Sydney locals have expressed their disappointment with David Jones following the unexpected cancellation of its renowned Christmas window display this year.

Phil, a father from Hornsby Heights, shared with 2GB radio that the decision disrupted a cherished family tradition he had been passing on to his seven-year-old daughter, Lucy.

“I wandered along Elizabeth Street, then Castlereagh Street, and Market Street—no Christmas windows,” he recounted to 2GB’s host, Clinton Maynard.

“It’s astonishing given that this has been a hallmark of David Jones for the past 70 years,” he remarked.

Phil added, “While going through old records, I came across a photo from 1952 showing children gathered around the display.”

“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.