Tips for visiting Macy Santaland in New York City in 2025

For many families, the most wonderful time of the year is not complete without a visit from the Big Man in Red. One of the best locations in the United States to see it is 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, then sets up shop in New York City for the next few weeks at the massive Macy’s flagship store.

Inside bustling Midtown Macy’s, Mr. Claus spends time at Santaland, an eighth-floor party retreat that feels like the North Pole. But while Santa and his elves will be happy for 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, as in previous years, they’ll likely fill up quickly.

Here’s what you need to know to visit Macy’s Santaland in 2025.

What is Macy Santaland in New York City?

Santaland at Macy’s Herald Square in New York City is a holiday wonderland, where you’ll wander through a 13,000-square-foot Christmas village featuring an enchanted forest, rainbow bridge, trees, lights, snow-capped mountains, reindeer, train sets, Santa’s sleigh and much more. Nearly 200,000 visitors typically pass through Santaland each year.

Once you’ve made your way through Santaland and it’s your turn to visit Santa at his special residence, you’ll get a few minutes to chat with him about your holiday wish lists, what the reindeer are doing and more.

There’s also time to take photos, either with your own device or official cameras.

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

How to get a reservation for Messe Santaland

Macy’s Santaland is free to visit, but Santa is a very popular guy. For the past few years, New York City’s Santaland experience has required reservations, which remains true in 2025.

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You can make Free online reservations Starting at 6:30 a.m. EST six days before your visit. For example, for a visit on Santa’s first day in town, November 28 (the day after Thanksgiving), reservations open early in the morning on November 23 — and they go fast, so set your alarm to avoid missing out.

Hours vary slightly depending on the day but generally run from morning until around 9pm. Santa is in town this year from November 28 until the afternoon of 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 along with the QR code.

Best time to visit Macy’s Santaland

With Santa staying in Santaland from Black Friday through Christmas Eve, you’ll have nearly a month to plan your visit. However, some times are better than others. Santaland is usually busiest on Black Friday, on weekends, and in the final days before Christmas.

Note that even with reservations required, Macy’s says it can take 30 to 90 minutes to get to Santa. If you can visit Monday through Thursday before the last week before Christmas, this is probably your best option to keep spirits bright and the wait relatively short.

If you have to go during peak times, prepare yourself with bathroom breaks before standing in line, and bring a loaded electronic device with you and some patience.

Tips for visiting Messe Santaland

The North Pole may be frozen, but Santaland often isn’t. In fact, based on my multiple visits, Santaland is actually quite warm, which seems ridiculous. 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 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 that after you see Santa. Your best bet is to have only one person in your group 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 well as he does in your child’s mind, so if you or your child would prefer to visit a black or Spanish-speaking Santa, just note that in your reservation (or you can usually tell the elves when you arrive).

Those who need special accommodations for Santa’s visit can also add them to their reservation and then email santalandnewyork@macys.com. There are also two early morning and one evening slots available this season, so be sure to check them out when planning your visit.

Bottom line

New York City has a special charm during the holidays, so don’t miss a visit to Macy’s Santaland while you’re in town. Be sure to make your free reservation before your visit so you don’t miss out on seeing Santa himself.

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