Sydney locals are expressing their frustration after the sudden cancellation of David Jones’ renowned Christmas window display this year.

Phil, a father from Hornsby Heights, shared his disappointment over the change with radio station 2GB, lamenting the loss of a cherished family tradition he was hoping to continue with his seven-year-old daughter, Lucy.

“I searched through Elizabeth Street, Castlereagh Street, and Market Street, but found no Christmas windows,” he explained to 2GB’s Clinton Maynard.

Phil highlighted his disbelief, noting, “For the past 70 years, this has been a staple of David Jones’ festive celebrations.”

Reflecting on the past, he said, “I came across an old photograph from 1952 showing children gathered around the store.”

He fondly recounted family stories, adding, “My mother often talked about my grandfather taking her to see the displays when she was a child, making it a long-standing tradition.”

“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.