Macy's Santaland is an interactive experience for children and adults that takes place annually since 1862[1] during November and December at Macy's Herald Square.[2]
The installation spans 13,000 square feet and has over 200,000 visitors per year, and is built on the 8th floor of Macy's Herald Square.[3][4] The installation has fake snow and a train meant to signify taking people to the North Pole. It also includes train, snowmen, and a colorful rainbow bridge.[5]
It is free for families to visit Santa, with reservations starting at 6:30am. If families would like to add a professional picture package, they start at $39.99. Santaland starts the day after the Macy's Santa rides through the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.[6]
Every year, Macy's hired over a hundred elves to help customers throughout the season.[7]
In popular culture, Santaland was represented at central location of David Sedaris' Santaland Diaries.[8]
References
- Náosha Gregg. Macy’s Herald Square Welcomes Santa for Holiday Season www.newyorkfamily.com, November 28, 2024, retrieved March 2, 2025^
- Alexandra Hurtado. How to Experience the Magic of Macy's Santaland 2024 Parade, December 10, 2024, retrieved March 2, 2025^
- Robert Klara. Macy's Santaland Still Enchants Believers After 163 Years