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Celebrating the Art, Spirit, and Innovation of Holiday Windows Across New York and North America
ABOUT THE AWARDS
The PAVE + VMSD Window Awards, presented by Travelstead, recognize the creativity, artistry, and technical excellence that bring holiday windows to life. Each year, retailers transform their storefronts into immersive seasonal experiences. These awards honor the teams whose vision and craftsmanship capture the wonder of the holiday season.
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For 2025, the program expands with an exciting new opportunity: PAVE Global and VMSD Magazine are introducing a North America category, opening the awards to retailers across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. New York retains its two traditional categories: Department Stores and Specialty Stores.
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There is no fee to enter either program.
NEW YORK WINDOW AWARDS
DEPARTMENT STORES & SPECIALTY STORES
DEADLINE: DECEMBER 3, 2025 (11:59 PM EASTERN)
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The New York Window Awards spotlight the most iconic holiday displays in New York City. Retailers may enter one of two categories:
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Department Stores
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Specialty Stores
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All New York entrants are also eligible to participate in the North America category.
The winning displays in New York (Department Store + Specialty Store) will be automatically entered into the North America judging pool.
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SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
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Up to 25 photos
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Optional video
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Detailed description of your display
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Store information and contacts
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No entry fee
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Please note: New York and North America each require a separate submission form
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JUDGING CRITERIA
A panel of industry professionals will evaluate each display based on:
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Originality and Creativity
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Spirit of the Season
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Professionalism: Execution and Technical Aspects
(including lighting, mechanics, signage/copy, mannequin or merchandise presentation)
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ANNOUNCEMENT
Winners will be recognized live at the PAVE Gala on December 12, 2025, in New York City.
NORTH AMERICA WINDOW AWARDS
OPEN CATEGORY: U.S., CANADA, AND MEXICO
DEADLINE: DECEMBER 15, 2025 (11:59 PM EASTERN)
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This new category expands the celebration beyond New York City, recognizing holiday displays from retailers across North America. Any retailer in the United States, Canada, or Mexico may enter.
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New York retailers may participate in both programs by submitting entries through each separate form.
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SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
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Up to 25 photos
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Optional video
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Detailed description of your display
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Store information and contacts
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No entry fee
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Separate North America submission form is required
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JUDGING CRITERIA
Entries will be evaluated using the same criteria applied to New York submissions:
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Originality and Creativity
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Spirit of the Season
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Professionalism: Execution and Technical Aspects
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ANNOUNCEMENT
North America winners will be announced through:
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PAVE Global social channels
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VMSD Magazine platforms
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PAVE website and newsletter
(These winners are not part of the PAVE Gala program.)
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
Acceptable File Types
Photos: .pdf, .gif, .jpg, .jpeg, .png, .svg, .tif, .tiff
Video (optional): .3gp, .avi, .flv, .m4v, .mkv, .mov, .mp4, .mpg, .webm, .wmv
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There is no fee to enter.
All entries must be submitted through Submittable.
Each award category requires its own submission form.
THE PAVE + VMSD HOLIDAY SCOUTS
Introducing our new holiday tradition: the PAVE + VMSD Holiday Scouts, a cheerful team spreading seasonal magic across North America.
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Our scouts travel through the United States, Canada, and Mexico in search of displays that deliver joy, whimsy, and pure holiday delight. They help ensure that no extraordinary window goes unnoticed.
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The Holiday Scouts do not participate in judging. Their role is simple: they spot the sparkle, share the cheer, and encourage and support outstanding retailers to submit their displays.
PROUDLY PRESENTED BY
