DALLAS, Oct. 24, 2011/ — The 2011 Christmas Book was unveiled today by luxury retailer Neiman Marcus in Dallas. The 85th edition of this legendary book continues Neiman Marcus’s unmatched tradition of offering its customers a selection of spectacular and unique holiday gifts sure to make even their wildest dreams come true.

The arrival of the Christmas Book is considered by many to mark the official start of the holiday shopping season. This year’s edition of the Christmas Book carries on the Neiman Marcus tradition of presenting a refined selection of items across a broad range of categories for everyone on your holiday shopping list.

With a new collection of fantasy gifts certain to satisfy even the most indulgent appetite, the Christmas Book features exceptional and distinctive gifts and experiences, including an Assouline custom-built library, a “Dream Folly” opulent customized yurt, a Neiman Marcus-edition Hacker-Craft speedboat and a table-tennis table that doubles as a contemporary work of art. This year’s featured car is the 2012 Ferrari FF, bespoke for Neiman Marcus.

The “His & Hers” fantasy gift tradition continues this year with a pair of dancing fountains from WET, the company behind the world’s most famous fountains.

First published in 1926 as a 16-page booklet, the Neiman Marcus Christmas Book was initially intended as a Christmas card to the store’s best customers. Building on tradition through the years, the book has maintained its personal touch while evolving into a legendary source for alluring and mystical gifts.

Eight of the fantasy gifts offered in the Christmas Book feature a unique charitable component. The 2011 featured charities include Water.org, the Double H Ranch, Stone Barns Center, First Book, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, amfAR™ and Big Brothers Big Sisters.

“The annual holiday tradition continues this year with a new selection of fantasy gifts that cater to people’s wildest dreams and promise to provide truly unique, once-in-a-lifetime experiences,” said John E. Koryl, President of Neiman Marcus Direct. “This year’s gifts live up to the time honored tradition of presenting our customers with the rare and unusual, while also incorporating connections to a group of wonderful charitable organizations that will see a tremendous benefit from the sale of their corresponding fantasy gifts.”

Once again, customers may access the Christmas Book on Apple’s iPad via the “NM Editions” app.