We’re just a few weeks away from December, and that means we’re getting ready to stop by and see Santa Claus if you’re in NYC! We know there’s so many things do during the holiday season, 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 annual Santaland winter takeover is opening up on November 24, and Santa will be around taking photos until Christmas Eve (Dec 24)! The meet and greets will take 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! Bookings open up soon 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 December 15 and running for 7 days through December 21! It will be located near the Bryant Park Christmas tree, where he’ll be meeting people from 10 am – 12 pm. 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 on select days in December. Stop by the Winter Garden where there will be crafts, candy canes, and lots of holiday cheer! You can even bring your dogs for photos too. While you’re here, check out Brookfield Place’s other activities too like the ice skating rink, the gorgeous Luminaries installation, and the Winter Wanderland interactive installations by theSkimm.
Where: 230 Vesey St (Winter Garden at Brookfield Place)
4. Hudson Yards, Midtown West
If you’re checking out Hudson Yards’ Shine Bright holiday lights, be sure to stop by for a free complimentary photo with Santa too! Located on the 3rd 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 22. See full hours here.
Where: Hudson Yards
5. The Paley Center for Media, Midtown
PaleyLand, the annual holiday extravaganza is set to return to the Paley Center for Media on November 25, which will include 5 floors of holiday fun! Take photos with Santa and other festive characters, enjoy screenings of holiday programs, view a holiday train display, and do so much more. This experience is available to those who purchase tickets to The Paley! It’s happening until January 7.
Learn more about PaleyLand here.
Where: 25 W 52nd St
6. Bloomingdale’s, Midtown East
Meet Santa and snap a photo with him for free at Bloomingdale’s Santaland until Christmas Eve. You can also have breakfast with Santa on December 2 + 9, as well as enjoy sweet treats from Santa’s Candy Shop!
Where: 1000 Third Avenue, 59th Street and Lexington Ave
7. Empire State Building, Midtown
The Empire State Building is one of our favorite observation decks in NYC, and they’re set to welcome back Santa this holiday season. The 80th floor of the historic building will welcome the Christmas icon to take photos and spread joy this December! Stay tuned for an official announcement!
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 on December 2 too! 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. Historic Richmond Town, Staten Island
From December 2 – 10, 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 more! Tickets are required for entry and you can learn more here.
Where: 441 Clarke Avenue, Staten Island
10. 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. There’s also designed Pet Photo Nights on December 4 & 11 from 4 pm – 7 pm! Reservations are able to be made online beforehand if you so choose to! You can do that here.
Where: 5100 Kings Plaza, Brooklyn
11. The Mall at Bay Plaza, The Bronx
For our Bronx folks, stop by this mall any time from November 18 – December 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
12. Central Park, Manhattan
Central Park’s annual holiday tree lighting ceremony on November 30 will come with a visit from the jolly man himself! You’ll be able to pose for pictures with Santa, all while you watch the flotilla of trees move along in the background! Learn more here.
Where: Charles A. Dana Discovery Center
13. City Point, Downtown Brooklyn
Stop by City Point Brooklyn on December 9 or 16 and have an in-house photographer snap a photo of your kids with Santa! Photos are free and first come first serve! There is also tons of holiday activities happening here from Dec 2 -17 like ornament and dreidel making, cookie making, and more! Learn more here.
Where: 445 Albee Square W, Brooklyn
14. Queens Botanical Garden, Flushing
Celebrate the best of December with free live musical performances, selfies with Santa, holiday crafts, a tree and menorah lighting, and more! It’s all taking place at Queens Botanical Garden on December 2 from 12 pm – 5 pm. Don’t forget to check out Astra Lumina as well while you’re at QBG!
Where: 43-50 Main St, Queens
15. The Apollo, Harlem
On December 9 from 2 pm – 6 pm, The Apollo Theater will welcome a free Coca-Cola Winter Wonderland event! You’ll be able to partake in holiday-themed activities, watch incredible performances from local choirs, and of course snap a photo with Santa! Learn more here.
Where: 253 W 125th St