For many families, the most wonderful time of the year isn’t complete without a visit from the big man in red. And one of the best places in the US to see it is Macy’s on 34th Street in New York City.
Santa Claus officially arrives at the tail end of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and then sets up shop in New York City for the next few weeks at the Macy’s on 34th Street.
At the bustling midtown Macy’s on 34th, Mr. Claus hangs out in Santaland, a very festive space on the store’s eighth floor that looks like the North Pole. But while Santa and his elves will be thrilled to visit with the kiddos this year, there are a few things to know before you go — including the fact that reservations are again required and will fill up quickly.
Here’s what you need to know to visit Messina’s Santaland in 2024.
What is Macy’s Santaland in New York City?
SantaLand at Macy’s Herald Square in New York City is a holiday wonderland. You’ll wander through a 13,000-square-foot Christmas Village featuring an enchanted forest, a rainbow bridge, trees, lights, snow-capped mountains, reindeer, train sets, Santa’s sleigh and oh so much more. More than 170,000 visitors typically pass through Santaland each year.
When you walk through Santaland and it’s your turn to visit Santa (in a private-ish room), you get a few minutes to chat with him about your holiday wish list, what reindeer do, and more.
There’s also time for photos — both with your camera and the official camera.
Related: These are the best New York City hotels for families to check out
How to get a Macy’s Santaland reservation
Messina Santaland is free to visit, but Santa is a very popular man. For the past few years, reservations have been required for the New York City SantaLand experience, which will be true in 2024.
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you can make Free online reservation Beginning at 6:30 a.m. EST five days prior to your visit. For example, to visit on the first day Santa is in town, Nov. 29 (the day after Thanksgiving), reservations open early on Nov. 24 — and they usually go quickly, so set an alarm so you don’t miss out.
Hours vary slightly by day but generally run from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Macy’s asks that you bring a printout of your reservation with the QR code.
Best time to visit Messina Santaland
Since Santa takes up residence in Santaland from Black Friday through Christmas Eve, you’ll have about a month to plan your visit. However, some times are better than others. Santaland is usually busiest on Black Friday, weekends and the final days leading up to Christmas.
Note that even with the required reservation, Macy’s says it can take 30 to 90 minutes for Santa to arrive. If you can visit Monday through Thursday in the final week before Christmas, that’s probably your best bet to keep spirits bright and have a relatively short wait.
If you must go during peak times, prepare yourself with potty breaks before getting in line and bring a loaded electronic device and some patience.
Tips for Visiting Messina Santaland
The North Pole can be cold, but Santaland often isn’t. Based on my multiple visits, Santaland is really hot, which sounds silly. Those thick coats and sweaters you need outside will melt you into Santa’s long, slow lines, so dress in layers.
Visits with Santa are free, but photo packages are not. You don’t have to buy official photos, but if you do, they start at about $40, and there’s another line for Santa after seeing him. Just have one person wait in that line and send the rest of the crew to another less crowded part of Macy’s to wait for you.
Macy’s wants Santa to appear as real-world as your child imagines, so whether you or your child choose to visit with a black or Spanish-speaking Santa, just note on your reservation that you can usually tell the elves. when you come
Those who need special accommodations to visit Santa can add them to their reservation and then email santalandnewyork@macys.com. Sometimes sensory-friendly early mornings are also available, so check for those when planning your visit.
The bottom line
New York City is especially magical during the holidays, so don’t miss Santaland while you’re in town. Just be sure to make a free reservation before your visit so you don’t miss out on seeing Santa.
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