Santa Claus Won’t Be Coming To Macy’s This Year

Macy’s has some bad news: Santa Claus won’t be visiting any of the retailer’s stores in 2020, ending a 159-year holiday-season tradition, which dates back to 1861.

Macy’s and Santa are forever tied together as a part of the 1947 Academy Award-winning film Miracle on 34th Street, where the real Kris Kringle is hired at Macy’s flagship New York City store. Later in the film — spoiler alert! — he is declared the real Santa Claus by a court ruling.

Macy’s tried to put a happy face on the humbug news.

“To replicate the magical experience of visiting Macy’s Santaland for children and their families, we will shift to a virtual engagement this year,” said Susan Tercero, Macy’s VP Branded Entertainment, said in a press release. It will be available online from November 27-December 24.

The experience will feature a greeting from virtual elves, who then lead the way through Santa’s village and workshop, allowing playtime with interactive games. At the end of that trip, kids will meet Santa through an interactive video and can share their holiday wish list and take a selfie with Santa that will be downloadable.

The online experience is limited to three children at one time, Macy’s said. Left unsaid is what parents will do if they can’t access the site after building up young hopes.

Santa Claus will still be a part of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, bringing up the rear to herald the start of the shopping season. However, the parade won’t have its traditional look and feel, as the store is once again bowing to pandemic pressures.

It announced last month that it is going to stage a “television-only special presentation” this year. The number of participants will be smaller, and the huge balloons that are part of the experience will be guided by special vehicles instead of human handlers.

Here are all the details:

When is Macy’s Santaland 2020?

Macy’s Santaland 2020 will run from Nov 27–Dec 24 virtually. You can access it on the Macy’s website.

What is Macy’s Santaland?

Macy’s Santaland is a 13,000-square-foot Christmas village holiday display and indoor landscape that families can walk through! You’ll encounter everything from a Rainbow Bridge to a giant Lionel train-scape, Santa’s bustling workshop to a shiny red sleigh being prepped for the big night. Twinkling lights, snow-topped trees, and other fun exhibits lead the way to Santa in this enchanting experience.

This year, you’ll wander through Santa’s village and workshop right from home.

Where is Macy’s Santaland?

Macy’s Santaland takes place on the eighth floor of Macy’s Herald Square at 151 W 34th St. Although the store is typically transformed into a winter wonderland, now that experience will be held virtually.

How do I get tickets to Macy’s Santaland?

Admission to Macy’s Santaland is free. To access Macy’s Santaland at Home, visit the Macy’s Santaland website.

What do I need to know about accessing Macy’s Santaland at home?

Go to macys.com/santaland and allow moms, dads, or adult guardians to enable all permissions. Then, you’ll join the elves, who are your guide on the journey. Up to three children can enjoy the customized experience at the same time.

Play interactive games and take a gander at Santa’s village and workshop while you’re on your North Pole-bound train. Make sure to stay until the end of the event, where a digital interactive video with Santa will allow kids to read off their wish lists and pose for a selfie.

Feature photos credit: John Minchillo / AP Images for Macy’s