New York City has many iconic Christmas locations; there’s the tree in Rockefeller Center, Ice Skating rinks at 30 Rock, Bryant Park, and Central Park, the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall, and many more spots. But, if you’re going to visit Santa Claus, there’s one place that stands out from the rest.
Rowland H. Macy opened R.H. Macy & Co. as a dry goods store in 1858. Santa Claus appeared first at the store in 1861. In 1902, Macy’s moved to its current location at Herald Square. The First Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade was hosted in 1924. Miracle on 34th St. opened in theaters in 1947, cementing Macy’s Santaland legacy as the place to meet jolly old St. Nick.
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Meeting Santa Claus at Macy’s is an event. Visitors wind their way through a Christmas maze as they wait to meet Santa. There are my photo opportunities that will look great on your Christmas cards. Elves guide visitors throughout the experience. Once Santa is ready, visitors walk in and are greeted by the man himself. After a brief chat and the age-old question, “What do you want for Christmas?” they snap a photo. After your visit, walk around the outside and check out Macy’s Christmas windows. That’s been our tradition for 18 years.
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Santaland is on the 8th floor inside Macy’s and reservations are required. To schedule your reservations, click here. Reservations begin November 20th. Macy’s Santaland is open from November 25th to December 24th. The Christmas windows begin November 17th and stay until January 23rd.
Have a great time and Merry Christmas.
Check out these Christmas ideas:
The Best Christmas Trees to visit in NYC
Paleyland is our Newest Favorite Christmas Activity
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Beautiful photos, entertaining, and good directions.