Macy's Santaland is an interactive experience for children and adults that takes place annually since 1862 [1] during November and December at Macy's Herald Square. [2]
The installation spans 13,000 square feet and has over 200,000 visitors per year, and is built on the 8th floor of Macy's Herald Square. [3] [4] The installation has fake snow and a train meant to signify taking people to the North Pole. It also includes train, snowmen, and a colorful rainbow bridge. [5]
It is free for families to visit Santa, with reservations starting at 6:30am. If families would like to add a professional picture package, they start at $39.99. Santaland starts the day after the Macy's Santa rides through the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. [6]
Every year, Macy's hired over a hundred elves to help customers throughout the season. [7]
In popular culture, Santaland was represented at central location of David Sedaris' Santaland Diaries. [8]