Of all the cherished holiday traditions in New York City perhaps none is more magical for children than seeing Santa at Macy’s. Tucked inside the largest department store in the world, no expense is spared to make this a memorable affair for your little one.
But managing the crowds at Macy’s Santaland is not for the faint of heart. Attracting 170,000 visitors a year, there are a few key things to know to keep the visit enjoyable for all. Let’s dive in!
Back by popular demand for 2024: I’m sharing the personalized 4 Day Itinerary I created for my own family and friends on how to enjoy the city’s most iconic holiday experiences as efficiently as possible in 4 days (a comprehensive 30 page guide). Five years in the making, the guide was created for the people I love most, so it’s full of activities, restaurants and neighborhoods I personally visit and enjoy. If you’re interested, you can find more information here (limited to 50 sales in 2024).
Visiting Macy’s Santaland in NYC
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Macy’s Santaland in New York City (Table of Contents)
Visiting New York City? If you haven’t decided where to stay (yet) check out our helpful guide on Where to Stay in New York City (The best neighborhoods for first timers +3 to avoid). Don’t have time? Here’s my favorite hotel in NYC, hands down.
What is Santaland?
A tradition dating back to 1862, Macy’s Santaland is an iconic Christmas experience where families get the chance to wander through whimsical winter villages and meet Santa in person. The event takes over the 8th floor of Macy’s flagship in Herald Square.
With nearly 170,000 visitors a year, Santa needs all the help he can get! Helpful elves guide you through the floor to keep things moving slowly.
When is Macy’s Santaland in 2024?
The annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade (November 28, 2024) ends at Herald Square, where Santa rings in the holiday season. From there, Santa sets up shop on the 8th floor where he diligently prepares for the big day with his reindeer and elves in tow.
Santaland officially kicks off on Black Friday at 10am and ends Christmas Eve (December 24th).
Reservations Are Required
Seeing Santa at Macy’s is a very popular affair, so (free) advanced reservations are required. Reservations go live at 6:30am (EDT) daily and can be reserved 5 days in advance.
So, if you have a particular date in mind, set an alarm for 6:30am (New York time) five days in advance. Reservations can be made on the official Macy’s Santaland in New York City website.
Keen to inspire all children, Macy’s allows you to select the Santa you envision (Caucasian, Black or Spanish-speaking) when making reservations.
What to Expect at Macy’s Santaland in NYC
While the primary attraction is the Big Man himself, you’ll get a chance to wander through some magical decor until the fateful hour strikes. The walk-through experience features themed rooms that leave you wondering what looms around every turn.
Best billed as the North Pole on steroids, the 13,000-square-foot Christmas village features an enchanted forest, festive trees, towering nutcrackers, charming reindeer, and an iconic rainbow bridge.
On top of engaging little ones, parents will appreciate all the photo-taking opportunities. Between the life-size trains and epic winter village decor you’ll be filling up your camera roll in no time.
The final destination is a semi-private room where a friendly Santa patiently awaits to chat about your holiday wishes. Professional photos will be taken (which you can purchase if you’d like) and then you get a chance to take some photos on your phone.
Why You Might NOT Enjoy Visiting Macy’s Santaland
Although Macy’s Santaland in NYC is magical for kids, some parents would argue it’s the top contender if Dante’s Inferno ever needs an update.
First, reservations can be difficult to score. Second, even if you get reservations, you should anticipate waiting up to 90 minutes to see Santa. Plan your visit for Monday-Thursday and avoid the week of Christmas like the plague to set yourself up for success.
For what it’s worth, I’ve visited Santaland a few times with my niece and she’s had a blast every single time. If you can brace for mind-boggling crowds and long lines, I think you can power through the experience and (most importantly) I’m sure your kids will love the experience.
Fun Facts About Santaland at Macy’s
- Children started visiting Santa at Macy’s as early as 1862 at the original flagship location on 6th Ave & 14th St. before the flagship moved to Herald Square in 1902.
- Santa first arrived at Macy’s to wrap the Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1924. Visiting Santa at New York City’s Macy’s store became an annual tradition from that point forward, but it paused during the Great Depression and World War II. The event moved to the 8th floor permanently in 1977.
Frequently Asked Questions: What to Know About Macy’s Santaland
No, you won’t have much luck showing up to Macy’s Santaland in New York City without reservations. They’re free, you just need to book them in advance.
Absolutely! Anyone can visit Santa at Macy’s Santaland in New York City.
Macy’s Santaland in New York City is open from Thanksgiving to Christmas Eve. In 2024 that’s November 28th through December 24th.
Macy’s Santaland is a festive and enchanting holiday experience, featuring a magical winter wonderland with elaborate decorations, Santa Claus meet-and-greet opportunities, and joyful displays.
Macy’s Santaland in New York City is on the eighth floor of their Herald Square store.
New York City Christmas Guides
- What to Wear in New York City in the Winter (+Packing List)
- 15 Charming Christmas Shows in New York City (2023 Guide)
- 20 Free Things to Do During Christmas in New York City
- 15+ Captivating Christmas Trees in NYC and Where to Find Them
- 20 Toothsome Restaurants Open on Christmas Day in New York City
- 15 Epic New York City Christmas Restaurants You’re Sure to Love
- New York Christmas Decorations: Where to Find Festive Decor in NYC
I hope you found this guide to visiting Santa at Macy’s in New York City helpful. Happy holidays!
nyc
Not trying to hate, but this would definitely be a one-star attraction. It is completely overrated and there is no purpose of going there. Here’s why.
When my family went, we started in a line that scrambled throughout the back halls. We were waiting for about three hours! After that, an employee sent us to a new section of the line; basically the same thing but more decorated (by more decorated I mean two dollar store pine trees). After that, we got to meet Santa. We were excited to see what else there might be, because we thought that nobody who knew better would wait four hours to see a man wearing a beard and a hat. So we stepped out and the whole thing was over. The store also promised us that we’d be able to see Santa within a half hour. So if you are reading this, I’m here to tell you that you shouldn’t go to Santaland if you don’t wanna spend half your day to meet Santa.
Thank you
@Gavin, Hi! So sorry to hear about your experience, but thank you for taking the time to share it so other folks know what to expect. We’re all about transparency so real-world reviews like this are awesome.
Thanks again, AB.
Hi! Great tips! So I might have missed it in your post, but can you see/walk through Santaland without seeing Santa? Or do you need a reservation to even walk through Santaland? I tried to make a reservation but within a minute of opening, the reservations were booked FULL! Wow! I was expecting some of that but not that quick.
I appreciate your help. Trying to make more magic happen for my little boy.
MG
Hi Martha, unfortunately you do need a reservation to enter Macy’s Santaland. I would keep trying and possibly even setting an alarm to be one of the first ones on the site for reservations.