While there are plenty of places to see Santa in New York City, none really compares to Macy's Santaland. I realize a lot of natives dismiss it as just for tourists but my family and I think it's a magical experience and we go every year.
Other department stores give you the big red guy and not much else. Macy's Santaland is an entire North Pole village complete with live elves, an enchanted forest featuring animatronic toys and a large train display. Yes, the line is often long but at least there's a lot to look at while you wait. Plus there are great photo ops along the way!
This year marked my family's seventh consecutive year at Santaland and I love lining up all of our photos in a row so I can see how much my daughter has grown (and how much I've aged—okay maybe I don't love that so much). If you're planning a visit to Macy's Santaland this year, we've got the scoop on the best times to go to avoid the crowds, photos of some of the fantastical things you'll see and important tips that will help you make the most of your trip. You can find more seasonal fun in our NYC Holiday Guide.
