Walk across the rainbow bridge as part of the journey to meet Santa. 

Starting on Friday, November 25, you can book your FREE reservation online to visit the 13,000-square-foot Christmas village that is Santaland. Kids will encounter elves, model trains, animatronic animals, and an overstuffed sleigh as they make their way to Santa. Gawk at the ice sculptures, Christmas trees, and more festive decor in the Enchanted Forest before crossing over the colorful rainbow bridge.

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Those with reservations will meander through a magical Santaland on their way to see Santa.

For those who want to get straight to the business of handing over their wishlist, Macy’s is once again offering an Express Lane. While those with a standard reservation will hang in a modest line as they traverse Santaland’s sights, if you book the Express Lane (available weekdays from 2pm-9pm as well as Friday through Sunday), the kids will skip Santaland to go directly to Santa.

Pro tip for those parents who hate to plan ahead: If you find yourself at Herald Square (whyyyyy??) and decide to dash in with the kids sans reservation, there will be elves on hand who can help you book an on-the-spot reservation if any are available.

Although the experience is FREE, photo packages are extra.

Reservations open on Friday, November 25. Visit the Macy's Santaland website or call Macy’s Holiday hotline for more information: (212) 494-4495.

Photos by Mike Coppola for Macy's