'Tis the season, and I'm here to talk touristing in your own city. News flash: the tourists are back and Midtown seems to be as packed as ever!
Here are the details if you're considering going to SantaLand (open through 12/24):
You’ll need to book a spot in line to meet and snap a photo with the busiest man of the season. St. Nick is at Santaland on the 8th floor of the Macy's Herald Square store, so brainstorm and bring your wish list for the guy who makes wishes come true. Professional photographers are on hand to capture the moment or you're welcome to snap your own photos.
Here's my take on the outing...
The good:
✅ easy registration on the Macy's website 5 days before (new tickets released at 5:30 am daily, I had no problem signing up around 7:30 am)
✅ free (if you don't buy their photo package at the end)
✅ great take-your-own picture opps
✅ an extremely charming and COVID-friendly meeting/chat with a gregarious Santa behind a dramatic desk (bye-bye knee-sitting traditions - I guess this was always pretty awkward anyway!?)
✅ great proximity to yummy Koreatown eats - my kids devoured the table-barbecued galbi at Jongro KBBQ!
The bad:
❌ lines! Even the festive, animated décor wasn’t enough to keep my kids from getting stir crazy. Try a weekday morning or prep for slow lines
❌ my 3 year old won’t stop asking when she’s getting the present she asked Santa for 🙄
Tips:
👍Easy entry to 8th floor via elevators at 35th/Broadway entrance of Macy's
👍Stroller really helped with jacket carrying and restless kids in line
👍You can also visit Santa "at home" with their virtual experience
👍Alternative Santa experience at Bloomingdale's 59th Street features walk-in photo shoots Saturday 10am-7 pm, Sunday + Christmas Week 10am-6pm. No online reservations needed, usually no lines, friendly elves, and a get free printed photo.
When: Nov. 25th – Dec. 24th
Address: Macy’s Herald Square, 151 W. 34th Street, New York, NY 10001. 8th floor, across from Au Bon Pain
*This article was originally published on Macaroni KID Brooklyn NW.
