While your little ones are busy crafting their holiday wishlist, map out where to see Santa in NYC for a festive outing.
Every year, Kris Kringle descends from the North Pole (which is actually located in Upstate, NY) and delights little New Yorkers with a quick catchup and a photo. It’s tradition, and who could blame him for wanting to venture to NYC during the holidays?
In between tree lighting ceremonies and pitstops at NYC’s best holiday markets, make sure to set aside some time for the man in the red suit.
1. Santaland at Macy’s, Midtown
Macy’s annual Santaland is tradition in NYC, and the winter wonderland — complete with holiday decor, train displays, and of course, Saint Nick himself — opens on November 29th. It will remains open through Christmas Eve, and reservations are required before wandering through the dazzling display. Secure your spot online!
Where: 151 W 34th St, Floor 8
2. Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park, Midtown
Free photos with jolly ‘ol Saint Nick? Count us in! The annual Santa’s Corner at Bryant Park is on a first-come, first-serve basis, and reservations are not required. Although the 2024 details have yet to be revealed, be sure to keep an eye on the park website. While you’re on the premises, be sure to have a gander at our guide to Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park so you know exactly what to eat, see, and do. (Hot cocoa not required, but highly encouraged.)
Where: 42nd Street and 6th Ave
3. Brookfield Place, Battery Park City
For a tropical take on a wintertime tradition, Brookfield Place’s “Selfies with Santa” invites Christmas enthusiasts of all ages — and pups — for a pic or two from November 29th to Christmas Eve amongst the palms. Visit the Brookfield Place website for a complete schedule on Saint Nick’s visits and how to snag a spot.
Where: 230 Vesey St (Winter Garden at Brookfield Place)
4. Hudson Yards, Midtown West
After admiring Hudson Yards’ gorgeous holiday lights, be sure to secure some time with Kris Kringle, who typically stops by on weekdays from 5-8pm for complimentary snaps and sweets from Dylan’s Candy Bar. Although the 2024 schedule is still TBD, you can follow along with the latest updates on the Hudson Yards website.
Where: Hudson Yards
5. The Paley Center for Media, Midtown
PaleyLand returns from November 20th to January 5th, 2025, featuring celebrations that rival happenings in Santa’s workshop: movie screenings, hot chocolate, crafts, pics with Santa — naturally — and a walk through the five-floor immersive holiday extravaganza. Kids 12 and under get in for free. Secure a spot and see Santa’s schedule on the attraction’s website.
Where: 25 W 52nd St
6. Bloomingdale’s, Midtown East
Santa has made his way over to one of NYC’s most stylish spots. Reserve a time to snap a photo for $25; the $25 reservation fee includes a $25 Bloomingdale’s gift card, a 15-minute meet-and-greet with Santa, and a little souvenir to take home. Learn more about availability on the Bloomingdale’s website. This year, expect a Wicked-themed experience!
Where: 1000 Third Avenue, 59th Street and Lexington Ave
7. Empire State Building, Midtown
The Empire State Building is one of NYC’s iconic observation decks, and it’s set to welcome Santa this holiday season 80 flights up! Tickets are required; get yours ASAP before spots fill up. After all, is there a more iconic spot to take a pic with Santa in NYC?
Where: 20 W 34th St
8. Queens Center Mall, Elmhurst
Santa’s making a pitstop in Elmhurst for some festive moments at Queens Center Mall, beginning on November 14th. Pre-book now and receive a free personalized digital message from Santa before your make your way over to the mall!
Where: 90-15 Queens Blvd, Queens
9. Rockefeller Center, Midtown
There isn’t a more iconic spot in NYC during Christmas than Rockefeller Center. Between the iconic tree and the cozy chalets , the scenes make for a top-notch wintertime experience. You can find the man in the red suit at the Top of the Rock’s signature Beam. Tickets are required and start at $34 for kiddos and $40 for adults. Visit the Rockefeller Center website to book a spot and learn more about Saint Nick’s schedule.
Where: 30 Rockefeller Plaza
10. Kings Plaza Shopping Center, Mill Basin
While you’re shopping for gifts to put under the tree, make sure to find time to say hi to Santa! From November 21st, he’ll be in Brooklyn and waiting for photo opps. When you pre-book, you’ll receive a free personalized digital message from Santa before your make your way over to the mall!
Where: 5100 Kings Plaza, Brooklyn
11. The Mall at Bay Plaza, Bronx
Santa has decided to bring holiday cheer to the Mall at Bay Plaza from November 21st to Christmas Eve. Reservations are not required, but encouraged. (Hey, Santa’s a busy man this time of year — he needs a schedule.)
Where: 200 Baychester Ave, The Bronx
12. City Point, Downtown Brooklyn
It comes as no surprise that Santa would want to spend some quality time in the city’s best borough. Brooklyn residents can expect Jolly ‘Ol Saint Nick to visit City Point on Saturdays December 7th and 14, and Sundays, December 8th and 15th. Reservations are required.
Where: 445 Albee Square W, Brooklyn
13. The Plaza Hotel, Midtown East
If the Plaza is good enough for Kevin McCallister, it’s good enough for Kris Kringle. Throughout the Christmas season, Santa will read holiday stories to little ones who are staying at the hotel — with guardians, unlike Kevin. Learn more about schedules on the hotel’s website.
Where: 768 Fifth Ave
14. The Christmas Spectacular At Radio City Music Hall, Midtown
The Radio City Christmas Spectacular is underway, and the Rockettes aren’t the only ones setting up shop in the iconic theater. If you have tickets to the show, you can take photos with the jolly man in the Grand Lounge of Radio City Music Hall prior to the performance.
Where: 1260 6th Ave
15. Columbia Heights, Brooklyn
Pose with Santa and have the Brooklyn Bridge as your backdrop at City Maze: A Christmas Experience. There aren’t too many Santa photo-ops that allow you to take in these views of the city. It takes place at Panorama in Brooklyn and it has an incredible view .Santa’s only available from 1 p.m.-9 p.m.
Where: 25 Columbia Heights (Panorama Brooklyn)
16. Nordstrom, Midtown
A new Santa House in the Kids department on lower level 2 has arrived. For details on Santa’s whereabouts, visit the Nordstrom website. Through Christmas Eve, visitors can participate in a daily “Santa Snow Show” with the jolly old elf and a magical in-store snowfall at 2pm and 6pm.
Where: 225 W 57th St
So where are you stopping? Regardless of locale, just make sure you and the kiddos don’t forget their wishlists!