For many families, the most wonderful time of the year is not complete without a visit to the big man in red. And one of the best places in America to see it is Macy’s in Herald Square on 34th Street in New York City.
Santa Claus officially arrives at the end of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Paradeand then settles into New York City for the next few weeks at the massive Macy’s flagship.
Inside the bustling Midtown Macy’s, Mr. Claus hangs out in Santaland, a holiday retreat on the eighth floor that looks like the North Pole. But while Santa and his elves will be happy to visit the kids this year, there are a few things you should know before you go, including the fact that reservations are once again required, and, as in previous years, they’re likely to fill up quickly.
Here’s what you need to know to visit Macy’s Santaland in 2025.
What is Macy’s Santaland in New York City?
Santaland at Macy’s Herald Square in New York City is a Christmas wonderland, where you’ll wander through a 13,000-square-foot Christmas village featuring an enchanted forest, rainbow bridge, trees, lights, snow-capped mountains, reindeer, trains, Santa’s sleigh and more. Approximately 200,000 visitors usually pass through Santaland each year.
Once you tour Santaland and it’s your turn to visit Santa in his private rooms, you’ll have a few minutes to chat with him about your Christmas wish lists, what the reindeer are up to, and more.
There is also time for photos, both with the device itself and with the official cameras.
Related: These are the best New York City hotels for families to visit
How to get a reservation at Macy’s Santaland
Macy’s Santaland is free to visit, but Santa is a very popular man. For the past few years, the Santaland experience in New York City has required reservations, which will continue to be the case in 2025.
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you can do free online reservations beginning at 6:30 am EST six days before your visit. For example, to visit on the first day Santa is in town, November 28 (the day after Thanksgiving), reservations open early on the morning of November 23 and sell out quickly, so set an alarm to avoid missing out.
The schedule varies slightly depending on the day, but generally runs from the morning until around 9 pm This year, Santa Claus is in town from November 28 until the evening of December 24, when he has to return to the North Pole to load his sleigh.
Macy’s asks that you bring a printed copy of your reservation with the QR code.
Best time to visit Macy’s Santaland
Since Santa Claus will be taking up residence in Santaland from Black Friday to Christmas Eve, you’ll have almost a month to plan your visit. However, some times are better than others. Santaland is usually busiest on Black Friday, weekends, and the last few days before Christmas.
Note that even with a reservation required, Macy’s says it can take 30 to 90 minutes to get to Santa. If you can visit Monday through Thursday before the last week before Christmas, that’s probably your best bet to keep the mood bright and the wait relatively short.
If you must go during rush hour, be prepared with bathroom breaks before waiting in line, and bring a charged electronic device and some patience.
Tips for visiting Macy’s Santaland
The North Pole may be frozen, but Santaland often isn’t. In fact, based on my many visits, Santaland is quite warm, which seems silly. Those thick coats and sweaters you need outside will make you melt in the long, slow line to Santa, so dress in layers.
Visiting Santa is free, but photo packages are not. You don’t have to buy the official photos, but if you do, they cost about $40 and there’s another line for that after you see Santa. The best thing to do is have only one person in your group wait in that line and send the rest of the team to another, less crowded part of Macy’s to wait for you.
Macy’s wants Santa to appear in the real world just as he appears in your child’s mind, so if you or your child would prefer to visit a black or Spanish-speaking Santa, simply write it down in your reservation (or you can usually let the elves know when you arrive).
Those requiring special accommodations to visit Santa can also add it to their reservation and then email santalandnewyork@macys.com. There are also two sensory early mornings and one afternoon available this season, so be sure to check them out when planning your visit.
In a nutshell
New York City is especially magical during the holidays, so don’t miss Macy’s Santaland while you’re in town. Be sure to make a free reservation before your visit so you don’t miss your chance to see Santa Claus himself.
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