The Dayton's Christmas window display made a return this year, as part of the historic building's rejuvenation.

But some yearn to step back in time during the festive season, with Bill Ewald among them.

The Minnetrista resident was among those who made a purchase during the auction for the shutdown of Macy's on Nicollet Mall, and he picked up one of the Christmas characters that were used in the famed displays.

Fast-forward to this Christmas, he's picked up 19 different pieces and characters from the former Dayton's story, which he told KSTP he's lovingly preserved and restored.

He shared photos of the results on Facebook, recreating "A Dickens Village" that appeared at Dayton's in 1966.

As we mentioned, displays returned to the Dayton's building this year as work on a redevelopment project nears its end.

The team behind the revamp said the new display is 'designed to celebrate the history of Dayton’s in Minneapolis while offering a glimpse into what the future holds."

You can hear more from Bill Ewald about his Christmas display in the video below from KSTP.