Ho ho ho – the holidays are here! For those who celebrate Christmas, the holiday season would not be complete without a trip to see Santa Claus. The good news – there are plenty of places to meet Santa in New York City! Get your Christmas wish lists ready quick, and read on for a list of our favorite places to grab a seat, next to jolly old St. Nick.
FREE Santas in New York City
Santaland – Macy’s Herald Square
The grand finale of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is the arrival of Santa Claus to the city. After the parade, Santa heads over to take his seat at Macy’s Santaland on 34th Street. This Santa, due to the Miracle on 34th Street movie fame, is the real Santa, and as such visitors come from across the world to meet him. There is much more to this experience than just a few candy canes and a throne – Macy’s Santaland in NYC is truly an entire North Pole wonderland and full of theatrics and incredible decor; such as (simulated) train rides that arrive at the North Pole in Disney-esque proportions. It is magical and not to be missed! Completely FREE! Reservations are required to enter.
Macy’s Santaland. Herald Square. 151 W. 34th Street. Macy’s Santaland is on the 8th Floor. More information and reservations HERE.
Bloomingdales Santaland
Santa is back at Bloomingdales Flagship this holiday season! No reservations are needed, just bring the family to the 6th floor (near the Holiday ornament section) to meet the big guy in red! The experience allows you to take your own pictures and includes two free printed photos to take home. All children also receive a free goodie packet with stickers and a button.
Santaland at Bloomingdales. 1000 Third Avenue, between 59th Street and Lexington Avenue. Santaland is on the 6th Floor. Santaland is not currently on the Bloomingdales website. More on the store, HERE.
Selfies with Santa – Brookfield Place
The magic of the holiday season comes alive with a complimentary Santa experience at Brookfield Place. Walk in or make a same-day reservation. Kicks off on Dec 7th from 10 am – 12 pm, with a special one-time-only Pet Photo session from 4:00-7:00 (note: Small dogs under 25 lbs only. Dogs must be carried or in a carrier at all times, with the exception of service animals.) Santa visits continue through December. See website for full details.
Selfies with Santa. Brookfield Place. 230 Vesey Street. Santa will be in the Atrium. More information HERE.
Santa Claus – The Plaza Hotel
Santa will be spreading cheer throughout The Plaza hotel for overnight and dining guests this festive season. He will be spending time in the lobby and restaurants during the visitations. Visit on select Fridays and Saturdays to see Santa host story time in the Rose Club. More than just Santa! Visit to take in the Holiday Tea Time or to watch “Tappy Hour,” a performance by a precision dance troupe in the lobby. Santa’s hours vary (and are too long to list here) find a complete list of dates and times on the website.
Santa Claus at the Plaza Hotel. Herald Square. 768 Fifth Avenue. More information HERE.
Photo with Santa Claus – Hudson Yards
Santa is flying his sleigh to The Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards this season! Take complimentary photos with Santa 5:00pm – 8:00pm Monday-Friday in a winter wonderland located on the third level. First come, first serve. Free and open to the public. No RSVP required. When Santa is not in town, you can take a picture to remember at the sparkle spot selfie station. Simply place your phone on the stand and snap away for a lasting memory.
Hudson Yards. 20 Hudson Yards. Santa Experience is located on Level 3 by H&M and Zara. More info HERE.
FDNY Annual Santa Rescue – New York City Fire Museum
Watch as an FDNY ladder truck rescues Old Saint Nick from the rooftop of the Museum at this fun annual event. The rescue takes place at 12 noon (sharp!). After watching the rescue unfold you can go inside the museum and pose for photos with Santa. Watching the rescue is free and open to the public (no tickets needed). Meet and greet with Santa requires entry to the museum, which is $15 per person. Tickets sell out, be sure to book in advance HERE.
New York City Fire Museum. 278 Spring Street. Rescue event on Sunday, Dec 3rd at 12 Noon. The rescue happens in front of the museum. More information HERE.
Santa’s Corner – Bryant Park
With a skyline backdrop of the city and the beautiful Le Carrousel spinning, Santa’s Corner in Bryant Park is a charming place to visit St. Nicholas. Santa stops by the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park for free photo opportunities in the month of December. Families can bring their own camera or cell phone to snap their own pic, or elves will take a photo that can be downloaded from Santa’s Flickr page.
Santa’s Corner in Bryant Park. Winter Village at Bryant Park, between 40th and 42nd Streets & Fifth and Sixth Avenues. Santa’s Corner is located near the carousel. FREE. December 15, 2023 – December 21, 2023. 10am – 12pm More information HERE.
Experiences – Santa in New York City
Santa at Rockefeller Center
Bring the whole family and capture the magic of the season with a heartwarming photo with Santa Claus himself! Watch your little ones’ faces light up with joy as they share their holiday wishes and dreams with the man in the red suit. Includes digital photo package, plus two prints. Rockefeller Center is also offering Holiday VIP Tours (which include a Santa visit!). Find our more about these HERE.
Santa at Rockefeller Center. 30 Rockefeller Center. $$. Daily through December 24. More information and to book a time slot HERE.
Santa Claus Experiences – The Plaza Hotel
Santa will be spreading cheer throughout The Plaza hotel for overnight and dining guests this festive season. He will be spending time in the lobby and restaurants during the visitations. Visit on select Fridays and Saturdays to see Santa host story time in the Rose Club. More than just Santa! Visit to take in the Holiday Tea Time or to watch “Tappy Hour,” a performance by a precision dance troupe in the lobby. Santa’s hours vary (and are too long to list here) find a complete list of dates and times on the website.
Santa Claus at the Plaza Hotel. 768 Fifth Avenue. More information HERE.
Breakfast with Santa – Macy’s
Rather not deal with the Macy’s Santalnad experience? A tastier option would be to book the Stella 34 Trattoria Breakfast with Santa, located at the beautiful Stella 34 Trattoria on the 6th floor. The restaurant offers stunning floor-to-ceiling windows, ample space, and most importantly, absolutely no lines or waiting! A delicious Italian breakfast with a choice of options, plentiful time with Santa, a keepsake photo, and takeaway treats are all included in this sweet Santa package.
Stella 34 Trattoria. Located on the 6th Floor of Macy’s. 151 West 34th Street NYC. Reservations Required. More information and reservations HERE.
More Holiday fun? Read about the best light shows in NYC HERE.
