Reservations required: How to visit Santaland at Macy’s on 34th Street in 2025
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 the Macy's at Herald Square 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 the massive flagship Macy's.
Within the bustling Midtown Macy's, Mr. Claus hangs out in Santaland, a festive retreat on the eighth floor 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 again required — and, as in previous years, will likely fill up quickly.
Here's what you need to know to visit Macy's Santaland in 2025.
What is Macy's 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, a rainbow bridge, trees, lights, snowcapped mountains, reindeer, train sets, Santa's sleigh and so much more. Approximately 200,000 visitors typically pass through Santaland each year.
Once you make your way through Santaland and it's your turn to visit Santa in his private-ish quarters, you get a few minutes to chat with him about your holiday wish lists, what the reindeer are up to and more.
There is also time for photos — both with your own device 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
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 2025.
You can make free reservations online starting at 6:30 a.m. EST six days prior to your visit. For example, to visit on the first day Santa is in town, Nov. 28 (the day after Thanksgiving), reservations open early in the morning on Nov. 23 — and they go quickly, so set an alarm to avoid missing out.
The hours vary slightly by day but generally run from morning until around 9 p.m. Santa is in town this year from Nov. 28 until the afternoon of Dec. 24, when he has to head back to the North Pole to load his sleigh.
Macy's asks that you bring a printout of your reservation with the QR code.
The best time to visit Macy's Santaland
With Santa taking up residence at Santaland from Black Friday through Christmas Eve, you'll have almost a month to plan 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 the required reservation, Macy's says it can take 30 to 90 minutes to reach Santa. If you can visit from Monday through Thursday before that final week before Christmas, that's probably your best option to keep spirits bright and the wait relatively short.
If you must go during peak times, prepare yourself with potty breaks before getting in line, and bring a loaded electronic device and some patience.
Tips for visiting Macy's Santaland
The North Pole may be freezing, but Santaland is often not. In fact, based on my multiple visits, Santaland is actually quite toasty, 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 seeing Santa. Your best bet is to have just one person in your party 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 also two sensory-friendly early mornings and one evening available this season, so be sure to check for those when planning your visit.
Bottom line
New York City is especially magical during the holidays, so don't skip Macy's Santaland while you are in town. Be sure to make a free reservation in advance of your visit so you don't miss the opportunity to see Santa himself.
Related reading:
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.