For many families, the most wonderful time of the year isn’t complete without a visit to the big man in red. One of the best places to see him in the United States is at 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 Parade before setting up shop at Macy’s massive flagship store in New York City over the next few weeks.
In the bustling Macy’s downtown, Mr. Claus wanders around Santa’s Land, an eighth-floor holiday resort that feels like he’s at the North Pole. But while Santa and his elves will be excited to bring the kids to visit this year, there are a few things to know before you go, including the fact that reservations are once again required and, like every year, the place is likely to fill up quickly.
Here’s what you need to know when visiting Macy’s Santa Claus Land in 2025.
What is Macy’s Santa Claus Land in New York City?
Santa’s Land at Macy’s Herald Square in New York City is a holiday wonderland where you’ll stroll through the 13,000-square-foot Christmas Village, complete with an enchanted forest, rainbow bridge, trees, lights, snowy mountains, reindeer, trains, Santa’s sleigh and more. Around 200,000 tourists usually pass through Santaland each year.
Once you’ve made it through Santa Claus Land, it’s your turn to visit Santa at his private residence, where you’ll have a few minutes to chat with him about your holiday wish list, what’s going on with the reindeer, and more.
There’s also time to take photos – using your own equipment and an official camera.
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How to get a reservation at Macy’s Santaland
Macy’s Santa’s Land is free to visit, but Santa is a very popular person. Reservations have been required for the Santa Claus Experience in New York City for the past few years, and that will still be the case in 2025.
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You can reserve for free online starting at 6:30 a.m. EST six days before your visit. For example, to visit on Santa’s first day in town on November 28 (the day after Thanksgiving), reservations open early in the morning on November 23 — and they book up fast, so set your alarm so you don’t miss out.
Times vary slightly each day, but generally run from morning to around 9pm. This year, Santa Claus will be in town from the afternoon of November 28 to December 24, when he must return to the North Pole to load his sleigh.
Macy’s requires that you bring a printout of your reservation with a QR code.
Best time to visit Macy’s Santaland:
With Santa taking up residence in Santaland from Black Friday to Christmas Eve, you’ll have nearly a month to plan your visit. However, some days are better than others. Santa Claus is usually busiest on Black Friday, the weekend, and the last few days before Christmas.
Note that even if a reservation is required, Macy’s says it can take 30 to 90 minutes to get to Santa. If you can visit from Monday to Thursday before the last week before Christmas, this might be your best option to keep the mood in good spirits and the wait time relatively short.
If you must go during peak hours, prepare for bathroom breaks before queuing, bring powered electronics and exercise some patience.
Tips for visiting Macy’s Santa Claus Land
The Arctic may be cold, but Sontaland usually isn’t. In fact, based on my many visits, Sontaland is actually quite warm, which seems silly. Thick coats and sweaters for outings will make you melt in Santa’s long, slow line, 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 a line after you meet Santa. Your best bet is to have just one person in your line waiting, and then send the rest of the staff to another less crowded area of Macy’s to wait for you.
Macy’s wants Santa to be as present in the real world as he is in your children’s minds, so if you or your children prefer to visit with a black or Spanish-speaking Santa, just mention it when booking (or you can usually let the elves know when you arrive).
Those who need special accommodations to visit Santa can also add them to their reservation and email santalandnewyork@macys.com. There are also two sensory-friendly mornings and one evening available during the season, so be sure to check them out when planning your visit.
bottom line
New York City is especially magical during the holidays, so don’t miss Macy’s Santa’s Land while you’re in town. Be sure to make a free reservation before visiting so you don’t miss your chance to meet Santa Claus in person.
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