Photos show what it's really like to holiday shop at the largest department store in the US

Gabbi ShawDec 29, 2022, 01:15 IST

Macy's Herald Square.Gabbi Shaw/Insider

I traveled to Macy's Herald Square, the brand's flagship store, at the height of the holiday season.
While the first couple of floors are very crowded, the higher you go, the more space you'll find.

Macy's Herald Square is the largest department store in the US, with 1.25 million square feet of retail space across 12 floors.

Shoppers and pedestrians cross 34th Street outside Macy's Herald Square.Chris Hondros/Getty Images

During the holiday season, Macy's decorates the entire store and, famously, decorates the windows out front.

The Macy's holiday decorations.Bobby Bank/WireImage/Getty Images

I decided to see what the flagship Macy's store is actually like during the holidays.

Macy's Herald Square.Gabbi Shaw/Insider

For the last few years, Macy's has put a large "Believe" sign on the side of the building, but it changed to "Give Love" this year.

The sign.Gabbi Shaw/Insider

I wanted to get a good look at the windows, but the crowds prevented me from getting close.

The windows.Gabbi Shaw/Insider

So I decided to go inside. I was almost immediately swept away by the crowds of people.

The crowds inside of Macy's.Gabbi Shaw/Insider

But eventually I was able to get a better look at the store and the festive decorations.

The Macy's decorations.Gabbi Shaw/Insider

The first section I visited sold fragrances and makeup.

The first floor of Macy's.Gabbi Shaw/Insider

As Christmas music played through the speakers, I noticed a mezzanine floor ahead of me and another "Give Love" display.

The mezzanine wrapped around.Gabbi Shaw/Insider

One of the biggest attractions of Macy's during the holiday season is the new Toys 'R' Us on the seventh floor.

Toys 'R' Us.Gabbi Shaw/Insider

Famously, children can visit Santa at Macy's Santaland, but before I found it, I saw Toys 'R' Us had its own mini version.

Santa's workshop.Gabbi Shaw/Insider

The toy selection is very different to what I remember as a kid.

A new Barbie.Gabbi Shaw/Insider

I went up another floor to Santaland — around 170,000 people visit each year to meet Santa in Toyland.

Santaland.Gabbi Shaw/Insider

While I couldn't get in without a ticket, I could look at the holiday train that's out front.

The Santaland train.Gabbi Shaw/Insider

I also looked at the display windows at Santaland. They depict scenes from the movie "Miracle on 34th Street."

The display windows.Gabbi Shaw/Insider

The Macy's has multiple restaurants and food establishments throughout.

Au Bon Pain.Gabbi Shaw/Insider

After my snack, and still feeling overwhelmed by the crowds, I went down to the sixth floor. It was much less crowded.

The sixth floor.Gabbi Shaw/Insider

I also came across a beautiful Godiva display that had no shoppers.

Godiva.Gabbi Shaw/Insider

Behind the Godiva display was the Italian restaurant in Macy's, Stella 34 Trattoria.

Stella 34 Trattoria.Gabbi Shaw/Insider

I went down to the second floor to check out the shoe selection, but I left empty-handed.

The second floor.Gabbi Shaw/Insider

I went out a different door than the one I came in, and I noticed different decorations.

Some of Macy's' decorations.Gabbi Shaw/Insider

As I left, I was able to get a better look at the windows, as well, and they were beautiful.

Windows at Macy's.Gabbi Shaw/Insider

I'm a professional stylist. Here are 18 of the best red-carpet looks celebrities wore this year.

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