NYC tourists heartbroken: Iconic 100-Year Christmas tradition canceled

The magic of NYC’s holiday season won’t be the same this year. A beloved century-old tradition is disappearing, leaving tourists and locals heartbroken.

Find out why the lights are going out on this iconic celebration.


The Saks Fifth Avenue light show, a beacon of the holiday spirit, has been a cherished part of the Manhattan holiday experience.

It's not just a light show; it's a century-old ritual that marks the beginning of the holiday season for many.

The news of its cancellation has sent ripples of disappointment across social media platforms, with many calling it the “end of an era.”


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Saks Fifth Avenue's iconic Christmas lights show in Manhattan—a tradition for 100 years—has been canceled. Image source: Pexels.


The decision to cancel the event came as a shock to many, especially since the flagship store is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.

A spokesperson for Saks cited “a challenging year for luxury” as the reason behind the cancellation, noting the need for the company to make adjustments to position itself for the future.

This explanation, however, has done little to soothe the dismay of those who consider the light show a staple of their holiday festivities.


On social media sites, fans of the tradition have expressed their sadness and frustration.

Comments range from nostalgic reminiscences of past shows to pleas for just “one good thing in the world.”

Parents lament the loss of a family tradition, and tourists mourn the absence of a highlight of their holiday visits to the city.

Despite the cancellation of the light show, Saks Fifth Avenue has promised that its iconic building will still shine with holiday spirit.

The company plans to “elegantly illuminate” the façade and enhance its window displays with festive touches.

While this gesture aims to honor the architectural significance of the building and maintain some holiday cheer, for many, it's a pale substitute for the beloved light show.


As we reflect on the significance of this century-old tradition, we're reminded of the importance of preserving cultural heritage, especially in times of change.

The Saks Fifth Avenue light show is more than just a seasonal attraction; it's a thread in the fabric of New York City's identity, a symbol of the enduring magic of the holiday season.

Let's come together to reminisce, to share our stories, and to find new ways to celebrate the season's joy.

While the lights may be out this year, the memories and the spirit of the holidays will continue to shine brightly in our hearts.


Source: Youtube/Eyewitness News ABC7NY


Key Takeaways
  • Saks Fifth Avenue's iconic Christmas lights show in Manhattan—a tradition for 100 years—has been canceled, leaving many tourists and social media users devastated.
  • The high-end department store cited a challenging year for luxury as the reason for making adjustments to position the company better for the future.
  • Although the traditional festive light show is canceled, Saks plans to "elegantly illuminate" the front façade of its flagship store and add festive touches to its window displays.
  • The store's chief marketing officer expressed the aim to inspire customers with joy and delight through its holiday offerings and experiences, despite the absence of the iconic light show.
Has this tradition been a part of your holiday experience? What will you miss the most about it? Share your experiences in the comments below.
 

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