Best Places to Take Kids to See Santa in New York

Santa at the South Street Seaport

Going to visit Santa was not something I did as a child. I can't imagine either of my parents, my dad being Jewish for one thing, suggesting that we go to a crowded department store, wading through lines for hours, for the purpose of telling Santa Claus what we wanted for Christmas.

To be honest, I'm not sure I would do it for my kids either. Luckily they don't need to know that, because there are plenty of great Santa Clauses around the city that you can reach without ever stepping foot in a line - or a department store.

ABC Carpet and Home
The Santa at ABC Carpet and Home is a lavish, Victorian affair, draped in velvet and surrounded by sumptuous housewares. ABC's Santa has gotten more popular in the last few years, but I'm told that if there is a line to see Santa, it moves fast.

Photo Tip: You can take your own photos, but the lighting is not the best so bring a camera that's good in low light.

Freebies: a small, but stylish ornament.

When: Weekends. Noon to 5pm.

World Financial Center
Christmas and Hanukkah with one stop shopping. It doesn't get more New York than this. Visit Santa and get a photo taken than stick around for some Klezmer for Kids.

Photo Tip: The proceeds go to charity.

Freebies: If you go on Sunday, December 9th, stick around for free Klezmer for Kids: This fun, interactive performance of song and dance blends Eastern European Jewish music with heritage lessons drawn from Yiddish and Hasidic traditions to let your child explore Hanukkah.

When: Santa is only at the World Financial Center this weekend, Friday through Sunday, December 7-9 from 10am- 1pm and 2pm -5pm. In the Winter Garden.

Toys R Us Express
I don't think too many people realize they've opened this temporary Toys R Us Express in NoHo on Broadway and E. 4th St. Maybe that's why we've been to visit Santa twice there this year and both times found a sweet, but kind of desperately lonely Santa who was more than happy to chat with my son for about ten minutes.

Photo Tip: You can snap your own photos here, but they also sell professional digital prints. I like the colorful, modern background here.

Freebies: A junkie little game pad.

When: I can't find Santa's hours, but he seems to be there all the time.

NYC Fire Museum
For the most off the wall visit to Santa, you have to check out the Annual Santa rescue at the NYC Fire Museum. At this event, Santa gets stuck in teh chimney and the firefighters have to get out the hook and ladder to rescue him. Families look on as Santa is saved by the firemen, then everyone goes in to celebrate with hot dogs and hot chocolate. Kids can get their pictures taken with Santa.

Photo Tip: Bring your own camera.

Freebies: Hot dogs and hot chocolate.

When: Sunday, December 9^th, 2007 at 12 noon at the NYC Fire Museum located on 278 Spring Street, New York NY. The Museum has a suggested admission: Adults - $5, Students and Seniors - $2, Children under 12 - $1, but you are not required to pay.

SantaLand at Macy's
OK, I can't totally knock Santaland at Macy's. It is perhaps one of the hugest productions you can see with kids in New York for free. You'll not only see Santa, but a whole North Pole Village, an enchanted forest, a train display and there's a puppet show for a small fee. Be prepared for lines.
Photo Tip: Purchase professional photos.

Freebies: Kids go home with awe and an elf hat.

When: Daily 9am-9pm at Macy's in Herald Square. Pay for photos and $3 for the puppet show.

Get in the spirit with these favorite Christmas books. I especially recommend this version of The Night before Christmas illustrated by Jan Brett.