Macy’s Santaland is one of New York City’s most magical and beloved Christmas traditions. Located in the flagship Macy’s Herald Square store, Santaland transforms into a winter wonderland every holiday season, where families and children can meet Santa Claus, explore festive displays, and enjoy interactive experiences. Macy’s Santaland has been enchanting visitors for decades and continues to be a top holiday destination for both locals and tourists.
Here’s your ultimate guide to experiencing the magic of Macy’s Santaland.
Overview of Macy’s Santaland
- Location: Macy’s Herald Square, 151 W 34th St, New York, NY 10001. Santaland is located on the 8th floor of Macy’s flagship store.
- Dates: Typically open from the day after Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve.
- Hours: Santaland generally operates during regular store hours but can vary slightly. Reservations are required, so be sure to check the official Macy’s website for the most up-to-date schedule.
- Admission: Free (but reservations are required).
The Santaland Experience
Macy’s Santaland is much more than just a visit with Santa Claus—it’s a magical Christmas experience that includes festive decor, holiday-themed displays, and interactive elements. Here’s what to expect:
Winter Wonderland Decorations
As soon as you enter Santaland, you’ll be transported into a whimsical winter world filled with festive lights, snow-covered trees, and elaborate holiday decorations. The entire 13,000-square-foot space is transformed into a sparkling, animated holiday village with Christmas trees, gingerbread houses, reindeer, and twinkling lights.
The Enchanted Forest
Guests walk through a series of enchanted scenes that are part of the Santaland journey. You’ll encounter festive villages, toy trains, candy canes, and animatronic characters that create an immersive holiday atmosphere. The Enchanted Forest features life-size displays, dancing polar bears, and elves preparing for Christmas.
Santa Express Train
A miniature train ride through a magical winter landscape filled with snowflakes and festive characters is one of the highlights of Santaland. While you don’t ride the train, you follow its path through the animated scenery, adding to the immersive experience.
Santa’s Workshop
As you make your way through the displays, you’ll eventually reach Santa’s Workshop. Here, Macy’s elves are busy preparing for Christmas Eve, building toys, wrapping presents, and getting everything ready for Santa’s big night. The vibrant and detailed scenes bring the story of Santa and his elves to life.
Meeting Santa Claus
The pinnacle of the Santaland experience is, of course, meeting Santa Claus! Children can sit on Santa’s lap, share their Christmas wish list, and take a professional photo with Santa. Macy’s does a fantastic job of making each child’s visit with Santa feel personal and magical, despite the number of visitors. You can purchase your photos afterward.
How to Reserve Tickets for Macy’s Santaland
Reservations Required
Macy’s Santaland requires advance reservations, which can be made online through the official Macy’s website. Reservations typically open in early November, and slots fill up quickly—especially for peak times like weekends and days close to Christmas. Here’s what you need to know:
- When to Book: Reservations open in early November, and it’s recommended to book as soon as possible, especially if you plan to visit on a weekend or closer to Christmas.
- How to Reserve: You can make a reservation on the official Macy’s website by selecting a date and time for your visit. The time slots are in 30-minute increments, and you can arrive at any point within your selected window.
- Cost: Admission to Santaland is free, but you’ll have the opportunity to purchase photos with Santa if desired.
Tips for Visiting Macy’s Santaland
Arrive Early
Even with a reservation, it’s a good idea to arrive early. Santaland is a popular holiday destination, and while the timed entry helps manage crowds, the earlier in the day you go, the smoother your experience will be.
Visit on Weekdays
If possible, try to visit Santaland on a weekday, especially earlier in the holiday season. Weekends, particularly in December, can be extremely crowded. A weekday visit ensures a more relaxed and enjoyable experience.
Take Your Time
There’s a lot to see at Santaland, so be sure to take your time and soak in all the festive details as you walk through the displays. Kids love interacting with the characters and the animatronics, so let them enjoy the magic of the moment.
Dress Comfortably
Macy’s Herald Square can get busy during the holidays, and you may spend some time walking around or waiting, so it’s best to dress comfortably. If you’re planning to take photos with Santa, consider wearing festive outfits for the best holiday photos!
Consider Purchasing Photos
Photos with Santa are professionally taken, and while the visit with Santa is free, the photos are an optional purchase. Macy’s offers a variety of photo packages, and they make for a great keepsake or holiday card. You can review your photos on-site and decide if you want to buy any.
Holiday Shopping at Macy’s Herald Square
While visiting Santaland, take the opportunity to explore Macy’s iconic flagship store. Herald Square is a shopping destination in its own right, with over 1 million square feet of retail space spread over 10 floors. Here are a few highlights:
Macy’s Christmas Window Displays
Macy’s Christmas windows are an essential part of the New York City holiday experience. Each year, the windows along 34th Street and 6th Avenue are elaborately decorated with whimsical and festive holiday scenes. Don’t miss this free and enchanting holiday display while at Macy’s.
Holiday Shopping
Macy’s offers a wide range of holiday gifts, from fashion and beauty products to home goods and toys. If you’re doing holiday shopping, consider browsing the store’s Christmas-themed section, where you’ll find seasonal decorations, ornaments, and gifts.
Other Holiday Attractions Near Santaland
Macy’s Santaland is located in the heart of Manhattan, close to several other iconic holiday attractions. Here are a few spots to visit while you’re in the area:
Bryant Park Winter Village
- What it is: A festive outdoor market and skating rink located just a few blocks away from Macy’s.
- Why visit: Enjoy ice skating at the rink, shop for unique gifts at the holiday market, and warm up with hot cocoa or seasonal treats.
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
- What it is: The world-famous Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is just a short subway ride away from Macy’s.
- Why visit: See the towering tree, enjoy the ice skating rink, and take in the dazzling holiday lights and decorations at one of NYC’s most iconic landmarks.
Empire State Building Holiday Lights
- What it is: The Empire State Building, just a few blocks from Macy’s, lights up in festive holiday colors during the Christmas season.
- Why visit: The building often hosts special holiday-themed light shows set to music during the holiday season, adding to the festive atmosphere in Midtown.
Getting to Macy’s Santaland
By Subway
- B, D, F, M, N, Q, R, W: All serve the 34th Street-Herald Square station, located directly outside Macy’s.
- 1, 2, 3: Serve the 34th Street-Penn Station stop, a short walk from Macy’s.
By Bus
- Numerous city buses stop near Herald Square, including the M34 crosstown bus.
Parking
- Parking near Macy’s Herald Square can be challenging, especially during the holidays. It’s best to use public transportation. However, if you need to drive, nearby parking garages are available for a fee.
History and Legacy of Macy’s Santaland
Macy’s Santaland has been a holiday tradition since the 1940s, when it was first introduced to bring joy to children during the Christmas season. Over the years, the experience has grown in size and scope, becoming a must-see for families during the holidays. Macy’s Herald Square, as the world’s largest department store, is also home to the famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, so it’s no surprise that Santaland has become equally iconic.
The tradition is tied to “Miracle on 34th Street”, the 1947 film that further solidified Macy’s as the ultimate destination for Christmas magic, making Santaland a key part of the store’s holiday experience.
Conclusion
Macy’s Santaland is a holiday experience like no other, offering a magical and interactive journey through a winter wonderland that culminates in a visit with Santa Claus. Whether you’re visiting with children, taking part in a long-standing family tradition, or simply looking to immerse yourself in the festive spirit, Santaland is a must-see during the holiday season in New York City. Combine your visit with holiday shopping, and check out nearby seasonal attractions to make the most of your Christmas experience in the Big Apple.
