Where to See Santa in NYC? Complete Guide!
Santa in NYC is one of the most magical experiences of the holiday season. Families, couples, and even groups of friends plan their Christmas around the best places to spot him. From Macy’s Santaland to elegant hotels, festive markets, and citywide events, there are endless ways to meet Santa Claus in New York. These visits range from free photos to ticketed meet-and-greets, each creating memories that last a lifetime.
Seeing Santa is also part of what makes the city the most Christmassy place in the world. Many visitors combine their Santa stops with classic traditions like admiring the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree or exploring Bryant Park Winter Village. For a full seasonal itinerary, check out our guide to the Best Things to Do at Christmas in NYC.
This guide highlights the top spots to meet Santa Claus in New York City during the 2025 season. Whether you want a picture at Macy’s, a luxury experience at The Plaza, or a lively group outing like SantaCon, you’ll find the perfect option below. Follow our Instagram page @MyChristmasinNewYorkCity for daily updates from Manhattan.
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Santa in NYC at Macy’s Santaland
Macy’s Santaland is the most famous place to see Santa in NYC. Every year, thousands of families line up at Macy’s Herald Square on 34th Street to meet him. Santa is located on the 8th floor, and visiting is free of charge. However, online reservations are required, and they open five days in advance at around 6:30 in the morning. Because demand is so high, it is important to book as early as possible. Photo packages start at about $39.99, but you can also bring your own camera.
The Santaland journey feels like walking through a Christmas village. Guests pass toy trains, animated elves, and snowy displays before arriving at Santa’s room. The experience is designed to last around 30 minutes, but waits can reach 90 minutes in December. Weekday mornings are the best time to avoid crowds. Parents often ask what floor Santa is on in Macy’s NYC and if there is any cost to see him. The answer is simple: Santa is always on the 8th floor, and visiting him is free.
In addition to Santaland, Macy’s offers “Breakfast with Santa” at Stella 34 Trattoria, the Italian restaurant located on the 6th floor. This festive dining event runs on select mornings in December and includes a family-style breakfast, visits from Santa and his elves, and stunning views over Herald Square. Tickets must be purchased in advance, and they often sell out quickly.
This is the most Christmassy place in New York for families with children. It is a tradition that locals and visitors treasure year after year. For full details on dates, hours, and how to make reservations, visit our dedicated guide to Macy’s Santaland in NYC.
Lotte New York Palace: Storytime with Santa in a Luxurious Lobby
At Lotte New York Palace, families can enjoy a refined version of meeting Santa in NYC. In recent seasons, Santa (often Santa Michael Walters, one of the city’s beloved Santas) has appeared in the grand lobby on select Sunday mornings in December, typically from 9:00 AM to noon. Younger guests also love dropping letters into the “North Pole mailbox” stationed in the lobby during Palace Hour, when staff deliver personalized replies to each child to their guest rooms later in the day. The tradition includes holiday storytime and festive décor that make it feel ultra-special.
Guests often wonder whether anyone can participate in the Lotte Santa experience. While informal visitors can visit the lobby, priority is given to hotel guests, and storytime attendance is subject to availability. For those seeking an elegant holiday memory, this makes Lotte Palace one of the most Christmassy, upscale spots to visit Santa in New York.
Plans for the current year have not yet been confirmed, so keep an eye on the hotel’s official website or holiday event listings for updates. And if you’re making festive plans, you can also explore our full Lotte Santa guide for more insider tips and planning suggestions.
Santa in NYC at The Plaza Hotel
Santa at The Plaza Hotel brings elegance to your Santa in NYC experience. He appears exclusively for overnight guests and dining patrons, which makes each encounter feel personal and special. Guests may find Santa reading ’Twas the Night Before Christmas or appearing during the hotel’s annual tree lighting ceremony, both perfect opportunities for holiday photos.
When is Santa at The Plaza? The Storytime with Santa series usually runs daily through Christmas Eve and takes place in the lobby or dining areas. Families can enjoy a cozy setting while listening to festive readings and capturing memorable photos. Parents often ask if anyone can meet Santa at The Plaza. The answer is no, as the experience is reserved only for registered hotel guests or diners. This keeps the atmosphere calm and exclusive.
A holiday stay or afternoon tea at The Plaza gives visitors the chance to enjoy one of the most Christmassy Santa experiences in New York. Located just steps from Central Park and Fifth Avenue’s holiday windows, it is an ideal stop on a festive itinerary. You can also read our articles about The Plaza or visit the official website for current hours and details.
Selfies with Santa at Brookfield Place: Under the Palms in the Winter Garden
Brookfield Place offers one of the most original settings to see Santa in NYC. The event, known as “Selfies with Santa,” usually takes place in the Winter Garden Atrium from late November through Christmas Eve. Families meet Santa under the iconic palm trees, surrounded by festive holiday décor that includes a giant sandcastle display and plenty of photo-ready moments. The combination of glass ceilings, natural light, and tropical details makes this one of the most unique Santa encounters in New York.
This holiday experience is completely free and does not require advance reservations. Instead, visitors check in on arrival by scanning a QR code to join a virtual line. A text message alerts families when it is their turn, making the process simple and relaxed compared to other Santa meet-and-greets. While waiting, children can enjoy festive crafts, candy canes, and holiday music.
Visitors often ask, “Do you need tickets for Brookfield Place Santa?” The answer is no, which makes it especially popular for local families. It’s also a convenient stop for holiday shopping, enjoying a meal at Hudson Eats, or taking a walk along the nearby Battery Park waterfront.
Be sure to check Brookfield Place’s event calendar closer to December for confirmed schedules, or read our Brookfield Place holiday guide for the latest updates and planning tips.
Hudson Yards: Santa’s Sleigh Stop at Level 3
Visiting Santa in NYC becomes effortlessly festive at Hudson Yards. Every year, Santa makes daily appearances next to his sleigh on Level 3 of The Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards. You can enjoy free photos with Santa, available Monday through Friday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., typically from November 28 through December 23. No reservation is needed; it’s first come, first served.
This location answers the popular search question: where can you see Santa in Hudson Yards? You’ll find a charming winter display complete with festive décor. Perfect for family snapshots and holiday selfies. The experience is quick, casual, and accessible to all ages.
Hudson Yards offers one of the most modern, Christmassy settings in New York. Visitors often drop by Santa’s sleigh after shopping or before grabbing dinner at nearby eateries. It makes an easy addition to a holiday itinerary that might include Rockefeller Center or the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park.
For the most up-to-date schedule, check Hudson Yards’ official site or holiday event listings. And to explore similar seasonal experiences, and how they fit into seasonal tours, keep going through this guide.
Santa in NYC at Bloomingdale’s
Bloomingdale’s delivers a chic and festive twist to meeting Santa in NYC. In recent years, Santaland at Bloomingdale’s was located on the 6th floor of the 59th Street flagship. The experience offered free holiday photos, printed pictures, and a small goody bag for children. The event usually runs from late November through December, giving families the chance to take their own photos as well.
Many visitors ask, “Is there a cost to see Santa at Bloomingdale’s?” The answer is no. Entry and photos have been free in past years, making it a budget-friendly option for families. Each child also received a holiday packet with stickers and a button, creating a fun seasonal keepsake.
This Christmassy setting feels stylish and relaxed compared to some of the larger and busier Santa spots. Families often combine the experience with holiday shopping along Lexington Avenue. Others add it to a walk toward Midtown attractions like Rockefeller Center or Bryant Park Winter Village.
For the current year, Bloomingdale’s has not yet confirmed official details, so it is important to keep an eye on their website and holiday event pages for updates. You can also check our full Bloomingdale’s Santa guide for the latest confirmed dates, hours, and planning tips.
Rockefeller Center: Skate with Santa at The Rink
Rockefeller Center is one of the most Christmassy places to experience Santa in NYC. While Santa is not part of the official tree lighting ceremony, he is often present on the day the Christmas tree arrives. This makes the tree hoisting one of the most joyful moments of the season. For the latest updates on this tradition, follow @MyChristmasinNewYorkCity where we share live coverage of the world’s most famous tree journey.
Typically from December 6 through December 25, families can enjoy the Santa Photo Experience, where children can meet Santa and take professional photos in a festive holiday setting inside Rockefeller Center. This seasonal offering provides a classic way to capture Christmas memories in Midtown.
Each December, families can also book the popular Skate with Santa sessions at The Rink. These events are expected to run from early December through Christmas Eve. Tickets are required and include admission to the rink, skate rental, and the chance to glide alongside Santa himself.
Visitors often ask if you can see Santa here for free. The answer is no—both the Santa Photo Experience and Skate with Santa require tickets. These activities make Rockefeller Center a more exclusive way to see Santa compared to other free options in the city.
Beyond Santa, Rockefeller Center dazzles with its world-famous Christmas tree, the iconic skating rink, and the stunning Fifth Avenue holiday windows nearby. Crowds are heaviest at night and on weekends, so plan early mornings or weekday visits for a calmer experience.
For updated information on Santa appearances, skating times, and ticket sales, check the official Rockefeller Center website. You can also explore our dedicated Rockefeller Center holiday guide for insider tips and planning advice.
Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park: Santa’s Corner Amid Festive Delight
Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park is one of the most Christmassy places for Santa in NYC. While Santa doesn’t appear daily, he makes a special appearance at Santa’s Corner in mid-December. In recent years, this included a five-day run starting around December 16, offering free photos with Santa. Families can pause here to capture a holiday memory during the busy season.
The Winter Village itself opens on October 24 and runs through early March. The Holiday Shops usually close in early January, while the free-admission ice rink continues much longer. The market features more than 170 artisan stalls, cozy igloos, a Curling Café, and The Lodge food hall. Festive lighting across the park makes the entire area glow with seasonal charm.
Visitors often ask, “Is there an entry fee?” The answer is no. Both the Winter Village and ice rink are free to enter. If you bring your own skates, you can skate for free, while rentals cost extra. To enjoy the experience fully, plan for longer lines during weekends and evenings. For quieter moments, visit on weekday mornings.
Keep up with confirmed dates, especially for Santa’s Corner, by following the official Bryant Park site or our Winter Village guide for practical planning tips.
American Girl Store: Santa Brunch and Festive Holiday Events
The American Girl Store in Midtown offers one of the most family-friendly ways to meet Santa in NYC. This year, the Santa Brunch will take place on December 7, 14, and 21 from 8:45 to 10:00 a.m. Each event includes brunch, a meet-and-greet with Santa, and several festive photo opportunities. Tickets cost $55 per guest, and reservations are required because these events sell out quickly.
Families looking for more holiday fun will find additional seasonal events at the store. On December 12, kids can join a Holiday Cookie Decorating class for $13 per guest and take treats home. Then, on December 20, the store hosts a Winter Wonderland Painting Party and Lunch, featuring guided painting, a meal, and a goody bag for $72. Finally, on December 28, the Santa Send-Off Brunch gives families a final chance to see Santa before vacation. The event includes brunch, themed crafts, and photo props for $55 per guest.
These events make the American Girl Store a unique and interactive holiday destination. Reservations are required for all activities, and prepaid events are non-refundable. For families with children, it’s one of the most memorable places to celebrate Christmas and spend time with Santa in New York.
Conclusion and Insider Tips on Where to See Santa in NYC
Meeting Santa in NYC is a tradition that makes the holiday season unforgettable. From the classic magic of Macy’s Santaland to the elegant Santa moments at The Plaza and Lotte New York Palace, the city offers experiences for every type of visitor. Families can enjoy free encounters at Bloomingdale’s, Hudson Yards, and Brookfield Place, while ticketed events like Rockefeller Center’s Santa Photo Experience or American Girl’s Santa Brunch provide more exclusive opportunities. Each location has its own schedule, with some starting in late November and others running right up until Christmas Eve.
Visitors often ask where the most Christmassy place is to see Santa in New York. The answer depends on your preference. Macy’s delivers tradition, Rockefeller brings iconic holiday energy, and places like American Girl and The Plaza or The Lotte New York Palace offer more intimate experiences. If you want to avoid the biggest crowds, choose weekday mornings or early December dates, as weekends and evenings are always busiest. Checking official websites for current hours and booking details is essential, since many events require reservations and sell out quickly.
Whichever Santa experience you choose, pair it with other classic New York holiday traditions like ice skating, holiday markets, or the Rockefeller Center tree. You can also join one of our Christmas tours for a stress-free way to see the best holiday sights. Our tours balance time on the warm bus with moments outside in the festive streets, and sometimes even include surprise Santa appearances. To plan your full festive trip, visit our guide to the best things to do at Christmas in NYC, and always follow @MyChristmasinNewYorkCity for live coverage of all the Christmas magic straight from Manhattan.
Author: Written by Dora Formica on behalf of My Christmas in New York
