Photo Coverage: Macy's Herald Square Christmas Window Unveiling Spectacular

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Macy's Herald Square as America's Largest Department Store just unveiled its legendary Christmas windows on Thursday, November 18 at 5pm. This year, spectators will be taken on a magical journey through the eyes of 8-year-old Virginia O'Hanlon who wrote to the New York Sun in 1897 in a quest to prove the existence of Santa Claus.   The response, written by newsman Francis P. Church, began with the now-famous line, "Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus..." and is viewed by those who believe as a symbol of the generosity and spirit of the season.  In celebration of this spirit, this season's Christmas windows are more animated and theatrical than ever, as Macy's brings the magic of the Broadway stage to its world famous Broadway windows in its collaboration with PRG Scenic Technologies.  Virginia's inspiring true story, now a CBS animated TV Christmas special, "Yes, Virginia...," magically comes to life via animation and automation.

Visitors to this year's Christmas windows may have already experienced the dazzling and innovative designs of PRG Scenic Technologies as the company is responsible for some of Broadway's most spectacular scenery and mechanical effects, including Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera, Wicked and Spiderman, to name a few. The Macy's Christmas window "sets" are approximately ¼ of the size of a typical Broadway venue and a true cinematic effect is achieved as each window is specially timed to "raise the curtain" on the scene within. Children of all ages will be amazed as the scene changes before their eyes with specially synchronized lighting, sound, animated movements and LCD screens before the action draws to a close, signaling viewers to continue the story of "Yes, Virginia...," at the next window.  

Macy's has been amazing spectators with its famed Christmas window displays since the early 1870's.  As the first department store to feature Christmas windows, Macy's continues to celebrate the season and encourages people from all corners of the world to Believe.

PRG serves a range of markets, including concert touring, corporate events, trade shows, special events, theatre, television and film. Our company is uniquely qualified to provide the resources and services customers need at any and all sites, efficiently and cost effectively. Our staff offers years of experience serving the specialized needs of each of our markets. For a given market, we can provide a single discipline, such as lighting, audio or video, or we can bundle disciplines for an integrated solution that meets the needs of the entire project.

The world's leading supplier of entertainment and event technology, PRG currently operates from 31 locations in North America, Europe, Asia and Africa. Our facilities include over 1.5 million square feet of warehouse space that house our state-of-the-art inventory of audio, video, lighting, rigging, scenery and automation equipment.

SPARK GROUP is a Design and Production firm specializing in Live Production and Events. We offer a highly collaborative approach when working with our clients. Our objective is to identify their individual goals, needs and visions and implement them with creativity, perfection and a close attention to detail. As an agency we stress distinctiveness thus our work is custom for each client. Every SPARK GROUP project is unique as we focus on recognizing our client's desire for individuality. When working with SPARK GROUP, there are no limits just 'Creative Sparks.'

Macy's, the largest retail brand of Macy's, Inc., delivers fashion and affordable luxury to customers at more than 800 locations in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam. Macy's stores and macys.com offer distinctive assortments including the most desired family of exclusive and fashion brands for him, her and home. Macy's is known for such epic events as Macy's 4th of July Fireworks® and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade®, as well as spectacular fashion shows, culinary events, flower shows and celebrity appearances. Building on a 150-year tradition, Macy's helps strengthen communities by supporting local and national charities that make a difference in the lives of our customers.

 

William Schermerhorn starts off the evening

William Schermerhorn and Paul Olszewski-Director of Window Design Macy's Herald Square

The Macy's Bears get the party started

The Macy's Bears

Highbridge Voices

Highbridge Voices

Highbridge Voices

Highbridge Voices

Member of the Highbridge Voices reads Virginia O'Hanlon's letter to the Editor of the New York Sun

 Kris Kringle reads Yes Virginia, There Is A Santa Claus

 Kris Kringle

Ann Hampton Callaway

Ann Hampton Callaway

Ann Hampton Callaway

Ann Hampton Callaway

Ann Hampton Callaway

Ann Hampton Callaway

Ann Hampton Callaway

Buddy the Elf- Sebastian Arcelus

Buddy the Elf- Sebastian Arcelus

Buddy the Elf- Sebastian Arcelus

Buddy the Elf- Sebastian Arcelus

Buddy the Elf- Sebastian Arcelus

Buddy the Elf- Sebastian Arcelus

Buddy the Elf- Sebastian Arcelus

Buddy the Elf- Sebastian Arcelus

Stephanie J. Block

Stephanie J. Block and Buddy the Elf- Sebastian Arcelus

Stephanie J. Block and Buddy the Elf- Sebastian Arcelus

Santa Claus

William Schermerhorn, Ann Hampton Callaway and Buddy the Elf- Sebastian Arcelus

William Schermerhorn, Ann Hampton Callaway and Buddy the Elf- Sebastian Arcelus

William Schermerhorn, Ann Hampton Callaway Buddy the Elf- Sebastian Arcelus

William Schermerhorn, Ann Hampton Callaway and Buddy the Elf- Sebastian Arcelus

Ann Hampton Callaway and Buddy the Elf- Sebastian Arcelus

Ann Hampton Callaway and Buddy the Elf- Sebastian Arcelus

Ann Hampton Callaway and Buddy the Elf- Sebastian Arcelus

William Schermerhorn, Ann Hampton Callaway and Buddy the Elf- Sebastian Arcelus

Buddy the Elf- Sebastian Arcelus

Ann Hampton Callaway

Buddy the Elf- Sebastian Arcelus

Buddy the Elf- Sebastian Arcelus

William Schermerhorn, Ann Hampton Callaway and Buddy the Elf- Sebastian Arcelus

Buddy the Elf- Sebastian Arcelus

Buddy the Elf- Sebastian Arcelus

Ann Hampton Callaway, Buddy the Elf- Sebastian Arcelus and William Schermerhorn

Ann Hampton Callaway and Buddy the Elf- Sebastian Arcelus

Ann Hampton Callaway and William Schermerhorn

Ann Hampton Callaway and William Schermerhorn

Wesley Whatley, Ann Hampton Callaway and William Schermerhorn

Ann Hampton Callaway and Paul Olszewski

Yes Virginia, There is a Santa Claus the Macy's Windows Theme for 2010

Yes Virginia, There is a Santa Claus the Macy's Windows Theme for 2010

Yes Virginia, There is a Santa Claus the Macy's Windows Theme for 2010

Yes Virginia, There is a Santa Claus the Macy's Windows Theme for 2010

Yes Virginia, There is a Santa Claus the Macy's Windows Theme for 2010

Yes Virginia, There is a Santa Claus the Macy's Windows Theme for 2010