The magic of the holiday season is here in New York City! And so is the North Pole because the big man in the red coat has made his way to the big apple for the holiday tradition the whole family can experience. Jolly old St. Nick is the busiest man of the season, but he has made time to spread holiday cheer for children in the city before heading back to Santa’s workshop December 24th. Complimentary photos is a huge part of every visit Santa makes and these are photos I will cherish forever. Here are some of the best places to meet Santa and tell him your wish list right here in NYC!
Santaland at Macy’s
Starting out with one of the most iconic locations New Yorkers like to attend Santa visits. Macy’s Santaland located in Herald Square has one of the best setups for photos around town! It features Santa’s sleigh and you can even walk around Santaβs toy shop! Because this is such a popular spot, you do need to make reservations ahead of time, but the visit itself is free! Photos are for purchase afterwards! They now let you make reservations 5 days in advance, so make sure to get a spot as it’s a busy time of year!
Bloomingdale’s Midtown East
Bloomingdale’s on 59th Street is another iconic location to meet Santa and get a keepsake photo. This is a free event and he’s there from 12-6PM at the dates listed on their site. This is a first come, first serve situation and make sure to get there on the earlier end, because it is such a popular spot.
Brookfield Place
Finally, one in my neighborhood! Brookfield Place always has Santa stop by and this year, he’s coming with crafts, candy canes and more! It’s called Selfies with Santa and you can either make a reservation or go as a walk in. There are tons of dates with availability on their site and you can actually bring small dogs if you’d like!
The Santa Clauses’ Winter Wonderland in the Seaport
Bucketlisters is back with a Christmas happening you won’t want to miss! Located at the Watermark on Pier 15, this is a pop up to not only promote Disney’s The Santa Clauses, but you can actually come meet Santa there! There are different ticket prices varying from GA to Premium Express Entry and lots of food, drinks and souvenirs available for purchase. The big guy will be there 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM: on 12/10-12/11; 12/17-12/18; 12/24-12/25, 12/31. Get your tickets now!
Rockefeller Center
30 Rock, another classic and iconic address to visit this holiday season! If you’re in town, this is also a great one to go to just because there’s so much to do there. See the views, ice skate, grab some great food and shop. Santa will be there every single day leading up to the 24th, times may vary depending on the day, but it’s all listed on their site. This is a ticketed event, so you will want to prepare and grab your family tickets!
Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park
The Winter Village at Bryant Park is another great spot to try out! It has free admission and Santa will have his own spot on December 16th and will be there for 8 straight days! His location will be on the Upper Terrace and the availability is from 1-3PM until December 24th. While you’re there, go ice skating, try some great food and pick up artisanal gifts!
Paley Center for Media
PaleyLand is here! This is a magical experience that is near Rockefeller Center, so if you want to be in midtown, I’d say opt for this as well! While this is free admission, it is ticketed, so you will want to make sure you get a spot ahead of time! Select dates and times can be found on their site, so head over there to see if you’ve made the nice list this year!
Hudson Yards
Santa is all over Hudson Yards! There are actually 6 different immersive experiences to check out over there, which is really exciting! Not only can you get an appointment to meet Santa, but adults can enter Santa’s Secret! The adult experience is a speakeasy, live music and more! You can find him the 12-16th from 5-8PM and if he’s not there, they have a selfie location on site!
Image: Hudson Yards
NYSoM Holiday Mania in Harlem
Experience HolidayMania on December 17th from 2-6PM. There are gift giveaways while supplies last, Hannukah Town, New Years celebrations, Kwanza Village, Winter Wonderland and so much more fun! This is free admission and you won’t want to miss it!
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14 thoughts on “Where to Meet Santa in NYC”
This is such a great resource! I imagine that in a city as huge as NYC, it might be difficult to find a nice spot to meet Santa.
Yes and making reservations is important!
Christmas in NYC is the best, I LOVE IT! I would love to spend the holidays there, that would be amazing.
It’s truly magical here!
Looks like you all had a great time, this is one part of Christmas I miss as our youngest is 19 and doesn’t want to go anymore
I am dreading the day we stop going!
I don’t remember much about going to see Santa when I was younger, other than how magical it was. The is one of the things I can’t wait to do if I have kids myself x
It’s a fantastic memory!
I remember how excited I would get to meet Santa when I was younger. Looks like you and the girls had a wonderful time and a memorable start to the season ^_^
The best time!!!
Santa is always working hard this holiday season. I love that there are a variety of places where you can see him that’s convenient for parents and great for kids.
Yes, he’s all over town!
What a sweet collection of pictures across the years, and a groovy set of information on the spots. I would’ve loved to have taken my kids to the classic Macy’s when they were younger.
We go every year!