UPDATE: Macy’s has officially ended its cherished 80-year tradition of hosting Santa Claus at the Union Square store in San Francisco, California. This significant change means that families will no longer be able to visit Santa at this iconic location following the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, a long-standing festive custom for many.
Instead, Macy’s has announced that Santa Claus will embark on a national tour, visiting various stores and communities across the country that he hasn’t been able to reach in previous years. “This year, Macy’s Santa will not be available at our Union Square location. Instead, he will be going on a national tour,” Macy’s officials stated in a report by the San Francisco Chronicle.
This announcement has left many San Francisco shoppers feeling disappointed. Local residents Yvonne and Adrian Fletcher expressed their sadness to Yahoo News, stating, “It seems weird without Santa Claus. I can’t bring my grandkids, and that’s what we were waiting for.” The emotional sentiment was echoed by another shopper, Briseyda, who shared with ABC 7 News, “It’s heartbreaking. I have kids of my own. The one thing they look forward to is Santa.”
The tradition of Santa Claus at the Macy’s Union Square store dates back to the late 1940s, with the exception of the pandemic year in 2020. Families would typically line up to take pictures with Santa and share their Christmas wish lists, creating lasting memories. From 1990 to 2010, the role was famously filled by “Santa John,” beloved by many.
This shift raises questions about the impact on holiday traditions in San Francisco and beyond. While the initiative aims to bring Santa to new communities, many feel the absence of the local Santa will leave a void in their holiday celebrations.
As the details unfold, Macy’s Santa’s national tour is set to kick off following the Thanksgiving event in New York. Shoppers are encouraged to keep an eye out for Santa’s schedule, as the news of his new route develops further.
Stay tuned for updates on Santa’s journey across the nation and how communities will embrace this change during the holiday season.
