A Magical Tradition: The Gillies Christmas Window

The festive season is here, and with it comes one of our most beloved traditions: the unveiling of the Gillies Christmas window in Broughty Ferry. For decades, this cherished event has been a cornerstone of the local holiday experience, drawing families, shoppers, and passersby to admire the creativity and magic that light up our storefront each year. This year, we’ve transported you somewhere truly special with our Wizard of Oz-themed Christmas window — a spectacular display of imagination, storytelling, and festive cheer.

As you approach our window this year, you’re greeted by the iconic Yellow Brick Road winding its way through an enchanting landscape. From the shimmering ruby slippers, the Emerald City glowing in the background, every detail has been designed to immerse you in the magical world of Oz. Dorothy’s gingham dress and Toto sit carefully arranged to evoke the heartwarming journey that has captivated audiences for generations.

Children are especially drawn to the animated features of our display: the spinning house, the Cowardly Lion’s swishing playfully, and the Scarecrow offering a welcoming wave. Overhead, the famous flying monkeys cause havoc. You can also find the munchkins busy wrapping gifts, tying the magic of Oz to the wonder of Christmas. Each element is hand-crafted, showcasing the dedication and artistry of our talented designer, Amy.

But this isn’t just about a journey to Oz — it’s also about coming home, much like Dorothy’s heartfelt realisation that “there’s no place like home”, “there’s no place like Gillies” And what makes a home more magical than beautifully crafted furniture to share the season with loved ones?

The Gillie’s Christmas window has been a hallmark of Broughty Ferry for generations. Over the years, our displays have celebrated the whimsy, wonder, and warmth of the holidays, becoming a must-see attraction for locals and visitors alike. Each year, we carefully design and craft the window to bring joy to the community and celebrate the art of storytelling through intricate details and festive themes.

Last year, our Beano-themed window delighted families with its charming scenes of Minnie causing as much mischief as possible. The year before, we were supporting the RNLI, and even had an actual lifeboat in the window. Each display involves months of planning and craftsmanship, with our team sourcing unique materials and drawing inspiration from classic tales, seasonal colours, and local traditions.

Behind the scenes, the creation of our Wizard of Oz-themed window began in early summer. Our designer brainstormed ideas, sketched concepts, and meticulously built the elements that bring the display to life. From hand-painting the Emerald City’s spires, creating Dorothy’s slippers, to sewing the flying monkeys every piece has been crafted with care and precision. 

Amy prioritised sustainability by reusing and repurposing materials from packaging and old displays, demonstrating a resourceful approach to minimize waste. 

Special attention was given to the characters, each lovingly rendered with lifelike expressions and intricate costumes. Glinda’s beautiful pink gown, the Tin Man’s polished silver finish, and the Cowardly Lion’s fluffy mane all reflect the extraordinary effort that went into this year’s theme.

As you enjoy the festive atmosphere of Broughty Ferry, why not bring some of that magic home? At Gillies, we offer a stunning collection of furniture and home accessories that combine style, comfort, and quality. Whether you’re looking to create the perfect living room for family gatherings or a cosy nook to enjoy a quiet moment by the fire, we have something to make your home feel truly special this Christmas.

Imagine hosting Christmas dinner around one of our elegant dining tables or snuggling up with loved ones on a luxurious sofa as you watch classic holiday films. Our showroom in Broughty Ferry is filled with inspiration to help you create the perfect setting for your own festive celebrations.

We invite you to visit our store in Broughty Ferry to experience the Christmas window in person and explore our wide selection of furniture and home décor. While you’re here, take a moment to snap a photo of the Wizard of Oz display and share it with friends and family — and don’t forget to tag us on social media! Seeing your smiles and festive spirit is what makes this tradition so special for us.

For those who can’t make it in person, we’ve also shared highlights of the display on our social media channels. Watch our video here

Whether you’re a longtime fan of the Gillies Christmas window or discovering this tradition for the first time, we’d love to hear what you think. Share your memories, photos, and favourite details from this year’s Wizard of Oz display. Together, let’s keep the magic alive for years to come.

From everyone at Gillies, we wish you a joyful and magical holiday season. There’s no place like Gillies — and there’s no place like home.

Explore our furniture collection: Browse our sofas and chairs to create a space you’ll love this Christmas and beyond.