With just 30 sleeps left until Christmas, the city of Sydney has spruced up in preparation for its busiest month of the year.
David Jones has improved its annual city Christmas window display, which was slammed by disappointed customers last year.
The spirit of the season was overshadowed by windows boasting store merchandise and plain, black and white stencils in last year's display, despite having featured wooden nativity sets, Santa's workshops, elves, trees, reindeer and puppets for decades.
Fairfax Media spoke to a number of onlookers who travelled to see this year's colourful, animated and electronic displays.
"It's an important part of Christmas and I wish more stores did it," said Katherine Charlton from Newport.
According to Catherine Lim from Croydon, this year's display does a better job of capturing what Christmas is all about.
"It's more meaningful than last year, which was more commercial," Ms Lim said. "This year seems to embody the vibe of Christmas, which is good for teaching the kids."
"It's great, best one yet. It's much better than last year. More detailed, perfect for young children," said Gavin Douglas from Coogee.
According to a David Jones spokesperson, this year's theme is The Polar Bear's Christmas Workshop which "aims to evoke nostalgia amongst young and old".
Two free concerts are being held in Martin Place and Hyde Park on Saturday along with the annual tree lighting to kick off Sydney's $3.5 million Christmas program.
The city is set to come alive with carols, lights, fireworks, entertainment and a visit from Santa, and Sydneysiders have been encouraged by lord mayor Clover Moore to join family and friends in celebrating the season.
"We're inviting all families to come and celebrate in Martin Place, Town Hall and Hyde Park, right up until Christmas Eve," she said.
"This year we're excited to host these free events on a Saturday night to allow more families to come into the city."
As well as the 21-metre tall Christmas tree in Martin Place, which has been the centrepiece for the past 47 years, there will be colourful decorations, traditional Christmas lights and a 10,000 piece, life-size Lego sleigh.
With no traffic on George street this year, Cr Moore said it is "business as usual" and didn't mention any disruptions to shoppers that may surface as a result of the big celebrations or Black Friday sales that are set to attract thousands of visitors.
