Call for Entries | 2026 PAVE + VMSD Window Awards, Presented by Travelstead
Retailers across the United States, Canada, and Mexico are invited to enter their holiday window displays.
Entries are now open for the 2026 PAVE + VMSD Window Awards, presented by Travelstead. From playful scenes filled with details you might miss on the first pass to stories that unfold from one storefront window to the next, the New York and North America awards celebrate the displays that bring the spirit of the season to life.
“We love the holiday season, and nothing captures its magic quite like a beautifully designed window that stops people mid-stride and fills them with wonder. We are proud to watch the PAVE Global + VMSD Magazine Window Awards grow into such a meaningful celebration within the retail industry, and it is a joy to see both the New York Award and the North American Award flourish along the way,” said Nick Travelstead, President of Travelstead.
2025 Window Awards New York — Department Store Category Winner: Bergdorf Goodman
“We are honored to continue as Presenting Sponsor, and grateful to PAVE for the passion and care they bring to this program and for their steadfast support of the designers and retailers who make these displays so extraordinary. We can’t wait to see what this year’s entries bring.”
The New York Window Awards
Retailers with holiday window displays in New York City may enter in the Department Store or Specialty Store category. One winner in each category will be announced live at the 28th Annual PAVE Global Gala on Thursday, December 10, 2026, at Guastavino’s in New York City.
The entry deadline for New York is Wednesday, December 2, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET.
2025 Window Awards New York — Specialty Store Category Winner: House of Dior
The North America Window Awards
Retailers with holiday window displays in the United States, Canada, or Mexico may enter in one open category. One winner will be announced through PAVE Global and VMSD Magazine’s digital channels.
The entry deadline for North America is Tuesday, December 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET.
How to Enter
There is no fee to enter either award. Retailers can submit up to 25 high-resolution photos, a description of their display, and store and contact information through Submittable. A video is optional. New York City retailers may enter both awards using a separate submission form for each.
A panel of industry professionals will judge entries on Originality and Creativity, Spirit of the Season, and Quality of Execution.
Find the entry forms and full submission guidelines at paveglobal.org/window-awards. For questions, contact info@paveglobal.org.
2025 Window Awards North America — Winner: Macy's
About Travelstead
Travelstead provides logistics services for retail, hospitality, and other industries, including white-glove delivery, installation, and warehousing for projects ranging from individual locations to multi-store rollouts. travelsteadgroup.com
About VMSD Magazine
Since 1897, VMSD (Visual Merchandising Store Design) has covered retail design, visual merchandising, and industry news for retail professionals. vmsd.com
About PAVE Global
Founded in 1992 as The Planning and Visual Education Partnership, PAVE Global is a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation that helps emerging talent build careers designing consumer environments. PAVE connects students, educators, and industry professionals through financial assistance, educational programs, and mentorship. paveglobal.org
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