PiC: Kiran Paul

Pic: Rabiya Khan

Pic: Rabiya Khan

Rain in Sharjah Pic: Morad Jouhari

 It's raining in Ajman today. Pic: Mohammed Nohman

It's raining in Ajman today.    Pic: Mohammed Nohman

It's raining over an hour ago in Sharjah.   Pic: Aisha

Pic: Junaid Abbas 

Pic: Manal Jabir 

Pics: Shams

Pic: Raza Muhammad Aamir

Pic: Mahrukh Mohammad

Actress Angelina Jolie, Maddox Jolie-Pitt (C) and actor Brad Pitt arrive for the 2013 Governors Awards, presented by the American Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), at the Grand Ballroom of the Hollywood and Highland Center in Hollywood, California, November 16, 2013.  AFP

Actress Angelina Jolie, Maddox Jolie-Pitt (C) and actor Brad Pitt arrive for the 2013 Governors Awards, presented by the American Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), at the Grand Ballroom of the Hollywood and Highland Center in Hollywood, California, November 16, 2013.  AFP

 Honoree Angelina Jolie (R) and actor Brad Pitt attend the 2013 Governors Awards, presented by the American Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), at the Grand Ballroom of the Hollywood and Highland Center in Hollywood, California, November 16, 2013.  AFP

Filmmaker George Lucas presents honoree Angelina Jolie with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award onstage during the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' Governors Awards at The Ray Dolby Ballroom at Hollywood & Highland Center on November 16, 2013 in Hollywood, California. AFP

 Honoree Angelina Jolie and actor Brad Pitt attend the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' Governors Awards at The Ray Dolby Ballroom at Hollywood & Highland Center on November 16, 2013 in Hollywood, California.   Getty Images/AFP

 Honoree Angelina Jolie accepts the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award onstage during the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' Governors Awards at The Ray Dolby Ballroom at Hollywood & Highland Center on November 16, 2013 in Hollywood, California. Getty Images/AFP

 Angelina Jolie arrives for the 2013 Governors Awards, presented by the American Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), at the Grand Ballroom of the Hollywood and Highland Center in Hollywood, California, November 16, 2013.  AFP

 Honorees Angelina Jolie and Steve Martin arrive for the 2013 Governors Awards, presented by the American Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), at the Grand Ballroom of the Hollywood and Highland Center in Hollywood, California, November 16, 2013.  AFP

 Honorees Angela Lansbury (C), Angelina Jolie (L) and Steve Martin (R) arrive for the 2013 Governors Awards, presented by the American Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), at the Grand Ballroom of the Hollywood and Highland Center in Hollywood, California, November 16, 2013.  AFP

Honoree Angelina Jolie accepts the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award onstage during the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' Governors Awards at The Ray Dolby Ballroom at Hollywood & Highland Center on November 16, 2013 in Hollywood, California. Getty Images/AFP

(L-R) Debutantes Isabella Robinson, Nicole Gilmer, and Eloise Knight, all aged 17, and Elizabeth Stead, 23, laugh while listening during the London Season Academy's first etiquette, social and business protocol class at The Emirates Towers in Dubai on November 15, 2013 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Debutantes were given lessons by Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia, The Duchess of Somerset, Sir Tobias Clarke BT and etiquette and royal protocol consultant Rafal Heydel-Mankoo. To launch the new Dubai academy, one hundred guests and debutantes attended a debutantes ball, to raise cash for charity on the exclusive and privately owned Royal Island off the coast of Dubai.  (Getty Images)

Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia lectures debutantes in the art of social skills during the London Season Academy's first etiquette, social and business protocol class at The Emirates Towers in Dubai on November 15, 2013 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Debutantes were given lessons by Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia, The Duchess of Somerset, Sir Tobias Clarke BT and etiquette and royal protocol consultant Rafal Heydel-Mankoo. To launch the new Dubai academy one hundred guests and debutantes attended a debutantes ball, to raise cash for charity on the exclusive and privately owned Royal Island off the coast of Dubai.  (Getty Images)

The Duchess of Somerset (L) teaches debutantes Isabella Robinson, Nicole Gilmer, and Eloise Knight, all aged 17, the art of making afternoon tea during the London Season Academy's first etiquette, social and business protocol class at The Emirates Towers in Dubai on November 15, 2013 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Debutantes were given lessons by Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia, The Duchess of Somerset, Sir Tobias Clarke BT and etiquette and royal protocol consultant Rafal Heydel-Mankoo. To launch the new Dubai academy one hundred guests and debutantes attended a debutantes ball, to raise cash for charity on the exclusive and privately owned Royal Island off the coast of Dubai.  (Getty Images)

Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia (R) and Jennie Hallam-Peel teach debutantes the art of making afternoon tea during the London Season Academy's first etiquette, social and business protocol class at The Emirates Towers in Dubai on November 15, 2013 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.. Debutantes were given lessons by Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia, The Duchess of Somerset, Sir Tobias Clarke BT and etiquette and royal protocol consultant Rafal Heydel-Mankoo. To launch the new Dubai academy one hundred guests and debutantes attended a debutantes ball, to raise cash for charity on the exclusive and privately owned Royal Island off the coast of Dubai.  (Getty Images)

(L-R) Debutantes Olivia Stead, Anna Zaphiriou-Zarifi, Nicole Gilmer, Eloise Knight and Isabella Robinson arrive at The Emirates Towers for The London Season Academy's first class of etiquette, social and business protocol  on November 15, 2013 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.. Debutantes were given lessons by Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia, The Duchess of Somerset, Sir Tobias Clarke BT and etiquette and royal protocol consultant Rafal Heydel-Mankoo. To launch the new Dubai academy one hundred guests and debutantes attended a debutantes ball, to raise cash for charity on the exclusive and privately owned Royal Island off the coast of Dubai.  (Getty Images)

Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia lectures debutantes in the art of afternoon tea during the London Season Academy's first class of etiquette, social and business protocol at The Emirates Towers in Dubai on November 15, 2013 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.. Debutantes were given lessons by Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia, The Duchess of Somerset, Sir Tobias Clarke BT and etiquette and royal protocol consultant Rafal Heydel-Mankoo. To launch the new Dubai academy one hundred guests and debutantes attended a debutantes ball, to raise cash for charity on the exclusive and privately owned Royal Island off the coast of Dubai.  (Getty Images)

A UAE Air Force plane is displayed during the Dubai Airshow on November 17, 2013, in the United Arab Emirates' capital Dubai. Etihad Airways ordered 87 Airbus planes, including 50 extra-wide-body A350 XWBs, valued at around $19 billion (14 billion euros) at list prices. AFP

 A Eurofighter Tayphoon is displayed during the Dubai Airshow on November 17, 2013, in the United Arab Emirates' capital Dubai. Etihad Airways ordered 87 Airbus planes, including 50 extra-wide-body A350 XWBs, valued at around $19 billion (14 billion euros) at list prices. AFP

An AH-64D Apache attack helicopter is displayed during the Dubai Airshow on November 17, 2013, in the United Arab Emirates' capital Dubai. Etihad Airways ordered 87 Airbus planes, including 50 extra-wide-body A350 XWBs, valued at around $19 billion (14 billion euros) at list prices. AFP

A Pakistani Air Force officer stands next to a CAC/PAC JF-17 Thunder aircraft during the Dubai Airshow on November 17, 2013, in the United Arab Emirates' capital Dubai. Etihad Airways ordered 87 Airbus planes, including 50 extra-wide-body A350 XWBs, valued at around $19 billion (14 billion euros) at list prices. AFP

Emirati visitors talk in front of an Emirates Airbus A380 on display during the opening day of the Dubai Airshow in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Sunday Nov. 17, 2013. The Dubai Airshow is seen as an increasingly important barometer on the state of the industry and the rising roles of the big-spending Gulf carriers Etihad, Qatar Airways and Emirates as they compete for routes and critical stopover traffic between Asia and Europe and the Americas. (AP)

An Emirati woman, top right, and others view a replica of the Eurofighter Typhoon jet during the opening day of the Dubai Airshow in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Sunday Nov. 17, 2013. The Dubai Airshow is seen as an increasingly important barometer on the state of the industry and the rising roles of the big-spending Gulf carriers Etihad, Qatar Airways and Emirates as they compete for routes and critical stopover traffic between Asia and Europe and the Americas. (AP)

Vairous models of Boeing aircrafts are displayed during the Dubai Airshow on November 17, 2013, in the United Arab Emirates' capital Dubai. Etihad Airways ordered 87 Airbus planes, including 50 extra-wide-body A350 XWBs, valued at around $19 billion (14 billion euros) at list prices. AFP

Khloe Kardashian arrives at the Kardashian Kollection cocktail party at the Park Hyatt Guest House on November 19, 2013 in Sydney, Australia.  (Getty Images)

Khloe Kardashian arrives at the Kardashian Kollection cocktail party at the Park Hyatt Guest House on November 19, 2013 in Sydney, Australia.  (Getty Images)

Kelly Brook arrives for the 'Steam and Rye' Restaurant launch party on November 19, 2013 in London, England. (Getty Images)

Kelly Brook arrives for the 'Steam and Rye' Restaurant launch party on November 19, 2013 in London, England. (Getty Images)
 

Nicole Scherzinger attends the London Global Gift Gala at ME Hotel on November 19, 2013 in London, England.  (Getty Images)

 Model Sheila Marquez attends the GQ Men Of The Year Award 2013 at the Palace Hotel on November 18, 2013 in Madrid, Spain.  (Getty Images) 

Spanish actress Veronica Echegui attends the GQ Men Of The Year Award 2013 at the Palace Hotel on November 18, 2013 in Madrid, Spain.  (Photo by Carlos Alvarez/Getty Images) 

 Spanish model Malena Costa attends the GQ Men Of The Year Award 2013 at the Palace Hotel on November 18, 2013 in Madrid, Spain.  (Photo by Carlos Alvarez/Getty Images)

Model Martina Klein attends the GQ Men Of The Year Award 2013 at the Palace Hotel on November 18, 2013 in Madrid, Spain.  (Photo by Carlos Alvarez/Getty Images) 

Naomi Campbell arrives at the  GQ Men of the Year awards at the Ivy Ballroom on November 19, 2013 in Sydney, Australia.

Spanish model Marina Jamieson attends the GQ Men Of The Year Award 2013 at the Palace Hotel on November 18, 2013 in Madrid, Spain.  (Photo by Carlos Alvarez/Getty Images)

Eva Longoria and Victoria Beckham attend the London Global Gift Gala at ME Hotel on November 19, 2013 in London, England.

All pics: Getty Images

Singer Adam Levine, the frontman of the Grammy Award-winning rock group Maroon 5 and a judge on the hit NBC singing show "The Voice," was named People magazine's sexiest man alive, the magazine announced on Tuesday.

The 34-year-old singer-songwriter, who is engaged to Victoria's Secrets model Behati Prinsloo, told People magazine he was taken aback by the announcement.

Victoria's Secrets model Behati Prinsloo

"As a musician, you have fantasies that you want to win Grammys, but I didn't really think that this was on the table," Levine said.

"I was just amazed and stunned and it almost seemed like they were kidding, but they weren't, so that's cool."

Levine joins an illustrious list of prior winners of the award including Channing Tatum, Brad Pitt, Johnny Depp, Ryan Reynolds, George Clooney and Matt Damon.

The singer branched into acting last year with his debut role on the television series "American Horror Story." He also appears in the 2013 film "Can A Song Save Your Life?" with Keira Knightley and Mark Ruffalo. The movie premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival.

"This is just a really interesting time where everything seems to be heading in a certain direction," he said. "And I'm not taking any of it for granted."

Levine and Maroon 5 launched their fourth studio album "Overexposed" last year, which received mixed reviews from critics. The group shot to fame in 2002 with their debut album,  "Songs About Jane."

The group's hit singles include "This Love," "She Will be Loved" and "Moves Like Jagger," which features Christina Aguilera.

(All pics: Adam Levine Facebook page)

Indian Bollywood actress Katrina Kaif attends a promotional event for the Hindi film "Dhoom 3" in Mumbai on November 19, 2013. AFP

 Indian Bollywood personalities Aamir Khan and Katrina Kaif participate in a promotional event for the Hindi film "Dhoom 3" in Mumbai on November 19, 2013. AFP

Aamir Khan and Katrina Kaif pose with toy figures bearing their likeness. AFP

 Britain's Catherine, The Duchess of Cambridge is greeted as she arrives to attend a forum at the offices of the childrens charity Place2Be in London on November 20, 2013.  AFP

 Britain's Catherine, The Duchess of Cambridge is greeted as she arrives to attend a forum at the offices of the childrens charity Place2Be in London on November 20, 2013.  AFP

 Britain's Catherine, The Duchess of Cambridge (L) is greeted by children from the local school St Edmunds as she arrives to attend a forum at the offices of the childrens charity Place2Be in London on November 20, 2013.  AFP

 Britain's Catherine, The Duchess of Cambridge arrives to attend a forum at the offices of the childrens charity Place2Be in London on November 20, 2013.  AFP

 Britain's Catherine, The Duchess of Cambridge speaks to delegates as she attends a forum at the offices of the childrens charity Place2Be in London on November 20, 2013.  AFP

 Britain's Catherine, The Duchess of Cambridge speaks to delegates as she attends a forum at the offices of the childrens charity Place2Be in London on November 20, 2013.  AFP

Britain's Catherine, The Duchess of Cambridge looks on as she attends a forum at the offices of the childrens charity Place2Be in London on November 20, 2013.  AFP

Oprah Winfrey arrives for the Presidential Medal of Freedom presentation ceremony in the East Room of the White House. (AFP)

US President Barack Obama presents the Presidential Medal of Freedom to broadcast journallist Oprah Winfrey during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House. (AFP)

US President Barack Obama presents broadcast journalist Oprah Winfrey (AFP)

US President Barack Obama presents broadcast journalist Oprah Winfrey with the Presidential Medal of Freedom during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House. (AFP)

President Barack Obama presents broadcast journalist Oprah Winfrey with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. (AFP)

Oprah Winfrey makes her way from the East Room after receiving the Medal of Freedom during a ceremony. (AFP)

President Barack Obama hugs Oprah Winfrey. (AP)

Oprah Winfrey chats with guests during a dinner honoring the Medal of Freedom. (AFP)

First lady Michelle Obama, right, talks with Oprah Winfrey during a dinner in honor of the Presidential Medal of Freedom awardees. (AP)

Pippa Middleton attends the Sugarplum Ball at One Mayfair in London, England. (Photo by Getty Images)

Pippa Middleton attends the Sugarplum Ball at One Mayfair in London, England. (Photo by Getty Images)

Pippa Middleton (Photo by Getty Images)

Pippa Middleton (Photo by Getty Images)

Pippa Middleton and boyfriend Nico Jackson (Photo by Getty Images)

Pippa Middleton and boyfriend Nico Jackson (Photo by Getty Images)

Poppy Delevingne attends the Sugarplum Ball at One Mayfair in London, England. (Photo by Getty Images)

Jennifer Lawrence attends the premiere of the film "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" in New York. (REUTERS)

Jennifer Lawrence (REUTERS)

Hannah Davis (AFP)

Patricia Clarkson (AFP)

Lynn Cohen (AFP)

Chrissy Teigen (AFP)

Liam Hemsworth (AFP)

Stanley Tucci (AFP)

Sam Claflin (AFP)

(L-R) Elizabeth Banks, Liam Hemsworth, and Jennifer Lawrence (AFP)

Meta Golding (AFP)

(L-R) Elizabeth Banks, Jennifer Lawrence and Jena Malone attend the "Hunger Games: Catching Fire" New York Premiere at AMC Lincoln Square Theater. (AFP)

Jon Kilik, Elizabeth Banks, Liam Hemsworth, Jennifer Lawrence, and Francis Lawrence (AFP)

Sonakshi Sinha (L), Saif Ali Khan (C) and Jimmy Shergill (R) speak to media during a promotional event for the forthcoming Hindi film ‘Bullett Raja’ and soundtrack launch ceremony in Mumbai. (AFP)

Gulshan Grover (1L), Saif Ali Khan (2L), Sonakshi Sinha (2R) and Jimmy Shergill (1R) pose for a photograph during a promotional event for the forthcoming Hindi film ‘Bullett Raja’ and soundtrack launch ceremony in Mumbai. (AFP)

Saif Ali Khan (1L) and Chunky Pandey (2L), writer and director Tigmanshu Dhulia (2R). (AFP)

Sonakshi Sinha and Saif Ali Khan (AFP)

Sonakshi Sinha (AFP)

Sonakshi Sinha (AFP)

Saif Ali Khan (AFP)

Khloe Kardashian greets fans during an event at a shopping center in Sydney. (AP)

A security person, left, stops a child from taking a photo with U.S. TV personality Khloe Kardashian during an event at a shopping center in Sydney, Australia. (AP)

Khloe Kardashian chats with a fan. (AP)

Khloe Kardashian hugs a fans during an event at a shopping center in Sydney. (AP)

Fans use smartphone cameras to photograph U.S. TV personality Khloe Kardashian, right, as she greets fans at a shopping center in Sydney, Australia. (AP)

Fans use smartphone cameras to photograph Khloe Kardashian. (AP)

Frosted fairies swoop between snow-covered trees as they guide a young boy from his bed to a whimsical forest with reindeer, angels and holiday magic.

Pedestrians stop to look at holiday window displays at the Macy's flagship store in New York November 22, 2013. The window displays are the secret weapon of brick-and-mortar retailers, luring shoppers away from their computers at a time when ecommerce is more popular than ever. The cost for holiday displays is a tiny fraction of what retailers spend on television ads and other marketing, but they boost store traffic and generate buzz. In New York City, displays are built months in advance at off-site warehouses and then reassembled in November at the stores. Picture taken November 22. To match Feature HOLIDAY-WINDOWS/STORES  (REUTERS)

It's not a trailer for a Disney release. It's the Macy's flagship store in New York City, where six display windows have been transformed into an animated story.

Paul Olszewski works year-round with a team of 100 full- and part-time animators, hair stylists, makeup artists, composers, musicians and copywriters to create the mechanical scenes.

Workers hang black curtains over holiday windows before their unveiling at Saks Fifth Avenue in New York, November 22, 2013. The window displays are the secret weapon of brick-and-mortar retailers, luring shoppers away from their computers at a time when ecommerce is more popular than ever. The cost for holiday displays is a tiny fraction of what retailers spend on television ads and other marketing, but they boost store traffic and generate buzz. In New York City, displays are built months in advance at off-site warehouses and then reassembled in November at the stores. Picture taken November 22. To match Feature HOLIDAY-WINDOWS/STORES  (REUTERS)

"It's like putting on a Broadway show," says the 47-year-old designer. "You're working with different pieces and different departments, but it all comes together on opening night" - usually the week before Thanksgiving.

Pedestrians are reflected in holiday windows, that are covered before being unveiled at Saks Fifth Avenue in New York, November 22, 2013. The window displays are the secret weapon of brick-and-mortar retailers, luring shoppers away from their computers at a time when ecommerce is more popular than ever. The cost for holiday displays is a tiny fraction of what retailers spend on television ads and other marketing, but they boost store traffic and generate buzz. In New York City, displays are built months in advance at off-site warehouses and then reassembled in November at the stores. Picture taken November 22. To match Feature HOLIDAY-WINDOWS/STORES  (REUTERS)

The window displays are the secret weapon of brick-and-mortar retailers, luring shoppers away from their computers at a time when ecommerce is more popular than ever. The cost for holiday displays is a tiny fraction of what retailers spend on television ads and other marketing, but they boost store traffic and generate buzz.

Pedestrians walk past holiday windows at the Bergdorf Goodman store in New York, November 22, 2013. The window displays are the secret weapon of brick-and-mortar retailers, luring shoppers away from their computers at a time when ecommerce is more popular than ever. The cost for holiday displays is a tiny fraction of what retailers spend on television ads and other marketing, but they boost store traffic and generate buzz. In New York City, displays are built months in advance at off-site warehouses and then reassembled in November at the stores. Picture taken November 22. To match Feature HOLIDAY-WINDOWS/STORES (REUTERS)

While retailers in cities across the United States also deck themselves out for the season, none put on a bigger show than New York's storekeepers, who use everything from social media to 3-D projections that spill onto the facades of buildings to provide "retailtainment."

A girl looks at a predominantly pink holiday window display at the Bergdorf Goodman store in New York, November 22, 2013. IThe window displays are the secret weapon of brick-and-mortar retailers, luring shoppers away from their computers at a time when ecommerce is more popular than ever. The cost for holiday displays is a tiny fraction of what retailers spend on television ads and other marketing, but they boost store traffic and generate buzz. In New York City, displays are built months in advance at off-site warehouses and then reassembled in November at the stores. Picture taken November 22. To match Feature HOLIDAY-WINDOWS/STORES (REUTERS)

And they keep upping the ante. In 2011, Barney's invited pop sensation Lady Gaga to unveil its holiday windows. This year Fifth Harmony, a sugary-sweet all-girl band, did the honors for Lord & Taylor. They could barely be heard above the shrieks of teenage girls, many drawn to the store for the first time by their celebrity idols.

Pedestrians walk past holiday windows at the Bergdorf Goodman store in New York, November 22, 2013. The window displays are the secret weapon of brick-and-mortar retailers, luring shoppers away from their computers at a time when ecommerce is more popular than ever. The cost for holiday displays is a tiny fraction of what retailers spend on television ads and other marketing, but they boost store traffic and generate buzz. In New York City, displays are built months in advance at off-site warehouses and then reassembled in November at the stores. Picture taken November 22. To match Feature HOLIDAY-WINDOWS/STORES (REUTERS)

At Bergdorf Goodman's, near the Plaza Hotel, acrobats tethered to guy-wires "flew" out fourth-floor windows, sprinkling the crowd with glitter confetti as they made their way to the ground.

A woman talks on her cell phone in front of holiday window displays at the Bergdorf Goodman store in New York, November 22, 2013. The window displays are the secret weapon of brick-and-mortar retailers, luring shoppers away from their computers at a time when ecommerce is more popular than ever. The cost for holiday displays is a tiny fraction of what retailers spend on television ads and other marketing, but they boost store traffic and generate buzz. In New York City, displays are built months in advance at off-site warehouses and then reassembled in November at the stores. Picture taken November 22. To match Feature HOLIDAY-WINDOWS/STORES (REUTERS)

SMALL INVESTMENT, BIG TRAFFIC

The New York displays are built months in advance at off-site warehouses and then reassembled in November at the stores. Retailers also ship simpler, prepackaged window displays to their stores around the country.

Pedestrians stop to look at holiday window displays at Macy's flagship store in New York, November 22, 2013. The window displays are the secret weapon of brick-and-mortar retailers, luring shoppers away from their computers at a time when ecommerce is more popular than ever. The cost for holiday displays is a tiny fraction of what retailers spend on television ads and other marketing, but they boost store traffic and generate buzz. In New York City, displays are built months in advance at off-site warehouses and then reassembled in November at the stores. Picture taken November 22. To match Feature HOLIDAY-WINDOWS/STORES REUTERS)

Companies contacted by Reuters declined to provide cost details, and they require designers to sign nondisclosure agreements. But Ron Friedman, retail practice leader at consulting firm Marcum LLP in Los Angeles, said many big retailers are spending about $300,000 to $500,000, less than in years past.

A ladder frames a window display advertising men's fashion and decorated with holiday ornaments inside the Saks Fifth Avenue store in New York, during preparations for the scheduled unveiling of the store's holiday windows, November 14, 2013. The window displays are the secret weapon of brick-and-mortar retailers, luring shoppers away from their computers at a time when ecommerce is more popular than ever. The cost for holiday displays is a tiny fraction of what retailers spend on television ads and other marketing, but they boost store traffic and generate buzz. Picture taken November 14. To match Feature HOLIDAY-WINDOWS/STORES (REUTERS)

"People are very cost-conscious today," said Friedman. Shoppers are expected to cut back spending by 2 percent, to $737.95, on average, from a year ago, according to the National Retail Federation. "We're in for a very tough holiday season, and all stores are planning on that and watching their budgets."

A pedestrian walks past a window display embellished with holiday decorations at the Saks Fifth Avenue store in New York, prior to the scheduled unveiling of the store's holiday windows, November 14, 2013. The window displays are the secret weapon of brick-and-mortar retailers, luring shoppers away from their computers at a time when ecommerce is more popular than ever. The cost for holiday displays is a tiny fraction of what retailers spend on television ads and other marketing, but they boost store traffic and generate buzz. Picture taken November 14. To match Feature HOLIDAY-WINDOWS/STORES (REUTERS)

Yet even a small investment in holiday decoration can have an exponential impact on flagship stores, which bring in heavy traffic.

Saks Fifth Avenue's Manhattan store generates about 20 percent of the chain's entire sales, and Tiffany & Co's Fifth Avenue store accounts for 8 percent of its sales.

Pedestrians stop to look at holiday window displays at Macy's flagship store in New York, November 22, 2013. The window displays are the secret weapon of brick-and-mortar retailers, luring shoppers away from their computers at a time when ecommerce is more popular than ever. The cost for holiday displays is a tiny fraction of what retailers spend on television ads and other marketing, but they boost store traffic and generate buzz. In New York City, displays are built months in advance at offsite warehouses and then reassembled in November at the stores. Picture taken November 22. To match Feature HOLIDAY-WINDOWS/STORES (REUTERS)

Macy's rivals the Empire State Building as the most popular tourist site in the city, according to Elina Kazan, spokeswoman for the store, which is halfway through a $400 million renovation. Its holiday windows attract about 7,500 people an hour, she said, and shopper traffic often doubles, to as many 75,000 a day during the season.

BRANDING PAYOFF

Retailers are betting that the money and effort spent on windows pay dividends throughout the year.

"It's not just to create that moment," said Deanna Francl, brand design leader for Gensler, a global design consulting firm based in San Francisco. "It's about how can I engage you with my brand so that when February comes around, I'll come back and see what you have for spring."

Workers hang up holiday decorations inside a window of the Saks Fifth Avenue store in New York, as they prepare for the scheduled unveiling of the store's holiday windows, November 14, 2013. The window displays are the secret weapon of brick-and-mortar retailers, luring shoppers away from their computers at a time when ecommerce is more popular than ever. The cost for holiday displays is a tiny fraction of what retailers spend on television ads and other marketing, but they boost store traffic and generate buzz. Picture taken November 14. To match Feature HOLIDAY-WINDOWS/STORES (REUTERS)

Olszewski said more stores are installing high-tech window displays to try to interest a new generation of shoppers.

"The physicality is what makes it special," said the Macy's designer, who incorporated a giant LED screen into his window to create an illusion of movement and depth to dazzle young viewers. "It's an experience you can't really get online."

Prestige and the shoppers it lures are also at stake. Windows are covered in smoke-gray screens until the day of their unveiling and themes are kept secret.

"We are all like cats in our turf," said Tom Beebe, who has designed more than 4,000 windows and been honored by the industry. His peers are often the toughest critics of the displays, he said.

"They are the ones who are going to see the wires, or the threads or the pins, or the bow that's not going to be tied perfectly."

CROSSOVER CHARM

For many older shoppers, the holiday windows hold nostalgic appeal, but the opening performances and ephemeral charm also seduce younger people accustomed to Snap Chat and Instagram, apps that celebrate instant, short-lived images.

Window designers at Saks paid tribute to social media this year, building its theme around a YouTube video of a yeti rumored to live on the roof of the store.

An app allows spectators to flick customized snowflake projections onto the display windows.

"It's a way to bridge the gap between online shopping and in-store retail experience," said Peter-Tolin Baker, another veteran designer of New York windows.

Janice Gates Kelly's teenager daughter recently dragged her from Connecticut to the opening of the Lord & Taylor windows in the city because she wanted to see Fifth Harmony perform.

"I do almost all my shopping online," Gates Kelly said. "When I come to these events, I think I should get here more with my kids, embrace the holiday."

An undated handout photo issued by Walking with the Wounded (WWTW) on November 22, 2013 shows (L-R) Guy Disney, Ibrar Ali, Kate Philp, Britain's Prince Harry, Richard Eyre and Duncan Slater of Team UK in the South Pole Allied Challenge 2013 expedition, as they prepare to leave from Cape Town to fly to Novo in Antarctica for a charity trek to the South Pole. The 29-year-old army attack helicopter pilot, other supporters and 12 injured personnel arrived on November 22, 2013 at the Novo airbase in Antarctica, where they are expected to stay for the next couple of days to acclimatise to the Antarctic weather and make final preparations for the charity race to the planet's southernmost point, which is expected to take 16 days. RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT  " (AFP)

An undated handout photo issued by Walking with the Wounded (WWTW) on November 22, 2013 shows members of Team UK in the South Pole Allied Challenge 2013 expedition, heading into the canteen at Novo, Antarctica, after arriving before starting a charity walk to the South Pole. Britain's Prince Harry has arrived in Antarctica ahead of the charity trek involving wounded servicemen and women. The 29-year-old army attack helicopter pilot, other supporters and 12 injured personnel arrived at the Novo airbase on November 22, 2013 , where they are expected to stay for the next couple of days to acclimatise to the Antarctic weather and make final preparations for the charity race to the planet's southernmost point, which is expected to take 16 days. RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT  " (AFP)

An undated handout photo issued by Walking with the Wounded (WWTW) shows (R-L) Britain's Prince Harry, Kate Philp, Guy Disney, Richard Eyre, Ibrar Ali and Duncan Slater of Team UK in the South Pole Allied Challenge 2013 expedition, as they arrive in Novo, Antarctica, for a charity trek to the South Pole. Prince Harry has arrived in Antarctica ahead of the charity trek involving wounded servicemen and women. The 29-year-old army attack helicopter pilot, other supporters and 12 injured personnel arrived at the Novo airbase in Antarctica, where they are expected to stay for the next couple of days to acclimatise to the Antarctic weather and make final preparations for the charity race to the planet's southernmost point, which is expected to take 16 days. RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT  " (AFP)

An undated handout photo issued by Walking with the Wounded (WWTW) shows Britain's Prince Harry, partron of Team UK in the South Pole Allied Challenge 2013 expedition, as he arrives in Novo, Antarctica, as he takes part in a charity walk to the South Pole. Prince Harry has arrived in Antarctica ahead of the charity trek involving wounded servicemen and women. The 29-year-old army attack helicopter pilot, other supporters and 12 injured personnel arrived at the Novo airbase in Antarctica, where they are expected to stay for the next couple of days to acclimatise to the Antarctic weather and make final preparations for the charity race to the planet's southernmost point, which is expected to take 16 days. RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT  " (AFP)

A monkey eats fruits during the annual  "monkey buffet" in Lopburi province, some 150 kms north of Bangkok. (AFP)

More than 2,000 kilos of fruits and vegetables were offered to the monkeys during the annual festival to help promote tourism in the area. (AFP)

Visitors look at the annual "monkey buffet" in Lopburi province, some 150 kms north of Bangkok. (AFP)

Hayden Panettiere attends Jony & Marc's (Red) Auction at Sotheby's New York to benefit The Global Fund to fight AIDS. (AP)

Hayden Panettiere (AP)

Hayden Panettiere (REUTERS)

Fashion model Anne Vyalitsyna attends Jony & Marc's (Red) Auction at Sotheby's New York to benefit The Global Fund to fight AIDS. (AP)

Jenna Bush Hager (L) and Barbara Bush, daughters of former U.S. President George Bush, attend Jony And Marc's (RED) Auction at Sotheby's in New York. (REUTERS)

Anchor Gayle King attends Jony And Marc's (RED) Auction at Sotheby's in New York. (REUTERS)

Courtney Love attends Jony And Marc's (RED) Auction at Sotheby's in New York. (REUTERS)

Bono (REUTERS)

The Edge, from Irish band U2, attends Jony And Marc's (RED) Auction at Sotheby's in New York. (REUTERS)

Model Helena Christensen attends Jony And Marc's (RED) Auction at Sotheby's in New York. Items were auctioned off to help fund AIDS research. (REUTERS)

Bono (L) of U2 and Chris Martin of Coldplay perform at Jony And Marc's (RED) Auction at Sotheby's in New York. (REUTERS)

Designer Marc Newson (L), Singer Bono (C) and Apple's Senior Vice President of Design Jony Ive attend Jony And Marc's (RED) Auction at Sotheby's in New York. (REUTERS)

Justin Bieber clenching his muscles for maximum effect. (Instagram)

Justin skateboarding (Instagram)

Justin mocked those who claimed he could not skate by posting this image. (Instagram)

Justin and Will Smith (Instagram)