Macy’s has officially ended its 80-year tradition of hosting Santa Claus at its Union Square store in San Francisco, California. The iconic Santa, who typically appears at the store following the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, will instead embark on a national tour visiting various communities. This change marks a significant shift in the holiday experience for many shoppers who have cherished the annual visit.
In a statement reported by the San Francisco Chronicle, Macy’s officials confirmed the decision, noting that Santa Claus would be exploring new locations this year. “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, following his national arrival at the New York Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.”
The announcement has sparked disappointment among San Francisco residents who have come to anticipate Santa’s annual visit. Local shoppers expressed their feelings about the change, highlighting the emotional significance of this long-standing tradition.
Yvonne Fletcher and her husband, Adrian, voiced their sentiments to Yahoo News, stating, “It seems weird without Santa Claus. I can’t bring my grandkids, and that’s what we were waiting for.” This sentiment was echoed by another shopper, Briseyda, who shared her family’s dismay with ABC 7 News. “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. 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.”
The annual presence of Santa Claus at Macy’s Union Square has been a beloved hallmark since the late 1940s, with the exception of the year impacted by the pandemic. Families would line up to take pictures with Santa and share their Christmas wish lists, creating cherished memories. For many, this experience has been a rite of passage, particularly during the holiday season.
While Macy’s aims to reach a broader audience with the new Santa tour, the decision to discontinue the Union Square visit has left a notable void in the local community. As families reflect on the memories associated with Santa at Macy’s, the shift underscores the evolving landscape of holiday traditions in a changing retail environment.
