For many families, the best time of the year wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the big red shirt. And after a year or two where some of Santa’s visits have mostly taken place, he may be about to experience some pent-up demand this holiday season.
In New York City, Santa Claus officially arrives at the end of the year Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Then he opened up shop in NYC over the next few weeks at Macy’s on 34th Street.
At Macy’s in the bustling downtown on the 34th, Mr. Claus hangs out in Santaland, a very festive location that resembles the North Pole. However, while Santa and his elves will be excited to visit the kids this year, there are a few things to know before you visit — including reservations and reservations. will run out quickly.
Here’s what you need to know to visit Macy’s Santaland in 2022.
Related: These are the best hotels for families in NYC
Things to know about Macy’s Santaland in NYC
Santaland at Macy’s Herald Square in NYC is a holiday wonderland. You wander through a 13,000 square meter Christmas village that features enchanted forest, rainbows, trees, lights, snow capped mountains, reindeer, train sets, Santa’s sleigh and more Moreover. In a normal year, more than 170,000 visitors visit Santaland.
As you pass through Santaland and it’s your turn to visit Santa (in your private room), you have a few minutes to chat with him about your holiday wish list, what the reindeers are up to, etc. There is also time for photos — both with your own camera and with the official camera. (Note that paid plans start at around $40, but you’re not obligated to purchase.)
Related: Tips for watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade in NYC
How to get a reservation for Macy’s Santaland
Macy’s Santaland is free to visit, but Santa is a very popular man.
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Over the years, the wait to meet him has been long. Long hours. Macy’s has tweaked the process over the past few years, and NYC Santaland now requires reservations.
You can do it Free booking online begins at 6:30 a.m. EST five days before your visit. And know that reservations have filled up quickly so far, so you’ll want to set an alarm to get the reservation you want if you don’t have much flexibility.
Hours vary slightly by day but typically last from morning until about 9pm most days. This year, Santa is in town from November 25 until the afternoon of December 24, when he has to head back to the North Pole to load his sleigh.
You can make reservations for up to six people, and Macy’s requires you to bring a printout of your reservation along with a QR code.
Best time to visit Macy’s Santaland
Santa is in Santaland from Black Friday to Christmas Eve, giving you almost a month to make your visit. However, some times are better choices than others. Santaland is usually busiest on Black Friday, on weekends, and in the last days before Christmas.
Note that even with a reservation, Macy’s says it can take 30-90 minutes to reach Santa, which is quite consistent with our experience in previous years. If you can visit Monday through Thursday before the last week before Christmas, it’s probably your best bet to keep spirits high and waits lower.
If you have to go during peak times, prepare yourself for a potty ride before queuing, layers of clothing that are easy to take off, a loaded electronic device and a little patience.
Tips for visiting Santaland
The North Pole may be frozen, but not Santaland. Based on my many visits, Santaland is really warm, which seems silly. The thick coats and sweaters you need when you’re out and about will melt you down in the long and slow line to Santa, so wear layers.
This year, you will also need a mask when visiting Santa. Santa and his elves will also wear face coverings.
A visit to 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 have another line after Santa. Just have one person wait in that line and send the rest to another, less crowded, part of Macy’s to wait for you.
If you or your kids want to visit a black or spanish speaking Santa, just be aware that when you book in advance you can usually let the elves know when you arrive. Those who require special accommodation to visit Santa can also note that when booking and then email [email protected].
New York City is especially magical during the holidays, so don’t miss Santaland when you’re in town. Just make sure to make a free reservation before your visit. If a family trip to NYC is in your future, here are some additional articles to point you in the right direction:
