The 51st Annual Macy’s Santaland is now open in Minneapolis!
Last night my family and I attended a special media/blogger preview event of Santaland and we had a great time. Santaland is a FREE walk-through display where you experience the story of Santa’s elves at the North Pole as they prepare for Christmas.
Macy’s Downtown Minneapolis is the only Macy’s location in the U.S. in which guests can actually walk into the wonderland and immerse themselves in an animated Christmas story. We were welcomed by Mrs. Claus, then walked through the display and saw the elves waking up in their beds, going to school, and getting the toys ready for Santa’s big Christmas Eve trip!
There are 74 elves, 62 animals, 200 presents and more than 1,000 letters to Santa that are featured throughout the show scenes.
There’s even a “Christmas Tree Forest” where the trees sway and sing.
The elves were super busy preparing goodies!
At the end of the walk-through display you can visit Santa! There’s a Santa visitor entrance where you wait and then go in to a special room where you can visit Santa, kids can sit on his lap, and you can get pictures taken. NOTE: Parents can take up to 2 pictures with their own camera. The professional photographer will take pictures during your visit and then after you visit Santa you’ll be able to purchase them if you want.
Heidi and Thor were jumping up and down, excited to see Santa. When we finally went in, they were mesmerized by him. He was fantastic with them, too. He talked wonderfully with them and made them feel special. In the professional picture we had taken (below) you can see just how mesmerized they were with him!
After visiting Santa you’ll pass by Mrs. Claus’ bakery with all kinds of yummy treats you can buy. There’s also Santa’s Toy Shop with toys and gift ideas galore. Then, you’ll want to see the puppet show called “Moose Crossing!” We watched it and it was funny and full of music and the spirit of Christmas. The kids sat on the floor in the front and enjoyed stories told starring the voices of Julie Andrews and Walter Cronkite. Tickets are $4 per person and children under age 2 are free.
I highly recommend visiting Macy’s Santaland with your family this holiday season! It’s open now through December 24th on the 8th floor of Macy’s Downtown Minneapolis.
And, if you feel like splurging or going on a special date with your special someone, there’s a great restaurant on the 12th floor called the Oak Grill. They just renovated it and added some new menu items which my family was able to try last night as well. The food was great. and they even have kid-friendly choices like macaroni and cheese and chicken tenders!