Skip to content

Reservations required: How to visit Santaland at Macy’s on 34th Street in 2023

Nov. 13, 2023
6 min read
Santaland Rainbow Bridge
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don’t cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.

For many families, the most wonderful time of the year isn't complete without a visit to the big man in red. And one of the best spots in the U.S. to see him is at Macy's on 34th Street in New York City.

Santa Claus officially arrives at the very end of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and then sets up shop in New York City for the next few weeks at Macy's on 34th Street.

MACY'S

In the bustling midtown Macy's on 34th, Mr. Claus hangs out in Santaland, a very festive place on the eighth floor of the store that feels like the North Pole. But while Santa and his elves will be thrilled to visit with kiddos this year, there are some things to know before you go — including the fact that reservations are required and will likely fill up quickly.

Here's what you need to know to visit Macy's Santaland in 2023.

What is Macy's Santaland in New York City?

SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY

Santaland at Macy's Herald Square in New York City is a holiday wonderland. You 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 make their way through Santaland each year.

SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY

When you get 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 lists, what the reindeer are up to and more.

SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY

There is also time for photos — both with your camera and the official cameras.

Related: These are the best New York City hotels for families to check out

How to get a Macy's Santaland reservation

SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY

Macy's Santaland is free to visit, but Santa is a very popular man. For the last few years, the New York City Santaland experience has required reservations, which remains true in 2023.

Daily Newsletter
Reward your inbox with the TPG Daily newsletter
Join over 700,000 readers for breaking news, in-depth guides and exclusive deals from TPG’s experts
By signing up, you will receive newsletters and promotional content and agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.

You can make free reservations online starting at 6:30 a.m. EST five days before your visit. For the first day Santa is in town for visits on Nov. 24 (the day after Thanksgiving), reservations open early in the morning on Nov. 19 — and they will go quickly, so set an alarm so you don't miss out.

MACY'S

The hours vary slightly by day but generally run from morning until around 9 p.m.s. Santa is in town this year from Nov. 24 until the afternoon of Dec. 24, when he has to head back to the North Pole to load his sleigh.

You can make reservations for up to nine people, and Macy's asks that you bring a printout of your reservation with the QR code.

The best time to visit Macy's Santaland

SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY

Santa is at Santaland from Black Friday through Christmas Eve, giving you almost a month to make your visit. However, some times are better than others. Santaland is usually busiest on Black Friday, on the weekends and in the final days leading up to Christmas.

Note that even with a required reservation, Macy's says it can take 30 to 90 minutes to get to Santa. If you can visit from Monday through Thursday before that final week before Christmas, that's probably your best choice to keep spirits bright and the wait shorter.

SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY

If you must go during peak times, prepare yourself with potty breaks before getting in line, a loaded electronic device and some patience.

Tips for visiting Macy's Santaland

SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY

The North Pole may be freezing, but Santaland is often not. Based on my multiple visits, Santaland is actually 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.

A visit to Santa is free, but photo packages aren't. You don't have to buy the official photos, but if you do, they start around $40, and there's another line for that after Santa. Only 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 in the real world as he does in your child's mind, so should you or your child prefer a visit to a Black or Spanish-speaking Santa, just note that on your reservation, or you can usually let the elves know when you arrive.

Those who require special accommodations to visit Santa can also add them to their reservation and then email SantalandNewYork@macys.com. There are two sensory-friendly early mornings that will be available this season, so check for those when planning your visit.

Bottom line

New York City is especially magical during the holidays, so don't skip Santaland while you are in town. Just be sure to make a free reservation in advance of your visit so you don't miss out on seeing Santa.

Related reading:

Featured image by MACY'S DEPARTMENT STORE
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.