Famous New York Holiday Light Show Not Returning in 2024

Is Christmas ruined?!

Not so fast, but a 20 year old holiday tradition will not be returning to New York City this festive season.

The History of Saks Fifth Avenue Light Show in NYC

Nothing says "Holiday Season" quite like a visit to New York City between mid-November and Christmas Eve.

Holiday Markets are on full display, window decorations are at an all time high, and of course the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is dazzling bright. Another staple in New York City? Saks Fifth Avenue.

The fancy retailer is known for is luxurious holiday window displays and for the last 20 years, it's been a stop for their iconic light show. According to The New York Times, the Saks Fifth Avenue Light show began in 2004.

The jaw dropping light show would have a specific theme each year and starting in mid-November every 10 minutes from dusk until dawn, the show would illuminate the streets of New York City.

But it looks like Saks is hitting the pause button for 2024.

Saks Cancels 2024 Holiday Light Display

While scrolling social media the other day I came across the account of New York City guide Megan Marod. There, the social media influencer explained that The Saks Fifth Avenue Holiday Light Show was canceled for the 2024 season.

According to Marod and John Friia, another NYC guide and influencer explain that "financial struggles have forced them to changed their 2024 holiday presentations."

Or as they so kindly put it...Saks is broke.

You can get the full breakdown below:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Megan Marod (@themegandaily)

Who would have ever thought that store with such such a background in luxury and expensive products would have a problem keeping the lights on?

Popular Hudson Valley Holiday Festival Also Pulls the Plug in 2024

A little closer to home, a popular Rhinebeck holiday festival has called it quits this year too.

Back in July 2024, we learned that the popular Sinterklaas parade and festival would not hit the streets of East Market in Rhinebeck this year. According to Sinterklaas sources ""due to a deficit from 2023 and the loss of a few of our loyal volunteers –Lindy Wright and Harlan Matthews who died within a few weeks of each other this year."

READ MORE: Rhinebeck's Sinterklaas Celebration Canceled for 2024

Thankfully, there will still be a Sinterklaas feel in the Dutchess County town as they have a list of events planned such as 3 free performances of Into The Light at 1:30 pm, 2:45 pm and 4 pm at the Reformed Church.

Plus they're selling the infamous Sinterklaas Stars to help raise money for local food pantries AND there will be displays of the "Honored Animals" from Sinterklaas past in store windows throughout Rhinebeck.