Perhaps in an effort to entice disgruntled holiday shoppers, beautiful, ornate windows have long been holiday staple among department stores. Macy’s in New York City was the first major retailer to display the holiday windows as we know them now. Today, these jolly decorations can be found in countless stores across Canada.  We’ve rounded up our favourite festive shop windows across the country that just might help to make the dreaded holiday shopping that much more enjoyable.

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Hudson’s Bay (Toronto)

Perhaps the most iconic holiday inspired windows across Canada are those at the Hudson’s Bay Company Queen Street West location in Toronto. The store recently changed their decade-old décor in favour of a new display entitled “The Enchanted Forest.” The windows feature a five piece panorama that displays animatronic animals playing in the snow.

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Saks Fifth Avenue (Toronto)

Located right beside Hudson’s Bay is the newly opened Saks Fifth Avenue, which has jumped in wholeheartedly on the festive window tradition. Titled “Land of 1000 Delights,” the elaborate display features mannequins dressed as whimsical characters such as Lady Lollipop and Empress Gingerbread.

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Noël Éternel

In Montreal, the definitive stop for all things festive is Noël Éternel, an exclusively Christmas themed store that is open year round. Though the store features Christmas inspired windows year round, the merry décor reaches new heights come Christmas time.

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Woodward’s Windows at Canada Place

Until 1993, Woodward’s Department Store in Vancouver was the ultimate spot to take in holiday decorations.  When the store closed, tourist centre Canada Place decided to purchase the windows and keep the tradition alive. The windows, which feature classic scenes such as Santa’s Workshop, are located along the Canada Trail at the centre.