PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — It is one of the staples of the holiday season for Downtown Pittsburgh and something Macy’s has been doing for years.

Ahead of the big unveiling, the department store today previewed its new 2011 holiday window display entitled “The Wish Factory.”

They glitter and sparkle and scream of holiday cheer. It’s been a tradition dating back more than 100 years at Macy’s, and Santa’s little helpers have been hard at work hoping to impress.

“We have been preparing for over four weeks now, so our day is coming,” said Natalie Zizis, a Macy’s window designer.

This year’s theme is inspired ornaments, created by the store’s celebrity designers. A smaller version will be available for sale and is part of Macy’s “Believe” campaign, all helping a good cause.

“We’ve actually been involved with Make-A-Wish for four years now,” said Zizis. “But our window displays, this is actually the second year that they’re tied directly into Make-A-Wish.”

The creations over the years have a tendency to get some ooohs and aahhhs.

The Downtown Pittsburgh Macy’s is actually one of only seven stores in cities across the country that creates such a festive display.

“It’s already created a little excitement because we have some of the vinyl decals outside,” she said. “So, I’ve actually heard some things and people are like, ‘Oh, they’re getting ready for the holidays!’”

The six holiday window displays will be unveiled this Friday night in conjunction with Duquesne Light’s “Light Up Night” downtown.

RELATED LINKS:
Macy’s Believe Campaign
Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership: Duquesne Light’s “Light Up Night”
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