We’re just a few weeks away from Christmas, and that means there’s still time to stop by and see Santa Claus if you’re in NYC! We know there’s so many things do in December leading up to the holidays, but you’ve got to at least stop and say hi to ‘ol Saint Nick. Whether you’re looking to snap a photo with the jolly man, or just want to check and see if you’re on the naughty or nice list, we’ve got some places to do it!
1. Santaland at Macy’s, Herald Square
Macy’s free Santaland winter takeover has been open for a few weeks now, and Santa will be here taking photos until Christmas Eve (Dec 24)! The meet and greet takes place on the 8th floor of the Herald Square Macy’s and reservations are required. RSVPs are able to be made on their website 5 days prior to seeing Santa. Also an important note, an RSVP only claims a spot in line for that day, rather than a specific time. You’re also able to purchase your photo with Santa for a small cost!
Make your reservation here.
Where: 151 W 34th St, Floor 8
2. Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park, Midtown
Santa’s Corner is returning to the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park on Dec 16 and running for 7 days leading up until Christmas! It will be located near the Bryant Park Christmas tree, where he’ll be meeting people from 10 am – 12 pm until December 22. You can bring your own camera for photos or have one of the elves take one for you! The event is free to all.
Where: 42nd Street and 6th Ave
3. Brookfield Place, Battery Park City
Get ready to take “Selfies with Santa” at Brookfield Place from Dec 14 – 24. Both walk-in and same day, on-site reservations will be made available, and you can even bring your dog for a photo too (if it’s under 25 lbs)! Be sure to check out Brookfield Place’s other options too like the ice skating rink, the gorgeous Luminaries installation, and the Après Hour cocktail party for the adults.
Where: 230 Vesey St (Winter Garden at Brookfield Place)
4. Bloomingdale’s, Midtown East
Meet Santa and snap a photo with him for free at Bloomingdale’s until Christmas Eve. You can also decorate their Little Brown Bear’s sweater on Saturday’s from 12 pm – 6 pm! Meeting Santa here is first come first served. Check out all of the dates and times here. And be sure to check out their stunning window displays too.
Where: 1000 Third Avenue, 59th Street and Lexington Ave
5. Rockefeller Center, Midtown
Say hello to Mr. Claus at an extreme height, as he’s doing a meet and greet at The Top of the Rock every day until the 24th. Top of the Rock tickets are required to enter, and additional tickets to meet Santa are sold on-site for the photo opp. Check out the full hours and information here.
Where: 30 Rockefeller Plaza
6. Paley Center for Media, Midtown
PaleyLand is currently ongoing at the Paley Center for Media, which includes 4 floors of holiday fun! Take photos with Santa, enjoy free hot chocolate, view a holiday railroad display, and do so much more. This experience is available to those who purchase tickets to The Paley! It’s happening until Jan 8.
Learn more about PaleyLand here.
Where: 25 W 52nd St
7. Empire State Building, Midtown
The Empire State Building is one of our favorite observation decks in NYC, and for the first time ever, they’ll be welcoming Santa this holiday season. This Sunday (Dec 11) from 11 am – 2 pm, the 80th floor of the historic building will welcome the Christmas icon to take photos and spread joy. Afterwards, be sure to check out the brand new Starbucks Reserve that recently opened there last month.
Where: 20 W 34th St
8. Queens Center Mall, Queens
Santa Claus will be at the Queens Center Mall up until Christmas Eve, offering free visits and photo opps for a small purchase. He’s even offering a fun “Breakfast with Santa” event this weekend too (Dec 10)! Check out the full hours here and be sure to stop by after you do your holiday shopping.
Where: 90-15 Queens Blvd, Queens
9. Harry’s Table, UWS
Harry’s Table by Cipriani is hosting Santa Claus on select dates up until Christmas (see above). This event is free and open to the public and will feature holiday decorations, music and treats, and of course photos with the man of the hour.
Where: 235 Freedom Pl S
10. Historic Richmond Town, Staten Island
Starting this weekend (Dec 10) until Dec 18, Historic Richmond Town in Staten Island will be welcoming Santa and a whole lot of Christmas cheer! Along with getting a photo with Mr. C, there will be a slew of activities, like horse-drawn carriage rides, festive food and drinks, and even a snow ball field! Tickets are required for entry.
Learn more about this weekend’s festivities here.
Where: 441 Clarke Avenue, Staten Island
11. New York Irish Center, Long Island City
This NYC cultural center is welcoming the jolly fellow this weekend (Dec 11) for an afternoon of photos and fun! Plus, tea, coffee, and snacks will be served, and each child who walks through the door receives a free gift! You can RSVP here.
Where: 1040 Jackson Ave, Queens
12. Kings Plaza Shopping Center, Brooklyn
Santa’s headquarters here is on the 2nd level of King’s Plaza Shopping Center (near Zara) at various hours leading up to Christmas Eve. Reservations are able to be made online beforehand if you so choose to! You can do that here.
Where: 5100 Kings Plaza, Brooklyn
13. Hudson Yards, Midtown West
If you’re checking out Hudson Yards’ holiday lights, be sure to stop by for a free complimentary photo with Santa too! Located on the 4th level of the shops, no reservation is required and visits are free and on a first come first served basis. Santa will be here on select days through Dec 16. See full hours here.
Where: Hudson Yards
14. The Mall at Bay Plaza, The Bronx
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For our Bronx folks, stop by this mall any time until Dec 23 to get a flick with Santa. Located on the third level in the food court, you’re able to say hello and make a Christmas memory. Reservations are free and can be made here.
Where: 200 Baychester Ave, The Bronx
15. NYSoM Holiday Mania, East Harlem
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Join New York State of Mind on Dec 17 for their Holiday Mania Event, which will feature tons of holiday activities like a Winter Wonderland, Kwanzaa Village, Hanukkah Town, and of course a visit from Santa! This East Harlem event will be free to the public, and will even be giving out free gifts to families. Learn more about the celebration here.
Where: 2050 2nd Ave