Visiting NYC this Holiday Season with Your Kids? You Can Meet Santa at These 5 Spots
Christmas is just around the corner — make sure your kids get everything on their wishlists with a visit to St. Nick.
Surely one of the most magical moments of the Christmas season for kids is meeting with the jolly old gift-bearer himself, Santa Claus. If you’re worried that a family trip to the Big Apple during the holiday season will disrupt this age-old tradition, rest assured: there are plenty of places to catch up with Santa during your visit to the city. The best part: they’re all walking distance from your Affinia hotel!
1. Macy’s Santaland
Macy’s Santaland is a classic Christmas destination, offering an elf-filled winter wonderland, holiday shopping, and of course, a chance to meet St. Nick. Note that this year a reservation is required to see Santa, but last-minute planners will be glad to hear that slots can be reserved as late as 30 minutes in advance. Those visiting the city for Turkey Day and closer to Christmastime will all get the chance to meet Santa, as he will be in town from November 24 to December 24, with reservations opening on November 20.
Macy’s Santaland is located at 151 West 34th Street on the 8th floor.
2. Bryant Park
From December 16 to 23, Santa will set up shop at Bryant Park’s Winter Village. Though meeting Santa outdoors might be a little too chilly for some, we encourage you to take the chilly plunge and fully immerse yourself in the park’s winter wonderland. As an added bonus, it doesn’t cost a dime to take a photo with Santa here. You have two options: either use your own camera or phone, or ask a nearby Elf worker to take one for you, which will be available for download on a Flickr page shortly thereafter. When you’re done posing, traverse the Winter Village to go ice skating or pick up a few last-minute stocking stuffers.
Bryant Park is located on 6th Avenue between 40th and 42nd Streets.
3. The Plaza
The ever-glamorous Plaza Hotel (a favorite of Eloise, as you may recall) offers its own immersive “Santa Experience.” From November 24 to December 24, Santa’s Workshop will be set up in the Food Hall in the Plaza’s concourse. There, you can visit and get a memorable photo package with Santa (starting at $29.99), or even splurge on a decadent three-course meal and VIP Santa photo package, offered during weekdays. He may have a naughty and nice list, but this Santa welcomes everyone; in partnership with AbilityPath and Autism Speaks, there will be opportunities for non-neurotypical children to encounter Santa in more controlled and accessible environments.
The Plaza is located on Fifth Avenue at Central Park South.
4. Bloomingdale’s
Another place where you can get your holiday shopping and Santa socializing done simultaneously is Bloomingdale’s. There, you can get a photo taken with the big red man, and it’s likely you’ll have a shorter wait time than at bigger, flashier Santa setups such as Macy’s Santaland. Don’t forget to browse the store’s impressive holiday window displays after your visit with St. Nick.
Bloomingdale’s is located at 1000 Third Avenue.
5. Rockefeller Center
At Rockefeller Center’s Rock Center Café and Sea Grill, you have the option to have breakfast with Santa himself from November 24 to December 24. Little ones and adults alike can experience the dazzling lights of Rockefeller Center’s famous Christmas tree while enjoying special treats like candy canes, gingerbread men, and mimosas for the grown-ups. Afterwards, work off all that sugar by taking a spin on the ice skating rink — Santa may even join you!
The Rink at Rockefeller Center is located on 5th Avenue between 49th and 50th Streets.
After you’ve taken that adorable snapshot (or three) with Santa, take a load off with the whole family in your spacious Affinia suite. Book now to take advantage of our Suite Shopping Spree, and receive 25% of suites and a $50 American Express gift card. Merry merry!
