Retailer Macy’s is looking to have a more structured Christmas this year, with reservations to see Santa Claus this holiday season being required for the first time ever at its flagship 34th Street store in New York City, New York.
USA Today reports published this morning noted eager families can already go online to sign up for a time slot. Appointments are available from 30 minutes up to five days in advance at Santaland Herald Square. No walk-ins will be allowed to line up to see Santa this year.
Santaland will be open from the day after Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve, and admission to enter the Christmas-themed village is free. According to Macy’s, the goal of the new appointment system is to make the holiday queue line shorter and the wait times more manageable for all.
“Santa’s a popular guy, so the wait times to meet him have been quite long in previous years, especially on our busiest days,” the company said in a statement announcing the new appointment policy.
Santaland, a North Pole-style village encompassing 13,000-square-feet, is a Christmas experience that comes complete with live elves and a train display. Santa is the centerpiece of it all, of course.
“Santa’s day is packed! To help keep him on schedule, please arrive within your time slot,” Macy’s reminded soon-to-be visitors.
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In addition, the department store politely requested visitors check in for their scheduled meetings with Santa by speaking with the elves upon arrival. Macy’s also noted families could cancel their Santa visit appointment and reschedule at any time.
