Each captivating Light Show performance in 2023 is designed to dazzle audiences with a duration of approximately 5 minutes. From late afternoon to the evening, the enchanting display of songs, lights, and synchronized choreography is repeated at regular intervals. This ensures that visitors have ample opportunity to witness this Light Spectacle in the heart of New York City.
Blackout Dates
The Saks Light Show is there every day except for 2 dates in 2023: the day of the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting and Christmas Eve.
As a result, in 2023 the Saks Fifth Avenue Show in NYC will not be there on November 29 and December 24.
Tips for the ultimate experience
To best enjoy the Lights and Sounds show at 611 5th Avenue, you have two main options to avoid the crowds:
- Option 1: Go just after sunset (dusk): The show starts at 5 PM and, at that time, the crowds are not yet too dense. This way, you can enjoy the show without having to struggle to find a good vantage point.
- Option 2: Going late in the evening: After 10:30 PM, the crowd starts to thin out and the atmosphere becomes quieter. The show continues until midnight, so you will still have enough time to see it without having to deal with the rush-hour crowd.
Keep in mind that the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, another iconic New York City Christmas attraction, also stays lit until midnight. You could take the opportunity to visit both attractions on the same evening, enjoying the city’s festive atmosphere.
Also, we suggest you to dress well and warm. This show is outside and temperatures in NYC during the holiday season can be really cold.
Where to see the light show at 611 5th Avenue in Manhattan?
Here are 3 vantage points for viewing the Saks Fifth Avenue Light Show in New York City.
Watch the Saks show from the Channel Garden
The first vantage point is across 5th Avenue from the department store. For the best view, stand near the Channel Garden’s white angels or a little further back near the 2023 Rockefeller Christmas tree for a wider angle. This is the most famous vantage point to admire the incredible Christmas Lights Show of Saks Fifth Avenue.
Enjoy the show near St. Patrick’s Cathedral
St. Patrick’s Cathedral is located on 5th Avenue, across from the Manhattan Lego Store and a short walk from the famous Cartier. By positioning yourself on the west side of 5th Avenue in front of the cathedral, you will get a good view at a more sideways angle. Remember that by moving to the side, you will encounter fewer crowds. If the angle is not optimal, wait less than 10 minutes and the Saks Fifth Avenue Light Show will start again.
Admire the Saks Light Show under the department store
An alternative viewpoint is underneath Saks. Position yourself in front of the entrance to see the show from below. You will find fewer people here than in the other options. Although the view does not offer a wide angle, you will be able to record video at a unique angle.
Follow these tips for making 2023 Saks Light Show and New York City videos to share on your Instagram page. Visit my “My Christmas in New York” Instagram Page for more tips on how to best experience your trip to the Big Apple.
Is the 2023 Saks Light Show free or I need a ticket?
Indeed, the 2023 Saks Fifth Avenue Light Show in NYC is completely free, as it has been every year. Be cautious and avoid falling for any scams that attempt to sell tickets to the show.
New York City, like any other major tourist destination, has its share of scams. This includes those in Times Square where fake rappers try to sell you their CDs or fake monks offering bracelets. To ensure you have a hassle-free experience, it’s important to stay vigilant and informed.
For more information on scams in Times Square and how to avoid them, don’t miss our helpful article on this topic. Enjoy the mesmerizing annual Saks Spectacle without spending a dime, and stay safe while exploring the vibrant city!
Saks Fifth Avenue Windows: all the info
Saks Fifth Avenue during the Christmas season is synonymous with spectacular window displays and the iconic light show of New York City. If you find yourself in NYC during this time, don’t miss the opportunity to admire the fascinating windows of Saks, located at 611 5th Avenue in Manhattan.
Each year, Saks chooses unique themes for its window displays, transforming them into true works of art that enchant both New Yorkers and tourists alike. We are certain that in 2023, Saks will present something special and unique, keeping the tradition and Christmas Atmosphere alive.
The Unveiling, or the inauguration ceremony of the Saks Fifth Avenue Christmas window displays, is a highly anticipated and followed event. If you wish to attend the ceremony, we recommend that you inquire about the event date in advance and plan your visit accordingly.
In the following paragraphs, you will find further information about the Unveiling and the themes covered in the window displays of past editions. Also, we will share suggestions on how to make the most of your experience with the Christmas windows of Saks Fifth Avenue in New York City.
2023 Saks Christmas Windows Unveiling: Date and Ceremony
Mark your calendar for the Unveiling of Saks Fifth Avenue’s Christmas windows on November 21, 2023, coinciding with the fantastic Saks Lights Show on Fifth Avenue. Located at 611 5th Avenue in Manhattan, this magical event is a must-see attraction in New York during the festive season. The iconic department store will once again showcase its unique themes for the Christmas windows. We are sure it will captivate both New Yorkers and tourists alike.
Don’t think you can attend the Unveiling of the Christmas windows by arriving at the last minute. In fact, there will be thousands of people in attendance. The unveiling ceremony with fireworks usually takes place at 7:00 PM. To have a good view, you need to arrive at least 3 hours in advance. Prepare well in advance to fully experience the unforgettable atmosphere of the Christmas windows and Saks Lights Show at Saks Fifth Avenue in the heart of New York City.
Operating hours of the Flagship Store on the 5th Avenue in Manhattan
After enjoying the 2023 Saks Light Show, make sure to discover the vibrant shopping experience at the Flagship Store on 5th Avenue in Manhattan. The shop at 611 5th Avenue in Manhattan is open seven days a week to cater to your retail needs. The store hours run from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Monday through Saturday. On Sundays, shoppers are welcome from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
Don’t miss the mesmerizing Saks Light Show, which illuminates the late afternoons (starting at 5:00 PM) and evenings (until around midnight) on the Fifth Avenue in Manhattan.
However, please note that the store’s operating hours for shopping inside remain as mentioned above. Plan your visit to this iconic destination and make your shopping experience unforgettable while enjoying the free music and light show.
Insider tip: see the Rockefeller Center Tree from the Saks Fifth Avenue vantage point
As you explore the 2023 Saks Light Show on the Fifth Avenue in New York, don’t miss the opportunity to get a unique view of the iconic Rockefeller Center Tree.
Step inside the Saks Store at 611 5th Avenue and take the escalator to the higher floors. From this vantage point, you’ll enjoy a stunning city-view. This includes the bustling 5th Avenue traffic, the picturesque Channel Garden with its White Angels, and the majestic Christmas Tree.
This insider tip, known to only a few, offers a truly special experience, and best of all, it’s absolutely free! Make the most of your visit to the Saks Fifth Avenue Light Show by enjoying this exclusive perspective.
Other Festive Attractions in NYC
While you’re in the area, don’t forget to check out other festive attractions such as the Best Christmas Lights on the 5th Avenue, Plaza Hotel Christmas Tree, Christmas in New York Store in Times Square, and Bryant Park and Rockefeller Center Ice Skating Rinks. Enjoy your holiday season in NYC!
For the latest updates and information about the Saks Fifth Avenue Light Show 2023, visit the official website