'Shocked to the core': Beloved Christmas tradition scrapped in Sydney

Tuesday, 9 December 2025 18:39

"It's such a tradition and I think it's a real loss for Sydney's Christmas," one father said.

Sydney residents have lashed out at David Jones after its iconic Christmas window display was abruptly scrapped this year.

Hornsby Heights father Phil told radio station 2GB the decision shattered a family tradition he had passed down to his seven-year-old daughter Lucy.

"I went around Elizabeth Street, went around Castlereagh Street, went around Market Street - no Christmas windows," he told 2GB radio host Clinton Maynard.

NEWS: Christmas shop windows at David Jones in Sydney CBD. 1st December 2021, Photo: Wolter Peeters, The Sydney Morning Herald.

"What I find shocking is this has been a tradition of David Jones for the last 70 years.

"I was going back through the archives, I found a photo from 1952 of kids gathering around there.

"My mother used to tell me about my grandfather taking her down when she was a little girl, so this is something that's been going on for so long.

"It's such a tradition and I think it's a real loss for Sydney's Christmas.

"Melbourne's Myer is still running Christmas windows so I'm just shattered we're not doing it here."

The father said he asked staff and he was told the store wasn't doing the window this year.

"That's a small sentence, but for me it carries a big loss," he said.

"This is about community and sharing the joy of Christmas time that Sydney families have enjoyed for decades."

The department store told the radio station it has opted to feature its loyalty program mascot Domino the Dalmatian which fits in with its theme, "A very rewarding Christmas".

One caller Denise said she regularly visited the department store to view the Christmas display.

"I was just shocked to the core when I heard about DJs in the city," she said.

"I was that upset that I went on their website and put a nice review on there for them."

Listener Ros told Maynard she was "disappointed" by the lack of decorations.

"What a load of crap with the Dalmations, excuse my French," she said.

"We all love Dalmations but they don't have a lot to do with Christmas, with respect to those wonderful dogs," Maynard said.

Caller Louise said she preferred the Christmas decorations in the Melbourne CBD.

"I try not to be outraged too much," she said.

"My husband and I were in Melbourne, we were very lucky to watch the Australian Open golf on the weekend, and we went into the Melbourne CBD yesterday and it felt so lovely for Christmas.

"I begrudgingly said to my husband 'wow, Melbourne just does it so much better'," she said.

David Jones has been contacted for comment.

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