Window shopping part of holiday season

Long gift list or short, light wallet or big spender, window shopping is something that can be enjoyed by almost everyone. Manhattan's most famous midtown retailers are known for splashy displays that have become as much a holiday tradition here as the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree or sidewalk Santas.

Store executives say they see the windows as their seasonal gifts to the city.

"I think New York being what New York is -- it's the window capital of the world -- it sees people from all over the world come to New York to experience the holiday," says Paul Olszewski, Macy's director of windows.

Some stores have added high-tech twists. At Bloomingdale's, cameras have been incorporated into displays, and photos will beam from the windows as well as from the retailer's Facebook page. At Macy's, there are touch screens to design a 3-D ornament that be sent back to your cellphone. "It's all the kids who totally get how to do this," Olszewski says.

Still, it's largely left to the reindeer, snowmen and jolly St. Nick to spread the cheer.

Some highlights:

Saks Fifth Avenue: Snowflakes and bubbles are the stars here, elaborating on two previously popular themes for the retailer. The windows tell the story "Who Makes the Snow," which features a girl searching for the source of these magical, visual treats. A light show projects against the facade of the building to make it appear as if it is snowing.

Bloomingdale's: The flagship store on 59th Street uses as its centerpiece some of its vintage shopping bags -- made bigger and better with movement that allow passersby to peer inside.

Lord & Taylor: Inspired by a 1941 illustration by Carl S. Wilson called "What is Christmas Made Of?" the store asked local children to draw just what they think constitutes the holiday.

Macy's: Designers used many shades of white as both the backdrop and decoration for each scene, encouraging each passerby to imagine their own magical holiday moment. The story that moves from window to window starts with a mysterious ship headed to the North Pole, taking a few detours by the Tree of Wishes and a wish factory before reaching its destination. Barneys New York: To support Gaga's Workshop, a special Lady Gaga-themed, in-store shop, the windows depict four themes: Gaga Constellation, Gaga Machine, Gaga's Boudoir and Gaga's Crystal Cave.