BREAKING: Macy’s has officially ended its iconic 80-year tradition of hosting Santa Claus at its Union Square store in San Francisco, California. This decision marks a significant shift in holiday celebrations as Santa will take part in a national tour instead, visiting various communities across the country.
Officials announced this change just ahead of the holiday season, confirming that Santa will not be making his customary appearance at the Union Square location following the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Instead, he will be spreading holiday cheer by visiting stores in areas he hasn’t been to before.
In a statement reported by the San Francisco Chronicle, Macy’s officials noted, “This year, Macy’s Santa will not be available at our Union Square location. Instead, he will be going on a national tour to visit stores and communities he hasn’t had a chance to appear in before.”
The news has left many San Francisco shoppers feeling disappointed. Long-time customers, like Yvonne Fletcher and her husband, Adrian, expressed their frustration to Yahoo News, stating, “It seems weird without Santa Claus. I can’t bring my grandkids, and that’s what we were waiting for.”
Another shopper, Briseyda, shared her heartache with ABC 7 News, emphasizing, “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.”
For nearly eight decades, Santa Claus has graced Macy’s Union Square store, providing families the opportunity to take photos and share their Christmas wish lists. The holiday icon remained absent only during the pandemic in 2020. The beloved role was famously portrayed by “Santa John” from 1990 to 2010, establishing an emotional connection with the community.
As families search for new traditions this year, many are left wondering how this change will impact their holiday festivities. With Santa’s presence at the Union Square store now a thing of the past, the community is bracing for a different holiday experience.
What’s Next: Macy’s will kick off Santa’s national tour following the Thanksgiving Day Parade, but the exact dates and locations of his appearances have yet to be revealed. As shoppers eagerly await updates, the sentiment surrounding this tradition continues to resonate with many, highlighting the emotional importance of holiday customs in families across the nation.
Stay tuned for more developments as this story unfolds.
