Santa taking a moment at Essex Market
A week before Christmas and Hanukkah, the magic is alive in NYC with lights, cheer and carols billowing into crowded streets.This year, work and mom life have kept me busy, leaving less time for the usual holiday window visits. My little one's growing curiosity about the man in red sparked a new mission: meeting Santa in all his unique styles and settings. It's been a fun adventure to see how the magic of Santa comes alive in different experiences. Keep reading for our take on the free holiday fun this December...
Santa's sandcastle at Brookfield Place
All in all, we visited 7 "professional" Santas who are cost free and accessible to all. Our top 3 (and my favorite!):
1.) Nordstrom NYC Flagship on 57th Street has the most stylish Santa and best overall experience. At 2PM and 6PM every day until Christmas Eve (no reservations necessary), "snow" falls inside the store and Santa descends down the elevator from the 5th floor, stops to do dazzle the crowd with a festive dance on the ground floor and then hosts a story time on the kids' floor before posing for photos. You use your camera and Santa, Mrs. Claus and Elves join you in a memorable moment. Aside from "Santa," there are 20+ inflatables in the store and you can win gifts by participating in interactive games. Not to mention--cleanest bathrooms in town!
2.) Brookfield Place at 230 Vesey Street offers one of the smoothest "Selfies with Santa" experience. Simply scan a QR code on arrival and you'll receive a notification just before it's your turn--no long lines. The elves help take photos with your phone and Santa is witty, engaging with thought provoking questions that go beyond the usual "What would you like for Christmas?" The thoughtfully designed space includes an area for coloring and Santa's Sandcastle nearby is an unavoidable, insta-worthy backdrop. We like the beach vibes counteracting the cold days!
3.) Macy's 34th Street Flagship is home to the classic Santa experience. It's become a cherished annual tradition for us! Reservations for timed entry to Macy's Santaland are required and open 5 days in advance (all the way up until December 24). The journey to meet Santa is filled with delightful photo ops and kid-friendly sights (e.g. train display, Tiptoe, Santa's workshop and more!). When it's time for the big moment, you can capture the moment with your phone or camera. Professional photos are available for purchase.
My personal favorite is Santa at Essex Market. An annual tradition, Santa visits for one special day. This one is my favorite because of its focus on community. There is virtually no wait, a cozy for kids to write letters to Santa and a free hot cocoa bar. It's hassle-free, heartwarming and you event get a copy of your photo to cherish. The neighborhood kids come around and you see the joy Santa brings to the Lower East Side community.
There are plenty of other local free events at stores (e.g. Bloomingdales, Home Depot) and other public places (e.g. libraries). Thank you for following along and Happy Holidays!
Santa at Brookfield Place--he was the best one personality wise!
Lots of photo ops and holiday sights built into the experience
Santa at Macy's--Not sold on the "halter"
Santa does a "Snow Parade" at 2PM and 6PM Daily, after which he reads a story and poses for pics
Santa at Bloomingdales
Essex Market--one of the easiest Santa photo experiences
Hot cocoa bar and Santa letter station post photo
Santa at the Paley Center during the Corporate Member Reception. His beard seemed a little fake...
Santa at Home Depot, post December free monthly craft
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