It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Downtown D.C., thanks in part to the new Macy’s holiday windows.
Macy’s Metro Center (1201 G Street) unveiled its holiday windows recently with a special Yuletide performance by recording artist Mali Music and local contestant of “The Voice” Ddendyl.
Part ingenious marketing, part family holiday tradition, Macy’s annual “Believe” windows tell the story of the magic of Christmas through festive décor, brightly illuminated lights, dazzling ornaments, sparkling tinsel, and giant, glittering snowflakes. Visitors get a peek into Santa’s private lair and the elves workshop, and celebrate the holiday season illuminated by the glow of the Christmas star.
There was no shortage of Santa hats and festive spirits on the streets of Downtown D.C. on this chilly Saturday. Co-hosts American Ballet soloist Misty Copeland and Fox 5 anchor Allison Seymour hosted the November 22 event, which featured performances by The Washington Performing Arts Society’s Children of the Gospel Choir and the Ballou High School Marching Band.
Dancers from The Washington Ballet were also on hand and performed excerpts from The Nutcracker, much to the delight of eight-year-old Amanda Witters. “They look like princesses,” said Amanda, who was at the window unveiling with her mother Stacey and her 11-year-old brother Daryl.
“I try to bring the kids Downtown for this event every year, just like my parents brought me. It’s the thing to do at Christmas. It’s a tradition,” Stacey said.
“We make a day of it,” said Lonny Evans, his French bulldog Terry firmly in tow on his seasonal red leash. “We drive in from Frederick, go to lunch, do a little shopping, visit with friends. Once you have a parking place downtown, you don’t give it up! It’s just a really festive time, and one of my favorite things to do.”
After the unveiling, Macy’s invited everyone inside the department store to see the floors of decked out holiday interiors, and enjoy seasonal beverages and nibbles while meeting Copeland, Ddendyl and Mali Music, and – of course – Santa Claus.
Customers who spent $100 at Macy’s on November 22 received a voucher for one pair of tickets to The Nutcracker, performed by The Washington Ballet, and a copy of Copeland’s book, “Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina.”
Macy’s is also collecting letters to Santa through December 24. Children can bring a stamped letter to the store, addressed to Santa at the North Pole, and drop it into Santa’s special letterbox. The department store will donate $1 for each letter received—up to $1 million—to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. For more information, visit www.macys.com/believe.
Macy’s holiday windows are just one of many special events the DowntownDC BID is promoting in its efforts to create a total downtown Christmas experience this year. On November 28, more than 150 artisans will be in the holiday spotlight as the annual Downtown Holiday Market returns for its 10th year. This unique marketplace near 8th and F Streets NW features artists, jewelers, clothiers, potters and more, and will take place daily from noon to 8 pm from Nov. 28-Dec. 23. For more information on the Downtown Holiday Market, including a complete list of vendors and performers, visit http://downtownholidaymarket.com