Myer Christmas windows unveil Toy Story adventure for 71st annual display

More than a million visitors are expected to peer into the display to see Merry Christmas Woody, and after five consecutive interest rate rises this year, Myer management will be hoping most of them continue their Christmas adventure at the registers.  

The window display all starts in Andy’s bedroom – where else? – on a busy Christmas Eve, where the toys wrap presents and dress Rex up as Santa. Toy Story fans young and old will also enjoy a magical light show by none other than Buzz Lightyear.

This year marks the 71st anniversary of the Christmas windows, which have opened just days after Myer’s long-time rival David Jones sunk into voluntary administration.

David Jones, which opened in Sydney 188 years ago, has traded alongside Myer at the Bourke Street Mall since 1982. David Jones is still trading, but with shoppers posting images online of bare shelves in its 38 stores around the country, it is unclear how long the doors will stay open.

However, the good news is visitors to the Myer Christmas windows will be treated to animations where Toy Story characters come to life by nodding, wrapping, bouncing, jumping, swinging, rocking and even abseiling.

The windows have been crafted by the creative and technical team at Stage One, led by John Kerr, who has worked with Myer on the Christmas windows for more than 20 years. 

In total, Kerr and his team spent more than 10,000 man-hours constructing the visual display, including assembling more than 100 hand-made stuffed and puffed cotton balls for the Christmas tree. 

Merry Christmas Woody is narrated by Australian chef and television presenter Andy Allen.

The Christmas Windows have been one of Myer’s proudest traditions since 1956, says Myer executive chair Olivia Wirth.

“Disney and Pixar are the world’s great storytellers, so collaborating with them on our 71st windows has been a real privilege,” she says. “Toy Story is loved by people of all ages, and we can’t wait for Melbourne to see it.”

Previous displays include Lego last year, An Irwins Christmas Story in 2024 and Bluey’s Christmas in 2023. Disney last partnered with Myer in 2022 when the windows featured characters from Frozen, Mary Poppins, The Lion King and Peter Pan alongside Mickey and Minnie Mouse. 

“We’re excited to once again collaborate with Myer to bring some Disney magic to its iconic Christmas windows in Melbourne,” says Kylie Watson-Wheeler, senior vice president and managing director of The Walt Disney Company Australia and New Zealand.

“Toy Story is loved by generations and holds a special place in the hearts of Australians. It’s an enduring story of friendship and belonging, and we can’t wait for families and fans to experience and share this wondrous moment this Christmas.”

The Christmas fun continues in the Myer basement at the Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story Play Zone, which includes photography, Disney and Pixar-inspired Christmas creations, a book corner and an interactive Lilypad.