Macy’s Santaland, on the eighth floor of the Herald Square flagship, is a walk-through North Pole village of model trains, animated elves and twinkling scenes that ends with a visit to Santa. It’s one of New York’s most famous Christmas traditions, and it opens Friday, November 27, 2026, the day after the Thanksgiving parade.
Quick Facts
| Opens | Friday, November 27, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Where | 8th floor, Macy’s Herald Square, 151 W 34th St |
| Reservations | Free timed reservations online (photos cost extra) |
| Subway | B/D/F/M/N/Q/R/W to 34 St–Herald Sq |
Tips
- Reserve as soon as slots open; weekends in December go fast.
- Weekday mornings in late November are calmest.
- See the Macy’s windows on Broadway and 34th Street before or after.
What’s Inside Santaland
Santaland is a winding walk-through village on the eighth floor of Macy’s Herald Square. You pass snowy scenes, animated displays and model trains on the way to Santa’s house, where children can meet Santa and share their wish lists. The walk itself is part of the fun, so let little ones take their time.
How Reservations Work
- Visits are by free timed reservation, released online ahead of the season and in batches.
- Pick a time slot and arrive a little early; you’ll queue inside the store before entering.
- Photos with Santa are taken by Macy’s photographers and are optional and paid.
- If slots are full, check back: new reservations are often released closer to the date.
Best Times to Go
Late November weekdays and early December weekday mornings are the calmest. The weekends before Christmas and the final days before Christmas Eve are busiest.
A Macy’s Morning
- See the animated Macy’s windows on Broadway and 34th Street.
- Visit Santaland.
- Shop the store’s holiday departments, then grab lunch nearby in Koreatown or Herald Square.
- Walk 15 minutes west to Hudson Yards’ lights, or north to Bryant Park.
Accessibility
Santaland is reached by elevator and escalator inside the store, and the route is stroller-friendly. Contact Macy’s for specific accessibility needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Macy’s Santaland open in 2026?
Friday, November 27, 2026.
Is Macy’s Santaland free?
Visiting Santaland is free with a reservation; professional photos cost extra.
Do you need a reservation for Macy’s Santaland?
Yes, visits are by free timed reservation. Photos with Santa are optional and paid.
What floor is Santaland on at Macy’s?
Santaland is on the eighth floor of Macy’s Herald Square.
