15 of New York City's most famous holiday window displays over the years

• Festive window displays are a classic New York tradition during the holiday season.
• The tradition is older than you might think — holiday windows date all the way back to the 1870s, according to Macy's.
• Today, people wait in line for hours to see some of New York's best holiday decorations.
• Keep reading for the history behind department store holiday windows in New York City.

From children sending letters to Santa Claus to selfie-taking snowmen, department store window displays are some of the most festive holiday decorations in all of New York City. 

Since the holiday season is one of the busiest times of the year to shop, starting with Black Friday, it's no surprise that New York City's department stores bring out all the stops for their seasonal window displays.  

Holiday windows that look more like art installations rather than store advertisements date all the way back to the 1870s with Macy's first window displays. Since then, the practice has evolved into a tradition that both tourists and locals love year after year.

Department store window displays are one of the most iconic holiday traditions in New York City.

While you can see holiday windows at virtually every department store in Manhattan today, the tradition dates back to the 1870s.

Macy's claims to be the first department store to implement holiday windows in New York City, thanks to the store's founder, R.H. Macy. He showcased Macy's first animated windows in 1899.