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Christmas Window Displays Light Up Across Manhattan To Kick Off Holiday Season

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Slowly but surely, the Christmas customs which make New York City a holiday destination are returning to ring in the 2011 season.

Macy's Herald Square will unveil their legendary Christmas Windows Thursday evening. Whoopi Goldberg is set to appear alongside the cast of Broadway's Sister Act.

See Also: Holiday Season Guides From CBSNewYork.com

Never one to miss out on a Christmas tradition, Santa Claus will also be on hand to flip the switch and unveil the 2011 display, titled "Make-A-Wish."

This year's windows tell the story of a magical character launch from a mysterious ship headed to the North Star to decorate the tree of wishes.

More: NYC's 6 Best Toy Stores

Bloomingdale's 59th Street Unveils Holiday 2011 Windows
The 'Bloomettes' unveil Bloomingdale's 59th Street Holiday Windows (credit: Jemal Countess/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Bloomingdale's debuted their 59th Street holiday windows Wednesday evening. The event included a performance by cast members from Broadway's Priscilla Queen of the Dessert and the winner of America's Got Talent, Landau Eugene Murphy, Jr.

Bloomie's windows celebrate the store's iconic shopping bags. The display features a selection of recreated, oversized vintage shopping bags on a blue backdrop. The festive decor also has a camera tucked away inside - it will snap a photo of window-gazers to display in the window, and will also  be sent to the Bloomingdale's Facebook page.

Lord & Taylor lit their Christmas windows Monday night with the help of Kathie Lee Gifford. Look for more from CBSNewYork.com as stores across the Big Apple prep for Santa's arrival!

Macy's Herald Square
34th Street - Broadway Blvd.

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