UPDATE: In an unexpected shift, Macy’s has officially ended its cherished 80-year tradition of hosting Santa Claus at its Union Square store in San Francisco, California. Starting this holiday season, Santa will embark on a national tour to visit communities across the country instead of greeting families in his traditional spot following the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Macy’s representatives announced this change in a statement reported by the San Francisco Chronicle, confirming that Santa’s new journey will take him to stores he has never visited before. “This year, Macy’s Santa will not be available at our Union Square location,” the statement read. “Instead, he will be going on a national tour to visit stores and communities he hasn’t had a chance to appear in before.”
San Francisco shoppers are voicing their disappointment over the loss of this beloved holiday tradition. Yvonne Fletcher and her husband, Adrian, expressed their dismay, stating, “It seems weird without Santa Claus. I can’t bring my grandkids, and that’s what we were waiting for.”
Another local shopper, Briseyda, echoed this sentiment, saying, “It’s a tradition. That’s what we look forward to. It’s heartbreaking. I have kids of my own. The one thing they look forward to is Santa.” She added, “The fact they’re not going to have that, it’s not tradition at all. Christmas is all about traditions and memories. Santa brings everyone together.”
Historically, Santa Claus has made his home at the Macy’s Union Square store since the late 1940s, with the exception of the pandemic year. Families traditionally lined up to take pictures with Santa and share their Christmas wish lists, creating lasting memories. Notably, the role was famously filled by “Santa John” from roughly 1990 to 2010, further solidifying the store’s place in local holiday lore.
The decision to remove Santa from the Union Square location has sparked outrage and sadness among many families who relied on this annual ritual as part of their holiday celebrations. With Christmas rapidly approaching, the emotional toll of this change is palpable in the community.
As Macy’s Santa begins his tour, the company emphasizes the importance of reaching out to new communities, but the sentiment in San Francisco reflects a longing for the memories tied to the traditional visits. What remains to be seen is how this shift will affect Macy’s holiday foot traffic and the overall sentiment of holiday shoppers nationwide.
What’s next? As the holiday season unfolds, families across the United States will be watching closely to see how Santa’s new tour is received and if Macy’s will introduce new ways to celebrate the season in their traditional locations. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as more reactions from shoppers and families emerge.
